"DON'T PANIC"

 

If you’re a regular at Ariano’s in either Mahopac or Carmel than you’re familiar with the phrase, “don’t panic”!

Many years ago when Ariano was a waiter in Morris Park he was known for being the waiter that everyone requested.  Ariano only spoke Italian therefore he only catered to the Italian speaking customers.  A lovely Irish couple noticed his charm and love of his profession and requested him as their waiter.  Although they were informed Ariano spoke no English the couple didn’t care and insisted.  Throughout the evening Ariano spoiled them with his charm, food and wine.  Later that evening the man requested a spoon for his wife, but Ariano did not understand.  After much frustration back and forth the man finally complained to the owner who reminded him Ariano spoke no English.  The owner explained to Ariano what the man wanted.  As Ariano approached the man at the table he handed him a spoon and said, “Don’t panic”!  That became his nickname and catch phrase from then on.

 

Ariano was raised in Northern Italy.  He started his culinary career in Brassanone where he performed basic kitchen duties such as washing dishes and cleaning salad and fish.  Back then in order to become a server to the customers you must know how to prepare and cook all of the dishes from the menu.  This was a useful asset to have when discussing the dishes with the customers.  There he learned how to become a chef and properly lay the foundation for his success today.  Twenty years later Ariano decided to move to America to fulfill his dream.  

 

In 1977 Ariano polished his skills in a popular Morris Park Italian restaurant.  Communication was difficult as he only spoke Italian, but even with the language barrier he became known for his skills.  

 

In 2000 Ariano decided to move north to Mahopac and purchase some real estate.  

 

In 2004, his dream came true and Arianos Trattoria was open for business.  The numerous reviews of Arianos Trattoria that followed speak volumes to his popularity.

 

In 2010 Ariano’s II in Carmel, NY opened mimicking the same intimate and comfortable atmosphere of the original.