POUND RIDGE Vito DiPaola, a Bronx native, brought his fresh, homemade-style of cooking to Pound Ridge when he opened his Italian deli, Panellas, on Westchester Avenue earlier this year. Since then, business has been brisk and DiPaola has barely had time to relax, much less take time from his hectic schedule to speak with a reporter.
However, we convinced the local businessman to take a quick time out and answer five questions for The Daily Pound Ridge.
I can give you five minutes, DiPaola said, while offering a sample of his fresh mozzarella. We had a deal.
Q: What do like best about owning a business in Pound Ridge?
A: I like the people. They are very welcoming. Youre not just a number here. Plus, I like the quaint atmosphere of the town.
Q: You work so much. What do you like to do with what precious time off you do have?
A: I like to hang out with my daughter in a serene atmosphere, like near the water or a park. Believe it or not, we both like to fish.
Q: You are a deli owner and spend all day around food? Where do like to eat out when the opportunity arises?
A: I guess it depends on what I want. But mostly I go back to my old neighbor on Arthur Avenue [in the Bronx] and eat with my friends. All my friends down there own their own restaurants.
Q: What do you like best about your job?
A: I am passionate about cooking. Its in the family. I love the diversity of it we do something different here every day.
Q: What is your favorite type of music?
I like all types but my favorite is classic rock. I love the Doors, Zeppelin stuff like that. If it comes on the radio, I turn it up.
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