Noto's Casa Cucina's crew intended to launch in the last week of June with a "soft opening." John and Susan Noto and their chef, Kim Leo, thought the restaurant would see a mere handful of patrons, at least enough activity to get the staff's feet wet in these early days.

But as long-time Staten Islanders would have it, friends and family of the trio kept the place busier than anticipated. Well-wishers dropped in for a meal or to just give handshakes and kisses. Peter Nacionales, for instance, gifted a framed image of Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin dining together.