DAY 4 LOCKDOWN IN SAN QUARANTINE WITH NANCY; "LMAD" LATEST

When Malakai came on “Let’s Make A Deal”, aka LMAD, he was thrilled to meet storied host Wayne Brady and asked for a “high five’. But, my boy Brady took it further. Along with his side kick Jonathan Mangum, the three hugged.

“See, grown men should be able to hug and show each other affection.’ Brady told his zealous audience. And Nancy and me. The sad thing was Nancy and I couldn’t hug.

“This show is clearly not live,” said my Masked Marvel.

Malakai a UC Riverside student, passed on Curtain #2, praise Allah, as it was a “Zonk!” and opted for Curtain #1 and won a Vespa.

Let’s Make A Deal, a show Nancy and I have watched since way back in April, 2, 2020, has been a fun diversion from this Insanity.  But, alas, today is Friday and we won’t be able to watch until Monday.

SHARIKA WINS A SEA DOO; DAY 3 OF LOCKDOWN IN SAN QUARANTINE WITH NANCY SILVERTON

“Sharika won a Sea Doo!”

i was typing when I heard Nancy yell that out in near-disbelief.

What?

“Sharika won a Sea Doo! She won a Sea Doo.”

For a half a second I thought Nancy Silverton had cracked up the pressure of being on Lockdown here at San Quarantine. I mean,what the fuck is a Sea Doo. But, I twisted around to see the TV show she was watching. Our long time favorite daytime show, “Let’s Make A Deal”, a program we have been watching since way back to April, 1, 2020.

Sure enough,  Nancy was right, Sharika, a former unnamed college track star – she graduated in 2011 - who is now a track coach, had indeed won a Sea Doo, a $2,000 jet ski. And man, was she happy. You’d a thought she had won a Lamborghini Aventador SVJ. Host Wayne Brady, one of the best “Let’s Make A Deal’ hosts since Monty Hall, let her run with her unbridled zeal.

For the second day, the as Lockdown continues, we have been watching shows we would not normally watch. We put on CNN for a little bit, but can’t watch the Moron. Tried Judge Judy for a minute, but mainly the show that has been our salvation, that gets us away from the madness, that we really enjoy is “The Restaurant”, More on The Restaurant later.

THAT’S NOT SHARIKA WITH HOST WAYNE BRADY

IN LOCKDOWN AT SAN QUARANTINE WITH NANCY SILVERTON AS MY CELLIE

Like most everyone in California, I’m in lockdown. In a Garcetti-Newsom ordered “isolation”, for the benefit of us and everyone else.  Kinda like when Big Evil used to get sent – for years – to the Adjustment Center at San Quentin. I call this home confinement San Quarantine. My cellie is Nancy Silverton

Being in isolation with Nancy Silverton sounds like a dream come true. So when I heard we had to stay in the house,  in San Quarantine, I thought about the opening lines of “Cheek to Cheek”. Nancy works so much at the Mozza Corner that I could get the whole day with her without dozens of people coming up with issues and/or boring chat. No one walking up as we eat and “Dinnerrupting” us.

And I was right. It’s been strangely wonderful. But, today we did something that was so out of the ordinary, so straight out un-Nancy like that it compelled me to write. We watched a segment this morning of “Let’s Make A Deal”.

Let’s get right to it. The contestant, a preschool owner in her late 30s, early 40s, wore a bright magenta wig and a flowery dress and was – as apparently required – overzealous. I mean she was bouncing around like a bad version of Tina Turner. I didn’t catch her name, but I’ll call her Rita.

With Nancy watching from the Ruth couch and me on the chair near the tube, the host, my boy Wayne Brady,- who I’ve never heard of. - offered Rita a gigantic peanut butter cup. Not Reese’s. Nevertheless, inside this pie-sized peanut butter cup was money. An undisclosed amount, of course.

Rita could have this or what’s behind the curtain. Or wait, a third choice, what was on a cart. Hmm. I yelled for Rita “Take the peanut butter cup!”  This seemed a win win. Even if there’s was only 10 bucks, you get a huge PBC. Nancy, new at this, was urging Rita to take the curtain. Rita quickly passed on the cart, which had $1,000 worth of, I don’t know, some shit I forgot.

Then Rita did the unthinkable, She passed on the huge peanut butter cup. At this point, my respect for Rita dwindled to nothing. Host Wayne then tossed a curve. He offered her another curtain.

“What’s behind that curtain?” Nancy asked me.  That right there shows you what she knows about this program . I know the basics of the show, having watched it during in the Johnson administration with the legendary Monty Hall as the host.

“That’s the whole point, Rita don’t know. Hasn’t a clue.’  Rita passed. The curtain was revealed and it was a 4-day trip to Mexico where she could’ve been shot or at least kidnapped. Rita wasn’t a total moron, unlike someone we know.

The curtain she picked was unveiled. A chrome washer/dryer set.

Nancy was disappointed  And bored. So was I and we moved on, .

Judge Judy in the house! A man had traded a rifle for some auto body work. The body work wasn’t done properly and he wanted his gun, a Winchester 30/30, back.

That’s how San Quarantine can be. I flipped and we settled on Gov Newsom, and Los Angeles County Health Director Barbara Ferrer. two stalwarts during The Insanity.

And made a hamburger. With Nancy’s Blend.

IF THE MOZZA CORNER LASTS FOR A THOUSAND YEARS, PEOPLE WILL STILL SAY: "THIS WAS THEIR FINEST HOUR"

it wasn’t until Irene appeared at the window that the beauty - and importance - of what Mozza was doing really hit home here at Highland and Melrose. Perhaps we had been so busy to fully appreciate how appreciative people were of what the Corner meant during these times.

For four tense days, at a makeshift walk-up ordering window at Chi Spacca, hundreds of laid off restaurant workers had “ordered” two hot entrees - usually roast chicken thighs and/or vegetarian lasagna - and picked out some supplies - such as a box of cereal or mac n cheese, toilet paper or hand soap - then thanked chef/owner Nancy Silverton and the Mozza staff and moved on. Roughly 150 people a night were coming by as part of the Nancy Silverton/ Maker’s Mark Whiskey collaboration known as the Restaurant Workers Relief program.

Then, on Day 4, Sunday night, Irene showed up. She was a pretty, long-haired Asian American who had been laid off and was - like almost everyone else - quite thankful for the food and supplies we gave her with a decent amount - but not overly so - of good cheer. But, then she shifted gears like that Ford GT40 down the Mulsanne straight in “Ford vs. Ferrari”..

“I don’t think you realize what this means to us,” Irene said. “That you care. I want to contribute.” She had been talking in a controlled, but passionate tone. But, then her voice cracked as she add “Can i bring I contribute something, Can I bring some rolls of toilet paper?” And she burst into tears. She, like Bruce Springsteen sings, “burst just like a super nova”. The cardboard menu Irene was holding was dotted with her tear drops.

Before her, at the window. Francis Sebastian, the Chi Spacca general manager and a member of the Mozza Corner Special Forces, started to drop his own tears. Tough guys weeping is kinda special. Alan Birnbaum, Pizzeria and Osteria Mozza GM, Ping Pong Room and Apartment cleaner and also a Special Ops member, was, uncharacteristically, unable to speak. Nancy standing 10 feet away and watching, got misty-eyed and smiled a rather sad smile. Jimmy Dolan, the Mozza Tribune staff writer, standing nearest to Irene, violated social distancing, and reached out to touch her shoulder as tender as he is capable of, which isn’t particularly tender.

“Irene has become a symbol for us," said Nancy who took a rare night off yesterday to rest after a week of 13 hour days. “She came to represent the gratefulness of the community. That the food and supplies are appreciated and needed, but even more so. knowing that people care about them. That’s the most beautiful thing when you’re struggling. That people you don;t even really know care about you. The lasagna will feed you that night, but knowing you’re cared about can get you through the day.”

Since that Sunday, we’ve been waiting for Irene to reappear. We told her to come back every night. But, we haven’t seen her. Francis and I weren’t there very much Friday night, so maybe she came by and the people filling in didn’t know her. So, Irene, if you happen to read this, reach out with a text to the Mozza Tribune. (213) 700-1960.

The Mozza Corner has had many glorious - and some scary - moments. There was the time, before Pizzeria Mozza had even opened when legendary pizzaiola Chris Bianco blessed the oven. There was the night, thanks to copy editor Saji Mathai, we got early word that L.A. Times restaurant critic S.I. Virbila had awarded three stars to the Pizzeria. The day in 2009 or so when Osteria got a Michelin star. The first night Michelle Obama came in with her kids - and secret service agents. There was the day a speeding pickup truck slammed into the front doors of Osteria. The night when word came to the kitchen that Nancy had been named Outstanding Chef in America at the James Beard Award. The day Dario Cecchini told the story of his first bistecca Fiorentina The night we got word Tony the cleaner from Nine-O Crips was gonna do a take over robbery because he was pissed he got fired. The night Stringer Bell aka Idris Alba, had a drink with Nancy and Michael, And then there was those cherished “Shift Drinks”, the end of shift drink, after 13 years, over 4,800 of them.

But, looking back over the last 13 years, four months, two weeks since Mozza opened, there was never a finer moment than the night when Irene cried.

Just in case you are too young - and/or dumb - the headline is riffed from Winston Churchill rallying the British in 1940. His speech went like this.

“….the Battle of Britain is about to begin. Upon this battle depends the survival of Christian civilisation. Upon it depends our own British life, and the long continuity of our institutions and our Empire. The whole fury and might of the enemy must very soon be turned on us. Hitler knows that he will have to break us in this island or lose the war. If we can stand up to him, all Europe may be freed and the life of the world may move forward into broad, sunlit uplands. But if we fail, then the whole world, including the United States, including all that we have known and cared for, will sink into the abyss of a new Dark Age made more sinister, and perhaps more protracted, by the lights of perverted science. Let us therefore brace ourselves to our duty and so bear ourselves that, if the British Empire and its Commonwealth last for a thousand years, men will still say: This was their finest hour.”

THE WORLD'S MOST FAMOUS BUTCHER HAS NO MOUTHS TO FEED; DARIO CECCHINI IN TUSCANY

Last July, back in good ‘ol 2019, Antica Macelleria Cecchini, the renowned shop of Dario Cecchini, not-arguably the world’s most famous butcher, was so packed with locals and tourist from more than 20 nations that i walked outside just to get a little breathing space. Today, and for the last month plus, the place is basically empty except for the Butcher and his wife.

Today, Wednesday, I think, via Whatsapp, i ‘talked” with Kim Wicks, Dario’s wife. She said the mood was not “sad’ in Panzano in Chianti, but rather ‘eerie. She, in her message said something that defines beautifully Dario’s feelings about Nancy. ‘Dario has just now discovered Netflix. In fact, the first thing he asked to see was Nancy’s chef’s Table.” (That choked me up, not a hard thing to do, but it also choked up Nancy, which is a bit more difficult.)

And here’s a brief Q & A with Dario - as translated by Kim - from Panzano in Chianti.

When did you first hear about Corona?
We heard in January, that there was a problem in a city in China called Wuhan, where it seemed that it all started from eating animals that we consider strange, like bats. Right now I am reading a story about Alexandre Dumas speaking on the consumption of meat through history, where he states it is believed that the ancient Romans found small dogs excellent. So,  I don't want to judge.

 What is the mood in Panzano?

The population is acting responsibly. There are few people circulating on the streets, the bars are closed, the restaurants are closed, there is silence. The most present thing is this silence, this noisy silence, a silence you can hear.

 Can you go to Florence?

We don't go to Florence, I think we could go for special cases like a doctor or a hospital visit, but we are all here. We don't move, people are being very very responsible.

 Can people go out and take a walk around?

You don't see people strolling, even if I think walks would be allowed so far, as long as one doesn’t bunch up with others. But no, nobody is out strolling.

 Is there a curfew?

From 6 o'clock in the afternoon, all stores, including food stores such as Macelleria Cecchini must close and therefore yes, there is a sort of curfew, no one is on the streets.

 What good movie have you seen?

It's me and Kim in the house, we watch old crime movies and whatever we happen on. Yesterday we saw a fabulous 1968 film directed by Don Siegel, called “Madigan'‘. (with Richard Widmark) It was a fantastic New York police, shoot ‘em up story.

 What are you cooking at home?

Kim is doing a series of experiments on me, the other day I ate beef with curry masala and coconut milk. It was good, a little strong but I'm the only one on whom she can test out her creative cuisine.

I love my wife.



MOZZA’S RESTAURANT WORKER’S RELIEF TONIGHT NOT YOUR TYPICAL SOUP KITCHEN FARE; MARINATED GRILLED OCTO, ANYONE?

Nancy Silverton can’t do anything halfway. Even her collaboration with Maker’s Mark Kentucky Bourbon, the Restaurant Worker’s Relief program, is classy and carefully thought out.

Take tonight., for example. The main courses - enough for 300 portions - are 1) roasted locally sourced City of Vernon chicken thighs seasoned with Maldon sea salt and served with buttery mashed potatoes; 2) garlic, parsley and chili flake marinated grilled octopus served with a lemon vinaigrette; and 3) Buratta cheese from Puglia with roasted tomatoes and fresh basil.

That’s not your typical soup kitchen fare. But, whoever said Nancy was typical.

DISPATCH FROM MOZZA - A MESSAGE FROM THE MOZZA TRIBUNE TO THE STAFF

FROM JIMMY DOLAN, MOZZA TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER

Today, Tuesday, at least I think it’s Tuesday, marks the sixth evening of the Nancy Silverton/Maker’s Mark collaboration known as the Restaurant Workers’ Relief (RWR) program.

In the previous five nights, Mozza has handed out over 1,300 dinners to roughly 700 very appreciative people.  They start lining up around 4:30 for the program that begins at 5:30 p.m. sharp. 

The bizarre thing is that of the 700 laid-off restaurant workers only about 20 have been actual Mozza folks, people who worked – and WILL work again – at either Pizzeria Mozza, Osteria Mozza, Mozza 2Go, Chi Spacca or even the office.

What up, my peoples? You got too much foolish pride to come for a chicken plate and/or some lasagna? The toothpaste and cereal we giving away not up to your standards. Stumptown coffee not good enough? Or like several Mozza Corner workers  I have talked to, you feel that other people are hurting worse than yourself and you don’t want to take that food from them?

Forget all that and just come over to Mozza and get two dinners, get some supplies, and most importantly say hi to Nancy. Nancy likes to give the food to the people she doesn’t know, but she LOVES to see and give you some food. The people she works with, the people she WILL work with.

Yes, there’s a line stretching down Highland almost to Clinton. However, Mozza chief of security, Capt. Miller of the United States 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta, has made it possible for you not to wait in that line. Text Capt. Miller at (213) 700-1960 or get to Alan and they will arrange for you to go in the alley and come in the back way.  Sometimes, that’s the best way

Stone serious.

Jimmy Dolan

ALSO  If you want to share your stories with the Tribune about what you’ve been doing, how you’ve been coping with this madness, then email me at makmak47@gmail.com

DE CECCO PASTA, MAKER'S MARK WHISKEY STEPPIN' UP WITH NANCY AT MOZZA FOR RESTAURANT WORKER'S RELIEF

Friday morning in the back Mozza parking spot, only three of the five spaces were open. The other two were taken up, Italian style - not with a Lamborghini or Ferrari - but with pallets and pallets of De Cecco dried pasta, donated to the Corner by way of Chef’s Warehouse.

The pasta will make its was tonight to scores of laid off restaurant worker’s as Mozza’s Chi Spacca serves as the forward operating base of a relief program during these unprecedented times. Kicked off by, get this, Maker’s Mark whiskey with a $50,000 donation, about 150 very appreciative Los Angeles restaurant employee received two dinners of lasagna, potatoes, salad and an assortment of supplies from diapers, toilet paper to baby wipes and toothpaste.

Manning the front distribution desk was Spacca Sheriff Francis Sebastian, the great x7 grandson of Genghis Khan, along with Shayna Kaye Milazzo, Mozza’s storied office manager and Kate Elizabeth Green, Nancy’s right hand woman. Green, it should be noted, looked about as stylish as one could look wearing a mask, save perhaps Ruth Reichl in a black version.

As the LAPD came by to give their full approval, Mozza’s head of security, Capt. John Mason of the British SAS, walked the line, reassuring people that there was enough for all, as long as the line didn’t go beyond 150 people. Everyone was behaving, respecting that “social distancing” and thankful of the project. They heaped praise on Nancy, who told them they should be thanking Maker’s Mark whiskey, her new favorite booze.

Credit also goes to Edward Lee, the Louisville chef first approached by Maker’s Mark who pointed them to Nancy. His LEE Initiative ( www.leeinitiative.org) is on the front line of the Restaurant Worker’s Relief (RWR) project. Also to John Magazino of Chef’s Warehouse who was texting Nancy as soon as he heard about the project, eager to help.

The RWR project continues tonight at 5:30 p.m. . and will last at least three weeks. It’ll longer if more people like television producer Betsy Beers, who donated cash last night, step up. So come on, step on up. Koufax might be pitching. but he’s goin’ easy on those with a kind heart and a generous wallet.

MOZZA/MAKER'S MARK COLLABORATION BEGINS TONIGHT; MOZZA 2G0 EXPANDED MENU INCLUDES D.I.Y. PIZZA KIT

When Mayor Eric Garcetti announced Sunday night that all restaurants in Los Angeles would close, everyone on the Mozza corner agreed it was something that, sadly, had to be done.

“Sunday night i had to look my restaurant family in the eye and let them know i no longer had work for them. Mayor Garcetti had said we had to close. This didn’t come as a surprise as I knew it was something that was gonna happen, that had to happen, done.But, telling my staff was the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my career.”

A snippet of good news came to the Mozza Corner on Wednesday when it was announced that Maker’s Mark Kentucky Bourbon had donated $50,000 for Nancy to provide free dinners to laid off Los Angeles restaurant employees. Starting today, Thursday, those providing a recent pay stub can get two free dinners as well as needed supplies such as toilet paper, baby diapers and other items.

The menu will be meat or vegetarian lasagna with mashed potatoes and salad.

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 As concerns and precautions designed to slow the spread are expanded, Nancy has taken to expanding the menu items available at Mozza2Go, the only to-go establishment ever honored by the United Nations.

The following enticing secondi, formerly only offered at Spacca and Osteria are available at reduced prices.

 Grilled ‘Moorish’ lamb shoulder chops with mint, yogurt and – unnecessarily – lemon. $23.

 Porcini rubbed Short Ribs with salsa verde,  scallions - $23

 Grilled Lamb Sausage with Calbrian chile slasa, roasted peppers, onions. - $15

 Roasted Sonoma Lamb Rack with Persian lime, tahini, grilled broccoli - $28

In addition, Mozza2Go is now offering a ‘Pizza Kit’ which is pizza dough, tomato sauce, basil and mozzarella so folks can make their own margarita pizza at home during these unprecedented  times.