Summary:
- Nonnas is based on the true story of Joe Scaravella and his Staten Island restaurant, Enoteca Maria.
- The film closely follows Scaravella’s journey, though it takes creative liberties for emotional and narrative depth.
- The real Enoteca Maria, opened in 2007, is still operating and remains a tribute to Italian family traditions.
Is Nonnas Based on a True Story?
Yes, Nonnas is based on the true story of Joe Scaravella, a Staten Island man who opened a restaurant in honor of his late mother. The film mirrors Scaravella’s real-life journey, including how he discovered the location, created the concept of Italian grandmothers cooking traditional meals, and built a restaurant rooted in family, food, and culture. Nonnas stars Vince Vaughn as Joe and follows his ups and downs in launching the business.
The story began in 2007 when Scaravella, grieving the loss of his mother, stumbled upon a restaurant space while walking through Staten Island. Inspired to preserve and promote his family’s heritage, he launched Enoteca Maria, employing local Italian nonnas to prepare authentic meals. This heartfelt and unique idea laid the foundation for the Netflix film.
What Is the Real Restaurant Behind Nonnas?
The real-life restaurant that inspired the film is Enoteca Maria, located in Staten Island, New York. It was founded by Joe Scaravella in 2007 and is still open to this day. As in the movie, the restaurant features actual Italian grandmothers (“nonnas”) cooking regional recipes from their homelands.
Enoteca Maria is more than a dining experience; it’s a cultural tribute. The restaurant has hosted nonnas from Italy and beyond, and even offers free cooking classes to help pass down traditional recipes. Scaravella has also initiated an online platform for sharing family recipes globally. This cultural mission is central to both the real restaurant and the movie.
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How Accurate Is Nonnas to Joe Scaravella’s Real Story?
Nonnas is a faithful retelling of Joe Scaravella’s restaurant journey, though it simplifies certain events and introduces fictional characters for dramatic structure. For instance, the romantic subplot involving Olivia and the friction with local inspectors are either fictional or exaggerated. These elements help enhance emotional engagement but are not literal retellings of Scaravella’s experiences.
In reality, Scaravella opened Enoteca Maria following the devastating loss of not just his mother, but also his sister and both sets of grandparents. While the film highlights only the mother-son bond, the true story is anchored in deeper, broader grief. This background motivated Scaravella’s desire to build a space that honors memory, family, and food.
Additionally, characters like Olivia and Bruno are not based on specific individuals. The original nonnas at the restaurant were Cermelina Pica, Adelina Orazzo, and Teresa Scalici, who helped shape the early identity of Enoteca Maria. Their presence inspired the communal, home-style atmosphere that the film successfully portrays.
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Is Enoteca Maria Still Open Today?
Yes, Enoteca Maria is still operational and thriving. Since its founding in 2007, the restaurant has become a Staten Island staple, drawing visitors from around the world. The release of Nonnas has further boosted public interest, shining a spotlight on the restaurant’s unique business model.
In addition to offering traditional Italian meals, Enoteca Maria holds free cooking classes and has plans to expand digitally by collecting and sharing international family recipes. Scaravella’s vision has evolved into a global project, but the original mission—to honor heritage and family through food—remains unchanged.
The film ends before diving into the long-term success of the restaurant, but the real-life Enoteca Maria has now been in business for nearly two decades, marking it as a lasting success story born from grief and resilience.
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What Details Did Nonnas Leave Out About Joe Scaravella?
Nonnas omits several of the more painful events in Joe Scaravella’s life. While the movie centers on his relationship with his mother, Scaravella’s motivation was shaped by the compounded loss of nearly his entire immediate family. These emotional experiences profoundly influenced his decision to change careers and open a restaurant rooted in nostalgia and comfort.
Additionally, the romantic subplot in the film is fictional. In reality, Scaravella’s current partner is indeed one of Enoteca Maria’s chefs, but they met under different circumstances than depicted in the film. The film’s creative liberties help give emotional structure and audience relatability without diverging too drastically from the core message.
The supporting cast in Nonnas is also fictionalized, with many characters invented or heavily altered for narrative clarity. However, their roles reflect the real people and personalities Scaravella worked with over the years, especially the grandmothers who contributed their time, energy, and family traditions to the restaurant’s mission.
Nonnas is available for streaming on Netflix.
Source: Time
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