2009-J5422
LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring entrepreneurs Frank Castronovo and Frank
Falcinelli upon the occasion of their designation for special recogni-
tion
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to publicly recognize
those extraordinary individuals who have made contributions to the
success and progress of society in the course of their life's work; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
entrepreneurs Frank Castronovo and Frank Falcinelli upon the occasion of
their designation for special recognition on Friday, May 21, 2010, in
Brooklyn, New York; and
WHEREAS, Frankie's Spuntino opened its doors on September 13, 2004;
the building at 457 Court Street in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn had been
an Italian social club, and it was a classic "fixer-upper" when discov-
ered by friends Frank Castronovo and Frank Falcinelli in 2003; the
Franks, both chefs and local residents, had a distinct vision for the
property, and they set out to create a comfortable dining space, serving
seasonally-inspired Italian fare that they themselves would enjoy on a
frequent basis; and
WHEREAS, Frank Castronovo and Frank Falcinelli grew up together as
friends and neighbors in Queens, New York; after losing touch for 18
years, they reunited by lucky coincidence in November of 2003, where
both were consulting in food and nutrition at the time, and after remin-
iscing and catching up, they decided to join forces; and
WHEREAS, Together, Frank Castronovo and Frank Falcinelli conceptu-
alized Frankies, a unique restaurant that would embody the sum of their
travels, food philosophies and experiences; they would offer deceptively
simple fare and dishes prepared with the freshest possible ingredients
along with a high level of attention; and
WHEREAS, Frankies' service would be attentive, but never pretentious;
their wines would be food-friendly and of great value, so there would be
no reason not to like the place; and
WHEREAS, Construction at 457 Court Street began in December of 2003;
Frank Castronovo and Frank Falcinelli worked with friends and future
colleagues for ten months to complete most of the refurbishment them-
selves; inside, a stripping of the blue painted walls revealed century
old brickwork, and the crumbling tile floors were renovated with light
hardwoods; and a former multi-car garage became a garden of fragrant
herbs and colorful flowers; and
WHEREAS, Frankie's Spuntino was founded on relationships that began
before the restaurant was conceived and continue through the opening of
their second property, Frankie's 17 Clinton Street, on Manhattan's Lower
East Side; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the quality of life in their community and have shown a long and
sustained commitment to the maintenance of high standards in their
profession, certainly have earned recognition and applause; now, there-
fore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor entrepreneurs Frank Castronovo and Frank Falcinelli upon the occa-
sion of their designation for special recognition; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Frank Castronovo and Frank Falcinelli.