Podcast Summary: Canal Street Dreams Featuring Emilio Vitolo
Episode Title: Emilio Vitolo on Canal Street Dreams
Release Date: July 4, 2025
Hosts: Eddie Huang and Natashia Perrotti
Guest: Emilio Vitolo, Proprietor of Bellottos on Houston Street
Introduction and Background
The episode kicks off with Eddie Huang warmly welcoming Emilio Vitolo, a New York City legend and the esteemed owner of Bellottos on Houston Street—a restaurant renowned for its challenging reservation process, placing it alongside iconic establishments like Rao's and Hillstone's Corner Store. Emilio shares his deep-rooted connection to New York City's vibrant social scene, highlighting his long-standing presence and passion for the city's culinary landscape.
Eddie Huang [00:17]: "Bellottos is probably one of the hardest reservations to get in New York up there with Rao's and Hillstone's Corner Store."
Reality TV Experience
Eddie reminisces about meeting Emilio in 2018 during the shooting of the "Family Food Feud" pilot for Viacom. Emilio recounts his initial reluctance to participate in reality TV, emphasizing his hesitation to engage in formats he perceived as superficial.
Emilio Vitolo [01:27]: "I'm not going to fudgeing do it. But then guess who gets involved. Mama. So my mother gave me the fucking guilt trip."
Emilio elaborates on how family pressure, particularly from his mother, ultimately convinced him to join the show. He humorously reflects on his past reality TV stint on "Sweet Home Alabama," drawing parallels to contemporary shows like "Love Island."
Emilio Vitolo [02:43]: "Pretty embarrassing. CMT, but whatever."
Family Dynamics and Restaurant Business
A significant portion of the conversation delves into Emilio's familial relationships and the dynamics of running a family-owned restaurant. He shares the story of how his father partnered with local businessman Alfred Lepori to establish Bellottos in 1989. Emilio discusses the challenges he faced when taking over the restaurant in 2008, starting from the bottom by washing dishes despite his background in construction and acoustical work.
Emilio Vitolo [16:34]: "I'm like, come on, man. What the is this?"
Eddie highlights the parallels between his own upbringing in a restaurant environment and Emilio's, noting the constant debates and humor stemming from sibling rivalries.
Eddie Huang [09:43]: "Our family and your family is probably the most similar I've ever seen."
Views on Authentic Italian Food
Emilio passionately discusses the nuances between authentic Italian cuisine and its Americanized counterparts. He defends traditional Italian dishes, particularly Bellottos' three-color cookies, against online criticisms, emphasizing his upbringing influenced by his father's role as a pastry chef.
Emilio Vitolo [19:14]: "I grow up with being over there because my father was a hapasi chef. So I think in my mind, I enjoy that place very well."
Eddie echoes Emilio's sentiments, contrasting American Italian staples like spaghetti and meatballs with the refined flavors he experienced in Sicily, underscoring the depth and authenticity often missing in mainstream American interpretations.
Eddie Huang [21:24]: "It's American Italian food, which is its own thing that I really like respect and honor and is probably my favorite."
Personal Stories on Parenting and Pets
The hosts shift focus to personal anecdotes about parenting and pet ownership. Emilio shares heartfelt stories about his challenges balancing work with being a present father, drawing parallels to his own strained relationship with his father. He discusses the complexities of raising children while maintaining a business legacy, touching on his efforts to instill positive values despite his upbringing.
Emilio Vitolo [48:32]: "It's so crazy because, you know, like, growing up, my father was never around, and I hated that motherfucker's guts."
Eddie contributes by sharing experiences with his former dog, Mr. Chow, highlighting the unconditional love and challenges that come with owning a protective breed. Both hosts reflect on the impact of their parental figures and their aspirations to be more emotionally present for their children.
Chris Gethard [46:04]: "I've been doing the same shit my dad did... working till like, 2:00am."
Relationship with Parents
A poignant segment explores the intricate relationship Emilio has with his father. He opens up about their past conflicts and the eventual realization of mutual respect and understanding. Emilio emphasizes the importance of honoring his father's legacy while carving his own path in the restaurant industry.
Emilio Vitolo [52:50]: "I'm gonna fucking respect that. So the second I came into terms with that and realized, like, that's the way it fucking goes... I've been fucking golden."
Eddie parallels his own struggles with his parents, acknowledging the lack of emotional connection despite professional success. He reflects on the universal desire for parental affirmation and the challenge of bridging emotional gaps.
Chris Gethard [54:53]: "You wouldn't be you."
Current Entertainment Projects
Towards the end of the episode, Emilio transitions to discussing his ventures in the entertainment industry. He reveals the establishment of his production company, Little Italy Productions, and mentions two films he is currently producing: "Apophenias" and "Lake George." Additionally, Emilio hints at upcoming projects that draw from his personal experiences, such as a drama focusing on father-son relationships in the restaurant business.
Emilio Vitolo [58:16]: "I have two scripts that I have been sitting on for a while that I want to get done. One's about my grandmother, and then the other one's about father, son relationship, growing up in the restaurant business."
Eddie expresses excitement over Emilio's transition into entertainment, appreciating his unique energy and potential for creative projects.
Chris Gethard [60:23]: "You have, like, a rare energy. So I'm excited that you're stepping into the entertainment stuff."
Conclusion
The episode concludes with mutual expressions of respect and gratitude. Emilio thanks the hosts for having him, highlighting the meaningful conversation about legacy, family, and personal growth.
Emilio Vitolo [60:30]: "Thank you so much. Thank you, guys for having me."
Notable Quotes
- Emilio Vitolo [01:27]: "I'm not going to fudgeing do it. But then guess who gets involved. Mama."
- Eddie Huang [21:24]: "It's American Italian food, which is its own thing that I really like respect and honor and is probably my favorite."
- Emilio Vitolo [48:32]: "It's so crazy because, you know, like, growing up, my father was never around, and I hated that motherfucker's guts."
- Chris Gethard [54:53]: "You wouldn't be you."
- Emilio Vitolo [58:16]: "I have two scripts that I have been sitting on for a while that I want to get done. One's about my grandmother, and then the other one's about father, son relationship, growing up in the restaurant business."
This episode of Canal Street Dreams offers an intimate glimpse into Emilio Vitolo's life, balancing the pressures of family legacy, the pursuit of authentic culinary excellence, and the demands of modern parenthood. Through candid conversations and shared experiences, Eddie Huang and Natashia Perrotti facilitate a rich dialogue that not only celebrates Emilio's achievements but also delves deep into the personal challenges he navigates as a father and business owner.