Comments on: Alex & Henry’s: 10 Years Later. Your Memories?

By: Adrienne Sasko

Adrienne Sasko — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 16:36:01 +0000

I had my wedding reception at the amazing Alex and Henry’s Roman Gardens back in 1993. It was an elegant affair, with the piano in the entry way, fountain, red carpet (I think it was red carpet-gotta check my wedding pix!), marble/mirrored walls and luxurious furniture arrangement in the sitting area. We took pictures on the piano, on the staircase, on the gold couches and by the beautiful entry table with an enormous, gorgeous fresh flower arrangement. It was absolutely breathtaking! The food was amazing, the wait staff was wonderful and it holds so many special memories for me and my husband. It’s so sad this place is now closed. So glad we were able to celebrate in this amazing place!! Thank you for a wonderful lifetime memory, Alex and Henry’s!

By: tony sorrentino

tony sorrentino — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 14:24:55 +0000

hi this is tony sorrentino the correct years of working at alex henrys in the bronx was the mid 60s to the mid 70s at that time angelo fata was the bartender and amillio corbi was a bartender my father ralph was a matri de regulars at the bar were joe blue eyes al dandria george powell amoung many others it was a fun time heny and old man alex were great people to work for at this time they were grooming nat arecine and mario faustine to take over nat was henrys son and mario was alex grandson anyone wanting to reach me can at sorrentino71@cox.net

By: tony sorrentino

tony sorrentino — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 14:57:22 +0000

i worked at alex henrys in the bronx as a waiter and bartender the ten years i was working there was a fun time and i made so many friends that was in the seventys and eightys if anyone remembers me please contact me at sorrentino71@cox.net you may know me by my nickname zeke

By: John

John — Mon, 30 May 2011 17:13:06 +0000

I worked several weddings and a New Years eve party in the sixty’s,as a part time waiter at A & H.My older bro Angelo got me the jobs for me as well as bro Frank.
Mari,Nat and the rest were very nice people.

By: Michael Albano

Michael Albano — Mon, 24 May 2010 22:25:28 +0000

I happened to find this story about Alex & Henry’s because I was just reading a piece in the NY Times about restaurant “regulars”—and I thought of my year as a bartender at Alex & Henry’s, fresh out of college in 1975, and right after Mario and Nat took over from Schraft’s. There was a regular lunch customer who was simply known as “The Colonel.” Does anyone who worked there remember him? He was a holdover from the Scharft’s days, very elderly and frail, and a lover of strong alcohol. When he came to the bar after his lunch in the dining room. he usually wound up crying in his Old Fashioned about his deceased wife, and then his driver took him home. Working at A&H was very demanding and quite a revelation to an Italian kid from the Bronx who just turned 22 and had to quickly prove himself among bartenders and waiters who were real pros, having been in the business for many years. Mario and Nat played good cop and bad cop: Nat was the tough guy who kept you on your toes, but you didn’t want to disappoint Mario because he was such a nice guy. I left A&H after working one year of front bar and weddings to go off to Boston to graduate school, but I never forgot my days in Easchester. By the way, I also had the pleasure of filling in for a bartender for one night at the A&H near the Stadium—what I remember most from the experience is that after serving a tough guy and his female companion a drink, he gave me a $20.00 tip! Since I live in Connecticut now, I had no idea that A&H has been closed for more than ten years now. I’m not surprised, since restaurants rarely last as long as A&H was able to do, but it was sad to hear, nonetheless.

By: Immagini

Immagini — Sun, 23 May 2010 02:52:17 +0000

To continue, she talked about many lawyers/politicians that hung out there in the 1960’s. She said there were a lot of Italian politicians. Does anyone know what Italian politicans were hanging out at Alex & Henry’s in the early 60’s?

By: Immagini

Immagini — Sun, 23 May 2010 02:48:48 +0000

My mom worked at Alex & Henry’s on Courtland in the Bronx in the early 1960’s. She had a picture of her in a cowgirl costume, and I believe it was from when she worked there?

By: The Mad Russian

The Mad Russian — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 05:19:32 +0000

I worked at A & H from 1984 to 1990. At Carnevale, I was known as The Mad Russian. This was the start of my acting career. I formed friendships there that are now 25+ years strong and still going. We worked hard, learned about life and had each other’s backs. I have never worked at any restaurant after that that had such an effect on me. It was the nexus of the universe. We have had 2 reunions in the last 10 years. We are very proud alumni, we have a common bond and a common heritage. The experiences there as both employees and as guests were unmatched and live forever. There will never be another. All things must change with time but we wil lalways be connected. Maestro, when someone feels compelled to write about your restaurant, you can write all you want. If it was as great as you say, then maybe that will happen. Meantime, you come across as petty and jealous. Please show some class.

By: C.A.

C.A. — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 00:10:43 +0000

I am young enough to have never attended an event there, however, as a child I remember on several occasions my mother getting all glammed up for weddings at A&H. She used to tell me she hoped one day my wedding would be there because she would always come home raving about it.

Maestro, you are inappropriate, and honestly, you were’nt in the same league at A&H. A direct quote from my mother.

By: Dr. A. Gini

Dr. A. Gini — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 23:53:47 +0000

Dr. Cathy Torigian and I were married there on December 5, 1987. With the approach of our 22nd anniversary, we thought we had better bring our 5-year-old Lizzie for dinner there so that she could incorporate some memories of this wonderful place into her version of our family history. How sorry we are to learn, only now, that Alex and Henry’s is gone, and that Nat Recine, who was so wonderful in making our reception a huge hit, has passed on far too young. For many years after our wedding reception became a sort of benchmark in our family, with people even now raving about the food. We were married at St. Michael’s in Sunset Park, Brooklyn and our service was rather full, making the hour-plus ride to Scarsdale a little burdensome for our hungry guests. But when they arrived, the cocktail hour put all complaining to rest, and the dinner left everyone speechless. Whoever out there had a part in this great establishment, especially on our special day, please know that we will forever appreciate what wonderful work you did.

By: DMO

DMO — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 05:27:51 +0000

We went to many a beautiful function there. My grandparents 50th was just one of them and they were from Lake Isle in Eastchester. Fond memories of a wonderful institution. Thanks.

By: Mike

Mike — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 02:13:34 +0000

My parents bought our house in Eastchester the year I was born, 1961. They’re still there, and Alex and Henry’s is a part of the terrain which binds all who grew up there. Ask any 40-something from Eastchester if they ever drank a beer in the parking lot behind Alex and Henry’s, by the golf course, and the odds are high they will say yes.

By: ANONYMOUS

ANONYMOUS — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 22:02:41 +0000

I worked at Alex & Henry’s for 6 years and literally grew up there and formed wonderful, lasting friendships. All of us who knew them learned so much from Nat & Mario…these men were amazing and no words could ever appropriately eulogize them and the legacies they left and they live through their families who are all a class act and make them proud every day. “The restaurant” as those of us who worked there called it, set the standard for so much of what many take for granted today: Carnevale, New Year’s Eve, traditional Italian weddings, phenomenal waitstaff and top-of-the-line service…I have attended functions in all of the area catering halls and none will ever touch the 5-star service and the specialized attention that Nat & Mario and their managers provided to everyone who walked through their doors. I got married there and will always treasure all of the memories and cherish the warm and wonderful people that I worked with and that I got to know over the years. To the Recine & Faustini families: I am honored that I am part of your history and that I knew your dads; Always in our hearts, xo

By: ANONYMOUS

ANONYMOUS — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 18:11:13 +0000

Thank you, George. That was well said…and VERY true. Your words hit the very essence of how people feel/felt about working there, and you are right. EVERYONE who worked there made Alex & Henry’s successful.

By: George

George — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 13:28:58 +0000

I completely agree with the latest from anonymus. However, I would like to add a few things about Alex & Henry’s and perhaps another perspetive that is not political. I believe that Alex & Henry’s was much more than than just a “political hang out”. It was a home, an education beyond any university can teach. I can speak for many people who have been employed by Nat & Mario, some for a short period of time and some for as long as many people consider a career. Alex & Henry’s for some of us, was our second home, we had a staff who cared, who took pride in making every dinner served and made every event a special experience for everyone. Real friendships were created, friendships that today still exist after 25 years or more, relationships and marriages were started by Alex & Henry’s, children were born and celebrated like family. Every employee, wether you were a dishwasher or a manager, were treated the same, with respect, and they had a knack to bring the best out of you. It was not easy, it was stressful, hard work, demanding and at times frustrating for all, but we got through it and learned every day. What Alex & Henry’s ( Nat & Mario) have accomplished no one ever will!! With all do respect to Maestro’s, I completely dissagree with their comments.I would challenge their statement. I have seen personally who is responsible for Alex & Henry’s successes (Nat & Mario as well as the entire staff), and to be honest, I have never seen anyone from Maestro’s contribute. Have Maestro’s answer how succesful their Carnevale was when Alex & Henry’s was open?? Many many other functions alike were as a result of creating a family environment for all the people who have come though Alex & Henry’s. Where was the best entertainment, best food and most all best service?? one place, Alex & Henry’s. I would challenge their comments whole heartedly. Respectfully, I think that Maestro’s is great, but it is no Alex & Henry’s in every aspect. Nat & Mario were 2 of the most considerate, generous, tough but fair, and passionate about ‘doing the right thing” people I have ever had the pleasure of working for. I attribute a lot of my personal and professional success, friendships, work ethics as well as “do the right thing” attitude to Nat & Mario and the culture they created at Alex & Henry’s. I could only wish that they were still with us and Alex & Henry’s still open, so that our kids can have the opportunity to experience what many people have experienced.
That is my non political perspective about A & H !!! I think a lot of people would agree.

By: ANONYMOUS

ANONYMOUS — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 18:03:17 +0000

After reading the few comments posted about Alex & Henry’s, it is warming to my heart and to the hearts of my family to know that people hold so dear the memory of such a fine and important establishment. Alex & Henry’s was a place that so many people called a home, and where many “created” their own families. My grandfather, Henry, uncle Alex, my late father Nat, and dear cousin Mario, all worked so hard to create a place where all felt welcome. After ten years, I am still approached by many people who tell me that they “miss it so much”, that it was “the best place around”, that “there is no other place like it,” and that “it was their home.” I am so PROUD not only to be living in the memory of such a legacy, but also to be receiving such warm comments about the wonderful characters of the four men who worked so hard to establish our family name after all of these years.

However, what I MUST address, in response to Maestro’s comments above, is a mistake of fact. Contrary to what was stated, is the fact that Alex & Henry’s success was NOT a result of Domenico. Rather, he was a part of and contributed to the wonderful family that Alex & Henry’s created. We had many people who worked with us who came and went to continue in their own endeavors. Both my father and Mario remained very respectful of them and supportive of their efforts to create their own successful businesses. For example, Steven Palm, owner of Underhill’s Crossing, and as mentioned above, Tony DeNardis. They remain good friends of our families.

While I appreciate the comments as to Maestro’s success, I find it a bit inappropriate to address it in this forum where we are trying to remember and HONOR the hard work that ALL (not only my father, Mario, Uncle Alex and Grandpa Henry) who worked there did. My family THANKS all of you for being a part of our family, and for continuing the memory of Alex & Henry’s.

As I approach the 10 year anniversary of the death of my father, Nat, I remember him with love, but most important, with pride for his successes in life.

By: Allison

Allison — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 21:31:19 +0000

My parents are both deceased now but I just found their wedding invitation in their wedding album. They had their wedding reception at A&H in the Bronx back in 1958. I plugged in the address and learned a little about a restaurant I would’ve love to dine in. Thanks

By: Mick

Mick — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 23:01:04 +0000

My first job (dishwasher) was at Alex and Henry’s in the early 80’s. Over the years I attended many events there it was indeed a terrific venue.

By: maestro

maestro — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 12:18:57 +0000

alex & henry’s in the bronx and then eventually on 22 was all a result of domenico “maestro” patalano, master chef. he eventually picked up, grabbed a handful of abruzzi/napoli region cooks with him and founded maestro’s, and the rest is history…many others that were at a&h followed domenico simultaneously (i.e., tony de nardis, founder/owner of spaccarelli’s, worked alongside domenico and picked up and left the same way)

fun fact – christian petroni and domenico’s late wife come from the same tiny island off the coast of rome/naples, ponza

By: Liz Bracken Thompson

Liz Bracken Thompson — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 16:20:41 +0000

Alex & Henry’s holds a special place in my heart. I celebrated my high school graduation there, my senior prom from Eastchester High School was held there, and as a former resident of Eastchester I attended countless political dinners at Alex & Henry’s. It was “the place” to hold an event and when I worked for The Journal News I held many events for the newspapers there. Alex & Henry’s remains in the memories of all who knew it as Southern Westchester’s iconic catering establishment.

By: Boaterblogger

Boaterblogger — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 14:19:30 +0000

My Dad’s retirement dinner from the City of New York was at Alex & Henry’s in 1979. It was a huge gala affair with great food and music and the party seemed to go all night. I also remember my grandmum throwing me an ice cream party at Schrafft’s after I made my first holy communion. Do I remember correctly that Alex & Henry’s had a place near Yankee stadium before ever coming to Eastcheater?

By: Alison Pinsley

Alison Pinsley — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 14:17:20 +0000

The head maitre’d is Tomaso, not Marcello.

By: Alison Pinsley

Alison Pinsley — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 14:03:00 +0000

Our memories of Alex and Henry’s are wonderful. We spent our first anniversary there with friends, and ate there many times afterward with family and friends. Our fondest memory is that of the way they treated their customers, just like family. One of our favorite waiters, Marcello, is now the head maitre’d at Muscato’s on Scarsdale Avenue.