Chef Massimo Felici has followed the "Best of Staten Island Awards: Global Eats" poll since it first launched in March. So, he was understandably "super-stoked" to learn of his restaurant VINUM's win in the "Best Italian" category. "I was pleasantly excited just to be on that list. Period," said Massimo. "When I saw myself go up the ranks, me and my wife were excited we actually had a shot at winning this thing."

VINUM, as he reminds, is only six months old. And he didn't think he could compete with established businesses around the borough. Indeed, VINUM is a newcomer on the eating scene. The restaurant opened in October last year after months of construction.