The first week of service is underway for new Mt. Lebanon restaurant, F&F Pizzeria and we’ve got the behind-the-scenes inside scoop. Frank Falcinelli and Frank Castronovo, also known as “The Franks,” are the brains behind this Italian paradise. The two originally hail from Brooklyn but after years of running their pizzeria there, they decided Pittsburgh was the next best place. Their fare focuses on fresh ingredients directly from their Italian sources. This link to the Old Country leads to decadent crispy crust pizzas, indulgent pastas, vibrant salads, and much more. The Franks give us the run down on how F&F Pizzeria’s opening is going, and what you can look forward to when you visit.
Talking Pittsburgh Pizza, Italian Imports, and More with Frank Falcinelli and Frank Castronovo of F&F Pizzeria
TABLE Magazine: Why Pittsburgh? Why Mt. Lebanon?
The Franks: Pittsburghers know good food. The pizza scene here is particularly exciting, with so many different family and neighborhood stories to explore. Nearly every style of pizza is represented and represented well. We’re honored to be a small part of this community.
TM: You have a line of imported Italian foods. Tell us about that, and how it adds to the food scene here in the ‘Burgh.
F&F: The foods we import represent us and what we do. They are the highest quality products that we can incorporate into our menu. It’s important that we maintain that quality wherever we are, Brooklyn or Pittsburgh. We offer this extension of what you experience in the restaurant, just packed for you to use at home. This is our way to let people continue the experience after they leave the restaurant.
Coincidentally, some of our best foods have been available in Pittsburgh at Whole Foods for over 15 years now.
TM: How do you plan to adapt your menu to appeal to Pittsburgh’s diverse affections for pizza while staying true to your New York roots?
F&F: There are definitely some different things on the menu in Pittsburgh than what we serve in Brooklyn, but the framework is still there. When it comes to the pizza, we are really proud to bring a new style of pizza to Pittsburgh. We want to give Pittsburgh a chance to try what we do.
TM: What makes your pizza special, and what do you think Pittsburghers will love most about it?
F&F: Our dough is very unique. It is naturally fermented dough and because we had our restaurant, Frankies Spuntino, for over 20 years, we have developed toppings for our pizza that are a little different than what someone would normally do. Our experience running full service restaurants has given us a point of view that distinguishes our pizza. We are chefs first and foremost and because of that we have the ability to enhance our pizza with ingredients but also develop a menu that complements pizza differently than a regular pizzeria menu.
TM: What is it like opening a restaurant in Pittsburgh? Are there wrinkles in the process that are different from NYC? Did you encounter some obstacles in finding a location, designing the restaurant, construction and permitting?
F&F: The spaces here are certainly bigger! We are in a beautiful community that is similar to where we are in Brooklyn, but this has felt a lot easier to open. Our partners, Rob Mullin and Anthony Simasek, are very close to this city. Rob lives here but they both have a deep understanding of Pittsburgh and have been a crucial part of making this happen from the permitting and construction perspective. One thing that seems to be universal between Brooklyn and Pittsburgh is the search for talented people. Its’ important to have a strong, solid team. People who are passionate about hospitality, ready to learn. We are always looking for people to come join our team!
TM: Name three things a first timer should order at Frank’s and why.
F&F: First, try all the pizzas. They might seem familiar, but the dough is what sets us apart. If you have never had a clam pie, this is your chance.
Second, our homemade arancini are authentically Sicilian and won’t disappoint.
Third, try the salads – especially the Big Green Salad. We like to lighten up the menu with delicious, nutritious dishes that are vegetable-forward and healthier additions to your meal. We’ll have more coming to the menu in the coming weeks.
Let us squeeze in a fourth while we have your attention: Wine! With the help of our world class sommelier team from Brooklyn and Nashville, we have selected some amazing, delicious and affordable wines. Wine doesn’t have to be expensive to be great, and we have great access to some of the best that you can get.
Photo Courtesy of Rose Colored Creative for F&F Pizzeria
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