Photo courtesy of McGuinness Media & Marketing
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As Dover Downs continues to upgrade its facilities under new ownership, another amenity is set to open this October.
Jerry Longo’s Meatballs & Martinis is aiming for an Oct. 11 opening in Dover Downs Hotel & Casino, replacing the existing Frankie’s Italian Restaurant. This follows the opening of Michele’s Steakhouse Lounge back in May.
“Jerry Longo is an icon from the Philadelphia area,” said Paul Juliano, vice president of hotel operations with Twin River Management Group.
Before arriving in Philadelphia, the Longo’s brand originated in the Historic Federal Hill area in Providence, Rhode Island, where owner Jerry Longo, along with his culinary team, created a menu of “Italian soul food.” Longo restaurants are known to be frequently visited by well-known celebrities, including Billy Joel and several actors from the HBO show “The Sopranos,” according to a news release.
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Photos courtesy of McGuinness Media & Marketing |
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Juliano said working with Jerry Longo’s was a perfect marriage as the brand understands the restaurant industry and the casino industry. It will also raise the culinary bar for Dover Downs and make the casino even more of a destination.
Longo is ecstatic about bringing his restaurant concept to the casino as it combines his passion for food and casinos while also being near Philadelphia.
“One of the most exciting things to ever happen to me,” he said.
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Photo courtesy of McGuinness Media & Marketing |
Growing up in Rome, Italy, Longo saw how his mother and grandmother cooked traditional Italian meals. He’s brought those dishes to America with his own contemporary twist.
Using only the finest imported and the freshest local ingredients, Longo’s menus are designed to inspire exploration and sharing, according to a news release.
Entrees at the new Dover Downs Hotel & Casino location will include pasta dishes such as “spaghetti & our famous meatball.” Additional items include orecchiette with sausage and rabe, as well as pappardelle bolognese and chicken parmigiana, according to a news release.
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Photo courtesy of McGuinness Media & Marketing |
The restaurant’s antipasto boards include Jerry’s authentic Italian specialty spread served on handcrafted olivewood. Their pizzas include a mix of more traditional Italian flavors, such as his famous Longo pizza, featuring tomato sauce, mozzarella, meatball and a splash of ricotta. Or more specialty pizzas, like the When in Rome, featuring mozzarella, crispy pancetta, truffle oil, parsley, sea salt, topped with an egg. All Longo’s pizzas will be cooked in their imported Italian brick oven, featuring a thin crust, light char and quality ingredients, according to a news release.
In addition to this new dining menu, Jerry Longo’s Meatballs & Martinis will feature custom craft cocktails and an extensive wine selection.
Juliano said Oct. 11 is planned to be a soft opening and the casino will announce grand opening details later on.
More information:
Dover Downs Hotel & Casino
1131 North Dupont Highway, Dover
