Latest news with #Frankie's
Boston Globe
09-05-2025
- Business
- Boston Globe
This Vermont college town has grown-up taste
Cindi Kozak, owner of Frankie's, an award-winning restaurant in Burlington, agrees that Burlington's culinary offerings are diverse, plentiful, and top-notch. 'I think a lot of it has to do with the passion people bring and the access we have to such incredible products,' she says. 'Also being such a small state, we can establish strong connections with our farmers, brewers, distillers, cheesemakers, etc. There are a lot of world-class products being made right at our doorstep, and we get to choose the best of what's out there.' Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up Granted, you can find a good college town cheeseburger, but it's likely to be smothered in a local, award-winning cheddar, served with an exceptional artisan-crafted pint of beer. Advertisement 'The underlying theme of locally sourced ingredients is still alive and well, and the driving force behind a lot of menus around Burlington,' says Cara Tobin, chef/co-owner of Honey Road and The Grey Jay. Advertisement The Farmhouse Tap & Grill is a farm-to-table gastro pub and outdoor beer garden, serving fresh, tasty food, like this specialty burger and side salad. Pamela Wright That goes for Burlington's beer scene, too. According to the National Brewers Association, Vermont leads the country in the number of craft breweries per capita, and Greater Burlington has the highest concentration, with more than 25 breweries, microbreweries, and brewpubs. If you're a beer lover, you probably already know this and have visited some of Burlington's highly regarded breweries, serving some of the country's most sought-after beers. But we mentioned a few here, like the You could spend a lot of time checking out Burlington's breweries and pubs (the Advertisement Blind Tiger, a Lark Hotel property, is located just outside of Burlington's bustling downtown and a few blocks from the waterfront. Pamela Wright First, we checked into In the end, it's tough choosing the best restaurant hit list, but after much sleuthing and eating, here are some of our favorites in Burly. Dishes at Frankie's are well-crafted and creative, spotlighting fresh, in-season ingredients, like this Lebanese cucumber dish. Pamela Wright 'We're hoping to do something a little different but still honor our desire to focus on what Vermont and New England food means to us,' says Kozak. This stylish restaurant, one of only 14 restaurants in the country named to Eater's 2024 Best New Restaurants list, is helmed by Kozak and Chef Jordan Ware. It's an unpretentious space, with low ceilings, whitewashed walls, and simple, light wood tables, flourished with a large marble bar with dramatic black, white, and gray swirls. The genuinely warm and friendly staff keeps it homey. Advertisement The dishes are well-crafted and creative, spotlighting fresh, in-season ingredients and showcasing Kozak and Ware's love of all things New England. We tried the fluffy, almost creamy fried oysters with pickled celery root and capers, and the grilled turnips with blue crab and crème fraiche, followed by a tasty pork schnitzel with lemon vinaigrette, and an herb fazzoletti with zucchini and red Russian kale. We couldn't resist a side of their sourdough bread with Vermont honey and sea salt. A favorite among locals and visitors alike since it opened in 2013, it's the sister to its original restaurant in Waterbury, Vt. The bustling outpost has a dark, rich sports club feel, with beams and wooden ceiling trusses, stacks of firewood, burning fireplaces, leather chairs, and a cozy bar. There's also a chef's counter with front row views into the kitchen. The food is well-sourced and well-crafted, consistently good. The menu changes frequently with the seasons and available products, including small plates like scallop crudo with green garlic and pickled turnips, braised rabbit tart, and beef tongue with shitake mushrooms, and large plates like black cod with hen of the woods mushrooms and tagliatelle with grilled zucchini and crispy garlic. You can also count on an extensive cheese menu (you're in Vermont!) and their famed Parker House rolls (yes, you should order them with local honey). Try the ever-changing flatbread choice at May Day; this one features whipped ricotta and an abundance of spring veggies. Pamela Wright This friendly neighborhood bistro tucked in Burlington's Old North End is not-so-slowly being discovered, thanks to rapid word-of-mouth. And it's helmed by Chef Avery Buck, who's been named a James Beard 2025 finalist for Best Chef: Northeast. The space is small, with about 20 tables or so, a bar counter, and an open kitchen. The menu is selective and focused on local in-season preparations. This is the place to go with a handful of friends to sample several plates. On our recent visit, we shared beer-battered skate cheeks with hot pepper mayo (thumbs up), duck liver parfait (so-so), and chunks of crunchy Lebanese cucumbers in a pool of tangy ramp yogurt (delightful!). But the standouts were the baby bok choy grilled to a nice char, doused with a sweet miso vinaigrette and topped with crispy sunchokes, and the house flatbread, with a layer of creamy whipped ricotta, spring vegetables, and hot honey. There are larger plates, also, like chicken schnitzel with a homemade green goddess dressing, steelhead trout with spring alliums and sorrel, and a ricotta gnocchi with baby spinach, pea shoot pesto, and oyster mushrooms. We'll be back to check out the next in-season menu. (P.S. They have a nice wine and cocktail list, too.) Advertisement The Grey Jay features Eastern Mediterranean cuisine, like this nicely seasoned shawarma wrap. Pamela Wright & Both manager/co-owner Allison Gibson and chef/co-owner Cara Tobin of Honey Road and The Grey Jay are finalists for the James Beard 2025 Outstanding Restaurateur, a national honor. That's quite a recognition, and their talents show at these Mediterranean-style restaurants in downtown Burlington. They opened Honey Road in 2017, serving Eastern Mediterranean small plates. Consider their 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. HoneyTime small plates: tahini hummus, baba ganoush, house-made pita, spiced fried chickpeas, braised lamb, kale salad, and more. Or go later for dinner; you'll find some of these same items on the menu, along with other mezze-style dishes. Advertisement Head to The Grey Jay for breakfast or lunch. This small, first-come, first-served eatery has great pastries and breakfast items, including a nicely flavored shakshuka topped with creamy feta cheese. Come lunch, go for the kale salad, one of their most popular signature dishes, served in a large bowl with crispy quinoa and flavored with a tahini vinaigrette, or the nicely seasoned chicken shawarma wrap. The Tunisian deviled eggs with harissa and fried capers are a nice munch, too. The potato gruyere tart at Majestic is a sure winner. Pamela Wright One of Burlington's newest arrivals is this little gem in the South End. A couple of warnings first: They're not open on Saturday or Sunday, and they don't accept reservations. During prime dinner hours, you may have to wait (albeit with a drink in hand), but it's worth it. The open kitchen restaurant, with about 25 seats, has a fun, convivial vibe, with creative cocktails and a smart wine list. And the food, mostly small plates, is worth going back for again and again. In fact, we noticed that many diners were past guests, and the staff greeted them by name. The menu changes frequently, but you can expect a handful of cheese platters, in-season vegetable-centered plates, like a white bean salad with garlicky kale, sweet potato, and herb pesto, or roasted mushrooms and barley with pea shoots. We also enjoyed the signature meatballs, swimming in a bright tomato fennel sauce, and the layered potato gruyere tart. Special mentions Diane Bair and Pamela Wright can be reached at
CNN
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- CNN
20 flattering swimsuits for different body types, according to fashion experts
Swimsuits for all body types quick picks Editor-loved one-piece: Summersalt The Ruffle Oasis Plunge V-neck one-piece: Andie The Mykonos One-Piece Polka dot bikini top: Frankie's Bikinis Paradise Halter Bikini Top Black halter-style bikini top: Moda Minx Curve X Bernadette Afia Triangle Bikini Top There's nothing I love more than being in, on or around the water during the summer. Shopping for a swimsuit, on the other hand? Not so much. While I enjoy flicking through the cute prints, both in-person and online, that's pretty much where the fun ends for me. Trying to find a bathing suit that's comfortable, supportive and flattering can be challenging and downright frustrating, especially if you don't know how to dress for your body type and you're shopping on a budget. Plus, there's nothing enjoyable about spending more time than you have to in a dressing room or getting stuck with swimwear that's not flattering because you missed the return period (it happens!). Thankfully, knowing what to look for and where to shop can make it easier to find a swimsuit that looks good and makes you feel good, whatever your body type. To help you find your new go-to swimwear for your lake, pool or beach days, we tapped several fashion experts for their insights on shopping for swimsuits for different body types and their top picks. According to Nina Vargas, stylist and global business/celebrity strategist, 'If you've got an hourglass figure, the mission is simple. Show off those curves without overcomplicating it.' She recommends looking for high-waisted bottoms, wrap or belted-style swimsuits, since they cinch the waist and tops that feature underwire and molded cups for lifting the bust. If you're not naturally an hourglass figure, Vargas said these recommendations can also be used to help create that illusion. Sanctuary Beach Goddess Excess Shirr Banded Mio One-Piece This bandeau-style swimsuit that on-air fashion expert and stylist Dawn Del Russo recommends features figure-flattering ruching, removable straps and removable cups. The underwire-free one-piece also comes in green for those who love the look but want a bit of color. Alicia Swim Catherine One-Piece Swimsuit Alicia Swim's sustainability practices, thoughtful designs and matching sets are why stylist and Amour781 co-founder Ashley Full loves the brand. She recommends this stretchy and stylish one-piece, which offers UV protection and is double-lined to provide additional coverage. Skims Signature Swim Fixed Triangle Bikini Top Looking for a modern and minimalist option? Vargas recommends this triangle bikini top from Skims. Frankie's Bikinis Paradise Halter Bikini Top If you're looking for a swim top you can look cute in while you tan, this halter-style bikini top is a great option. Though Del Russo singled out the trendy polka dot print, the top comes in 12 other colors and patterns, including an equally cute red gingham print. Frankie's Bikinis Sandy Micro Ruffle Bikini Bottom As Del Russo noted, the ruffled hems on these leg-lengthening bikini bottoms are perfect for anyone looking to add a bit more coverage to their hip area. Depending on the look you're after, you can also opt for other bottom styles in the same pattern, like the Mercer Swim Skirt. Full recommends tankini-style swimsuits for women with pear-shaped bodies. 'I think they're great for versatility, but specifically for this type of body shape, a colorful ruffle or detailed pattern on top with a solid bottom will draw the eye up, give you an illusion and make you feel more confident,' she said. Love and Bikinis Azores U-Cut One-Piece Swimsuit 'Don't be fooled by the name, Love and Bikinis offers far more than just bikinis,' Full said. She recommends this U-cut one-piece from the brand, which is perfect for a leisurely day at the pool. 'They use a crinkle material that molds and shapes to your body as a 'one size fits most' with lots of style options,' she said of the brand. 'I also love that it is a female-founded brand!' Mimi Flamingo Aria Bandini If you're looking for separates, Del Russo recommends Mimi Flamingo's coordinating swimwear pieces. She singles out this colorful, bandeau-style tankini that features ruching and adjustable and removable halter straps. In addition to being lined at the front, the tankini also has built-in cups. Luli Fama She's Cute Ring Drawstring Bandeau Top 'Luli Fama screams Miami Beach with the cuts and prints they have,' Del Russo said, adding that this year, it's the details, like this bikini's circular rings, that are taking center stage. We love that the tie strings at the neck and back of this bandeau-style top allow you to adjust the fit while the removable cups allow you to adjust the level of padding. Summersalt The Ruffle Oasis I love the adorable ruffled straps on this Summersalt swimsuit, which isn't all that surprising considering my love for dramatic nap dress sleeves. In addition to being comfortable to wear, I found the cut of this swimsuit to be really flattering on my curvier body shape. Though I have yet to see how it holds up in the water, I would definitely recommend this one-piece for relaxed beach or pool days. According to Full, many plus-size women opt for shapewear-type swimsuits, but it's not always the best choice. 'A lot of the time, shapewear pushes everything to the middle, and you'll just feel bloated, uncomfortable and, quite frankly, sometimes it makes you look larger than you are,' she said. She suggests thinking about the curves you want to highlight and focusing on those. She also recommends keeping your legs in mind. 'I have shorter legs, so I look for a swimsuit that is cut a little bit higher, giving the illusion of longer legs,' she said. Don't be afraid of a little color either! 'Whatever you choose whatever asset you decide to highlight, please, if you are a plus-size woman, don't hide away in a black swimsuit if you want to wear a color,' she said. 'Your size does not mean you are only allowed to wear black.' La Blanca Underwire Lace Up One-Piece Full recommends this one-piece from La Blanca, which features tummy control, removable cups and adjustable straps. While we love the resort-ready prints this one-piece is available in, if you're looking for something more understated, the bathing suit also comes in 14 solid colors. TA3 Brazilian Plungey Vargas recommends this sculpting one-piece from TA3, which she likens to shapewear, if that's what you're looking for. 'It has an adjustable corset and snatches at the waist,' she said. The bathing suit is made from a compressive material, has adjustable straps and a supportive shelf bra that can support up to an H-cup, making it a great option for those with larger chests. Andie The Mykonos One-Piece This textured one-piece from Andie is another one of Full's recommendations. The swimsuit features a plunging V-neckline, a supportive band under the bust area, removable cups, low-cut legs and thick straps. 'For an apple-shaped body, I suggest finding a swimsuit with some sort of detail to highlight the smallest part of your waist, which is typically right under your bust line,' Full said. Highlighting that area, according to the stylist, will help draw attention to the smallest part of the body and create the look of curves. Montce Full-Coverage High-Rise Bikini Bottom "Montce Swim has high-waisted bikinis that will make you love putting on your swimsuit," Del Russo said. She singles out these high-rise bottoms, which feature a waistband that contours the body and a ruched back that accentuates your behind. Speedo Women's V-Neck Hydraline Racerback One-Piece According to Full, Speedo has "great options for swimmers, sunbathers and active moms who need a little more sun protection.' She singles out this one-piece that has a flattering V-neck and removable cups. We love that it also offers UPF 50+ protection, making it a great option for outdoor water activities, like kayaking. For athletic builds, Kristine Anigwe, stylist and creative director at K.A. Creative Consulting recommends looking for belted one-pieces to create more of an hourglass silhouette. She also suggests looking for one-pieces with zipper or mesh detailing to flatter the figure. Watskin Ryann Bodysuit If you're looking for something that offers more coverage, this mock-neck bodysuit fits the bill. Like some of the other options on this list, it offers UPF 50+ protection, making it a great choice for a day at the beach. I have it in pink and love how flattering it looks against my skin. Since it doesn't offer much support up top, I'd recommend this for women with smaller chests, or I'd recommend sizing up and pairing it with a bikini top. Becca Color Play One-Piece Plunge This Becca one-piece is a favorite of health, fitness and food editor Tobey Grumet Segal. 'I've been slowly transitioning to more one-pieces every trip around the sun I make, and this adorable, comfy and still sexy suit from Becca is an excellent compromise to the bikinis I still love,' Segal said. In addition to liking its supportive shelf bra, adjustable straps and tie-back, she loves that it features flattering crochet insets. For petite women, Anigwe recommends looking for a V-cut, halter-style two-piece in an animal print to shift the focus away from stature, while accentuating assets. For tall women, on the other hand, she suggests opting for a triangle two-piece that's more minimalist leaning. Robin Piccone Parker Stripe Rib One-Piece Swimsuit According to Anigwe, this striped swimsuit is perfect for those who want to enhance their silhouette. 'The collar gives you that posh and preppy style and the golden buttons take the swimsuit to the next level,' she said. She also adds that the one-piece can be worn as a bodysuit, making it a great option for anyone looking to wear their swimsuit beyond the pool. Etam Triangle Bikini Top Associate testing writer Carolina Gazal is a fan of this black bikini set from Etam, which she describes as supportive, stylish and comfortable. "I love the flattering triangle shape of the top," she said. Etam High-Waist Bikini Bottom These bikini briefs pair perfectly with the triangle bikini top but can also be mixed and matched with other swim tops. It's made from a figure-snatching material and it has a flattering, retro-inspired high-waist cut. Ark Swimwear Triangle Bikini 'This triangle bikini is great because it is fully lined, made of high-quality fabric and the straps can be easily adjusted, Anigwe said. She also loves that the minimalist and seamless design helps to lengthen the torso, which she says creates a flattering silhouette for taller women. 'When it comes to large busts in our swimsuits, we all want that support or lift,' Full said. 'No one wants to go home at the end of a pool day and feel like their straps have been holding on for dear life!' As Full explained, ensuring your swimsuit is the appropriate length for your torso will help with this, as you won't feel like your swimsuit is being pulled down. Full also recommends looking for a swim top that resembles a bra and has underwire support, if you love to wear tankinis or bras. She singles out underwear brand, Cuup, which also has a swimwear line. 'You know you are going to have the right comfort that you need if you have a large chest, if the people making your swimsuit have that background!' she said. Cuup The Scoop Swim Cuup's bras are loved by several CNN Underscored editors, so you can expect its swim tops are just as supportive. This one features a flattering rounded neckline and flexible underwire that won't poke through the material. The band sizes range from a 30 to a 44 and the cup sizes run up to an H cup, so you can find a proper fit. Moda Minx Curve X Bernadette Afia Triangle Bikini Top Black bikinis are a timeless option for a reason. "Black is always very flattering for any body type," Anigwe said. She loves this halter top because it's supportive enough for larger chests and features gold hardware that helps elevate its overall look. 'My number one rule when shopping for a swimsuit is to get something you feel fabulous in,' Full said. Her second recommendation for locking down a swimsuit this summer? Know your torso. 'As someone with a long torso, I find it challenging to shop for a swimsuit,' she said. 'Everything always feels cut a little lower, or if you yank it up, everything rides up a little higher, so know the length of your torso when shopping for a swimsuit so that you can get something that makes you feel comfortable.' Another factor to take into consideration when shopping is the material. Anigwe recommends opting for a swimsuit that's made from a high-quality material and has a solid lining to ensure it's not see-through. If you are more mature, wanting more coverage or not into revealing bikinis anymore, the experts have some tips for you too. According to Vargas, 'confidence and comfort should lead the way, but that doesn't mean sacrificing style, and that doesn't just apply to this age group,' she said. If you're looking to elongate your neck, the stylist recommends looking for V-neck swimsuits, while swimsuits with built-in shapewear, mesh panels or ruching are a great option for those wanting a smoother silhouette. And for those wanting a stylish, functional option that provides a little more coverage without looking frumpy, swim dresses or tankinis are great options, according to Vargas. The following FAQs have been answered by Athena Louca, the director of technical design at QVC. How do you choose a bathing suit for tummy control? How do you choose a bathing suit for tummy control? Louca recommends looking for swimsuits that are made from compression fabrics like spandex and have design details like ruching. 'These elements help smooth and contour the tummy area without sacrificing comfort,' she said. She also suggests looking for swimsuits with dark colors or diagonal patterns, since these can help create a slimming effect. What style of bathing suit is the most slimming? What style of bathing suit is the most slimming? 'The most slimming bathing suits combine thoughtful design with smart styling tricks,' Louca said. 'Look for one-pieces with diagonal ruching, deep V-necklines or asymmetrical details that help visually elongate the body.' She also recommends looking for high-waisted bikini bottoms which can help create a slimming effect as well as 'designs that incorporate strategic cutouts and color-blocking.' Are padded or unpadded push-up swimsuit tops better? Are padded or unpadded push-up swimsuit tops better? According to Louca, whether you opt for a padded or unpadded swimsuit top boils down to personal preference and your body type. 'Padded push-up tops add volume and lift, making them a good choice for those with smaller busts or seeking extra shaping,' she said. 'Unpadded styles provide a more natural fit and often offer better comfort for those with larger busts. The key is support; Whatever style you choose, make sure it has secure straps, [a] supportive underwire or band and a fit that makes you feel confident.' For this article, we consulted the following fashion experts to gain their professional insights. Kristine Anigwe, stylist and creative director at K.A. Creative Consulting Dawn Del Russo, TV fashion expert and celebrity and high-profile brand stylist Ashley Full, stylist and co-founder at Amour781 Athena Louca, director of technical design at QVC Nina Vargas, stylist and global business/celebrity strategist CNN Underscored has a team of skilled writers and editors who have many years of experience testing, researching and recommending products, and they ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when applicable to make certain we are testing each product accurately, recommending only the best products and considering the pros and cons of each item. For this story, associate editor Rachel Dennis interviewed fashion experts who shared their tips on shopping for swimsuits for different body types, along with their recommendations. She also tapped Underscored's team of editors for their favorite swimsuits.
Miami Herald
20-02-2025
- General
- Miami Herald
‘The last of old Miami': Family-owned pizza joint celebrates 70 years on Bird Road
For Roxanne and Renee Pasquarella, owners of Frankie's Pizza on Bird Road in Miami, the memories are everywhere — on the street, in the kitchen, in the sauce and in the smiles of customers who walk out with the same pies they've been ordering for decades. Their late father — Frank Pasquarella from Steubenville, Ohio, who opened Frankie's with his wife Doreen 70 years ago — is everywhere, too. Roxanne remembers him depositing her protectively into a clean garbage can inside the restaurant when she was a toddler, keeping her away from hot pizza pans and other kitchen dangers. 'He gave me a pad and a pencil and said, 'Take orders,' she says. 'That was the playpen back then.' Renee, four years younger, remembers her dad paying her five bucks to cut up a 50-pound bag of onions. 'I thought that was a great deal,' she says. She also remembers looking out the restaurant window with him and seeing horses clopping down Bird Road, a sight almost unimaginable now. 'Now it's a seven-lane highway,' she muses of the perpetually busy street. 'We used to see cow pastures. The change is amazing. But our business has stayed the same.' There have been small alterations, of course. But Frankie's Pizza, which opened on Valentine's Day in 1955 and has just celebrated 70 years of serving the ultimate comfort food to generations of Miamians, remains largely unchanged (riding up on a horse might not be the best idea anymore, though). Seventy years is a stunning milestone in any city, but it's especially notable in ever-changing, sprawling Miami, which all too often values flash over community. The cow pastures have given way to concrete, but along with its longtime Westchester-area restaurant neighbors along Bird Road, Arbetter's Hot Dogs, which opened in 1959, and Tropical Chinese, a relative newcomer that opened in 1984, Frankie's is a reminder of a different Miami, one that was smaller, quieter and — hard as it may be to believe — quaint. 'Everybody knew everybody,' Roxanne remembers. Photo gallery: Westchester used to look like that? See the shopping, horse track and restaurants The elder Pasquarellas, who were enchanted by Miami while on vacation and quickly moved there, opened the first incarnation of the restaurant near the University of Miami. Two years later in 1957, they moved to the current location, taking over a former grocery store and serving the crispy, almost focaccia-like square slices that would make them famous on Bird Road. To this day, the menu hasn't broadened much beyond pizza and garlic knots and a few odd desserts, although Renee admits that additions like Mike's Hot Honey squirted over a pie would have been an issue for her dad. 'He'd be rolling in his grave at some of these toppings, even ham,' she says, laughing. Family has long been a cornerstone of the business. When Frank Pasquarella suffered a stroke in 1980, his daughters stepped in. Roxanne held down the fort while Renee graduated from Florida State University in Tallahassee. But there wasn't much question they wanted to keep the business going. 'One of the things we knew as we took over was that Frankie's was his first baby and his first love,' says Roxanne. 'I was his second child. Renee was his third. We knew we would keep it going.' Their father recovered slowly and before long was back at the restaurant, making pizza boxes faster with one hand than anyone else who used two. The family went on to weather everything from the startling growth of the neighborhood to the winds of Hurricane Andrew, leaning on their father's unstoppable work ethic to power them through. 'When I reflect back it was stressful,' Roxanne admits. 'But we just pulled together and started working. 'OK, we don't have power, let's get a generator.' 'We have gas ovens so we can work.' We improvised. When life threw us curve balls, we scooped them up and kept going.' 'He was a good leader. If I burned the pizza, he'd say, 'Next time you'll get it right,'' Renee says. Pasquarella went on to inspire a book, 'A Love Affair with Frankie's Pizza' by local historian Cesar Becerra, who grew up eating Frankie's pizza and collected anecdotes about the restaurant (you can buy the book at the shop or at The author of 'Robert is Here: Looking East for a Lifetime' about the popular Homestead fruit stand, Becerra, who also filmed a documentary about Pasquarella, calls Frankie's Pizza 'the last of old Miami.' 'In a city of constant change, there are few places like this left,' the Miami native says. 'It's a testament to doing things the right way. They could've taken a million different shortcuts, but they don't. The cheese is grated by hand — they could buy grated cheese. It takes nine hours to get the first pizza ready! Plus, when you're there, knowing there was once a tomato field on one side and the Everglades on the other is wild.' Pasquarella's love for the restaurant and his community ran deep. When he died in 2005, three years after his wife, Renee told the Miami Herald: 'If he could be buried under the pizza shop, that's what he would want.' In 2010, Bird Road from 89th to 92nd Avenue was renamed 'Pasquarella Way,' in honor of the man who made a third child out of his business. 'He was a riot,' Becerra says. 'He was just funny as hell.' Now in their 60s, Roxanne and Renee Pasquarella have been considering this milestone anniversary, sharing memories with their long-time customers and contemplating their own involvement in the business. Roxanne's son Christopher Patterson has shown interest in taking over at some point — 'I'm excited to see him do it so I step back and let him solve problems,' Renee says — but neither is quite ready to let go entirely. Taking a day off here and there, though, sounds appealing. 'What's really interesting is that people want to buy our property all the time,' Renee says. 'I don't want to sit at home and eat bonbons all day. But as I've gotten older, I've learned to balance my life. Now that we have someone interested in overseeing things, I'll even go to the Keys for a couple of days. Things I wouldn't have done before.' She recalls once working the late shift at Frankie's, changing her clothes and splashing on perfume, then leaving to go out with friends. 'I was standing in line to get in a club at 2 a.m. and somebody goes, 'I smell pizza,' ' she says. 'I wanted to die. In your 20s you're so embarrassed. But I got to spend a lot of time with my family here. I'm grateful for that. We were a unit, the four of us. When you have a business like this, you are so lucky.' Frankie's Pizza Where: 9118 Bird Road, Miami Hours: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday; closed Monday More information: or (305) 221-0221
