Donatella Arpaia

Why did you get involved with City Harvest?
How could I not get involved with City Harvest? City Harvest is such an amazing organization that helps so many New Yorkers in need.

Why is hunger an important issue for you?
Working with food is such a luxury for me – it is what I am most passionate about.  But I never forget that for many people, food is sustenance, and just having enough to eat is a luxury.  I feel that it is an obligation of mine to never forget that.

How has your involvement with City Harvest affected your outlook on food and/or hunger in New York City?
I was lucky enough to be able to go on several truck rides with City Harvest.  During my first run, I had expected to go to some of the less desirable neighborhoods in Manhattan.  I didn’t expect to find shelters in midtown; I was stunned that hunger exists in the same zip codes as my restaurants – zip codes that are home to some of the wealthiest residents in New York City.  It was shocking to see how close to home hunger is.  You don’t have to go to another country to see it – it’s right around the block.

What is your favorite hidden gem of a restaurant in New York?
Tsuki, a tiny, Japanese gem on the Upper East Side.  It isn’t particularly well known, and the décor is very simple, but the Chef, Mr. Maeda, is truly a master at what he does.  I often call him the day before I go and he’ll fly in special fish for me! He knows I am obsessed with Uni, and he serves some of the best sushi in NY.

What is your favorite type of food to eat?
Italian, of course! With a name like Donatella, I don’t even have a choice!

What can you not live without in your kitchen?
A chef’s knife.

What is in your refrigerator?
Organic eggs, assorted charcuterie from Valessia, caviar, onions, freshly squeezed orange juice, half and half (for my coffee), beer, and sake.

What inspired you to focus on being a restaurateur as a career?
I grew up in the industry!  My father was and still is a restaurateur.  My crib was next to the dishwashing station of his first restaurant, La Tavernetta in Woodmere, NY;  the kitchen was my playground. However, my father never allowed me to work in the restaurants when I was younger - he didn’t want me in the business. I did pursue a career in law, which was very brief – under a year. I quickly returned to what was in my blood and what I loved and opened my first restaurant at the age of 24.

What is it like to be a woman in a male-dominated field?
I don’t look at it that way. I never did and that’s why I am where I am today.

What is your favorite junk food?
French fries.

What plans for your restaurants do you have for 2010? Anything new coming up?
I plead the fifth!

Do you have any suggestions for people on a limited budget that would still like to enjoy a nice meal out?
One of the best ways to appreciate a high-end restaurant such as Jean Georges or Daniel, is to go for lunch, when they often have prix fixe selections. Don’t go for the extras – stick with tap water, avoid pricy cocktails.  My restaurant Mia Dona was recently re-launched with a budget-conscious price point (all dishes under $19!), all while maintaining exceptional quality.  Check it out!

What was the last best meal you had?
Pizza at Keste, followed by a Baba, the Neapolitan sponge cake at my father’s restaurant, Fiorini.  It was a classic Neapolitan feast!

Do you cook at home? What do you make?
Yes, of course!  Sundays are my day for cooking and it almost always involves pasta.

What would your last meal be?
My mother’s Sunday ragu with my grandmother’s homemade orecchiette, a great bottle of red wine from Feudi di San Gregorio, followed by my own recipe for coconut cake!

What are your holiday traditions?
On Christmas Eve, my mother makes a feast of seven fishes – it’s a seafood extravaganza, followed by Mass and Champagne and Panetone at midnight.  And of course, opening gifts.  On Sunday we have an even larger group of relatives that come for a day of eating.

What do you typically eat during the holidays?
What don’t we eat?

• At the Chef's Table
• The Food Council