All Of It: Summer In The City – Food and Fun on Staten Island

Hosted by Alison Stewart on WNYC, released July 17, 2025

Introduction to Staten Island

In this vibrant episode of All Of It, host Alison Stewart explores the rich cultural tapestry of Staten Island, one of New York City's most verdant boroughs. Known for its over 170 parks, Staten Island offers a blend of historic landmarks, diverse culinary delights, and abundant outdoor activities. To guide listeners through the best the borough has to offer, Alison is joined by Pamela Silvestri, Staten Island's native and advanced food editor.

Guest Introduction

[00:09] Alison Stewart introduces Pamela Silvestri, highlighting her deep roots in Staten Island and her extensive background in the restaurant industry. Pamela shares how her family's involvement in Manhattan's restaurant scene ignited her passion for food and culinary ventures.

[01:22] Pamela Silvestri explains, "Ever since I was a little girl, I was going to the restaurant, and I just got the bug for food and the restaurant business."

Trends in Staten Island's Culinary Scene

Post-pandemic, Pamela observes a shift towards more casual dining, emphasizing local products and farm-to-table offerings. This trend aligns perfectly with Staten Island's reputation for quality pizza and supports the island's community of local farmers.

[01:40] Pamela Silvestri notes, "Everything is a lot more casual... a lot more attention on local products and things like that, which is wonderful for Staten Island."

Exploring Key Attractions

1. National Lighthouse Museum

Located near the ferry terminal, the National Lighthouse Museum celebrates maritime history and lighthouse technology. Pamela highlights its interactive exhibits and the opportunity to tour the lower New York Harbor, offering breathtaking sunset views and sights of cruise ships departing.

[02:20] Pamela Silvestri remarks, "You could take a tour sunset at the time the cruise ships go out. Oh, that's beautiful."

The museum, celebrating its 10th anniversary, is housed in historic buildings dating back to 1864, once serving as the assembly site for lighthouse components.

2. Borough Hall Murals

Staten Island's Borough Hall features murals from the Great Depression era, showcasing the region's maritime heritage and the lives of the Lenape Indians. These murals provide a visual history of Staten Island before industrial development.

[03:22] Alison Stewart asks about the murals, to which Pamela responds, "It really does give a nice history of New York harbor... what the harbor looked like before it was developed."

3. Local Cuisine Highlights

Pamela introduces listeners to Enoteca Maria, a renowned restaurant inspired by Italian grandmothers, offering regional specialties and an extensive wine selection. Despite its popularity, reservations are scarce, underscoring its status as a culinary hotspot.

[05:23] Pamela Silvestri shares, "Joe actually has a line out the door. But other things in the neighborhood which are nice, there's a little bakery next door called Rispoli Bakery."

Another gem is Rispoli Bakery, famous for its cannoli and artisanal breads, providing a perfect complement to Enoteca Maria's offerings.

4. Fresh Kills Park

Mark, the administrator of Fresh Kills Park, joins the conversation to shed light on this transformative urban renewal project. Once one of the largest landfills, Fresh Kills has been repurposed into an expansive park featuring bird towers, wetlands, and vast green spaces. It serves as a testament to sustainability and offers educational programs for thousands of New York City schoolchildren.

[07:55] Mark emphasizes, "Fresh Kills is more than just a park. It is a platform for doing exceptional things for the people of the city of New York, especially the children."

Pamela reflects on Fresh Kills' evolution, expressing her admiration for its natural beauty and the vibrant wildlife it now supports.

[08:54] Pamela Silvestri shares, "It was a hard sell for me because I grew up where the seagulls were flying over these mountains of garbage for years. But it is an absolutely brilliant project."

5. Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Gardens

Snug Harbor is another cornerstone of Staten Island's cultural landscape. Spanning 28 historic buildings and lush gardens, it offers visitors a serene escape with attractions like the Chinese Scholars Garden and the Noble Maritime Collection. The site also hosts art exhibits, a children's museum, and the esteemed Newhouse Center for Contemporary Art.

[11:56] Pamela Silvestri describes Snug Harbor, "It's extraordinary. It's a beautiful location... every day there's something new blooming there."

6. Conference House

Located at the southern tip of Staten Island, the Conference House is a Revolutionary War landmark where pivotal discussions once took place. Today, it serves as a picturesque site for picnics and historical exploration, offering stunning views and a glimpse into the island's past.

[18:37] Pamela Silvestri elaborates, "The conference house is a Revolutionary War site... it's a great place to watch the leaves change."

7. Alice Austin House

Recognized as an LGBTQ historic site, the Alice Austin House is celebrated for its exquisite views of New York City and its significance in local history. Pamela highlights its connection to Alice Austin, a renowned photographer who found inspiration and solitude on Staten Island.

[24:00] Pamela Silvestri adds, "Alice Austin House is a very special place... you could see why she really loved Staten Island as a result."

Listener Interactions and Recommendations

Throughout the episode, listeners call in to share their favorite spots and personal anecdotes about Staten Island:

• Mark discusses the ecological significance of Fresh Kills Park and its role in promoting sustainability.

• Tom, co-founder of Maker ParkRadio NYC, recommends biking along the Staten Island shoreline to explore art exhibits at Maker Park and enjoy local eateries like Lacruana and Steppe Pizza Bar.

  [10:01] Tom advises, "You could bike down to Stapleton to Maker Park... it's a great little neighborhood in Stapleton."

• Tracy celebrates the Mount Carmel Feast in Rosebank, an annual festival featuring Italian cuisine, games, and both types of beer.

  [21:47] Tracy enthuses, "It's just so Staten Island. And it's one of my favorite places to go."

• Ted highlights the serene beaches on Staten Island’s bay side and the vibrant activities at Snug Harbor Cultural Center.

  [15:23] Ted shares, "The beaches are really bikable... a little sheltered from the heavier surf."

• James, a sixth-generation Staten Islander, praises Grimes Hill for its panoramic harbor views and historic significance.

  [16:43] James states, "It's a view over the harbor from the best perspective I can think of in the harbor."

• Mary Kate introduces the Tibetan Museum on Lighthouse Hill, a serene site designated as holy by the Dalai Lama, featuring ancient Tibetan art.

  [21:56] Mary Kate describes, "It is one of the most beautiful sites on Staten Island and definitely it's peaceful and it's a must see."

Festivals and Events

Pamela wraps up the episode by highlighting upcoming festivals, including the Richmond County Fair and a soul food festival at Snug Harbor, emphasizing the borough's vibrant community spirit.

[24:46] Pamela Silvestri mentions, "There's also a great soul food festival which is the second year... it's on September 13th at Nansen's Lodge."

Conclusion

Alison concludes the episode by encouraging listeners to explore Staten Island's diverse offerings and participate in the borough's dynamic cultural scene. With insights from Pamela Silvestri and enthusiastic endorsements from local residents, this episode serves as a comprehensive guide to enjoying a summer on Staten Island.

[25:13] Alison Stewart wraps up, "My guest has been Staten Island Advanced Food editor Pamela Silvestri, telling us all about the great things we can do on Staten Island. Thank you for your time today."

For those interested in delving deeper into Staten Island's offerings, a transcript of this episode is available. Whether you're a local or planning a visit, this episode of All Of It provides a rich exploration of Staten Island's culture, cuisine, and community.