Nonna’s — A Story of Food, Family, and the Women Who Keep Tradition Alive

Nonna’s — A Story of Food, Family, and the Women Who Keep Tradition Alive

From One More Thing Before You Go by Michael R Herst

July 19, 2026 · 38 min · Episode 571

About this episode

This episode explores the story behind Nonna’s, a restaurant run by grandmothers, and its connection to family, tradition, and cultural identity.

What happens when a man chooses to honor his late mother and grandmother by opening a restaurant run entirely by grandmothers? That question sparked one of our most beloved conversations — and inspired Nonna’s, the heartwarming new film starring Vince Vaughn, Susan Sarandon, Lorraine Bracco, Talia Shire, and Brenda Vaccaro. In this special Over the Teacup Sunday replay, Michael and Diane — joined by guest co‑host Nicole — revisit the extraordinary true story of Joe Scaravella, founder of Staten Island’s iconic Enoteca Maria, where grandmothers from around the world cook the dishes of their heritage, one night at a time. This episode explores: Joe Scaravella’s journey — how grief, love, and legacy led to a restaurant unlike any other Vince Vaughn’s connection to the role and why he was the perfect choice The all‑star cast and the emotional weight each actor brings to this Italian‑American story The cultural power of food — and why Nonna’s is more than a movie; it’s a celebration of identity, memory, and the women who keep tradition alive Whether you’re discovering this story for the first time or revisiting it with us, this episode is filled with culture, heart, history, and the…

People in this episode

Host: Michael R Herst

Guests: Diane, Nicole

Topics covered

Keywords

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Enoteca Maria

Books & works: Nonna’s

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