My Big Fat 'Italian' Wedding Vibes at Casa Bianca Pizza Pie
Imagine the movie, My Big Fat Greek Wedding. (Big shout out to Joe Fatone for his performance in that movie. Who said Justin Timberlake was the only surviving N’Sync member to salvage an entertainment carer?) The scenes of the main character portrayed by Nia Vardalos behind the cash register with incessant family members barking all around her. Behind every loud bark though, is a warm, homemade meal and a lot of love, and many of us are fond of this idea. A family owned restaurant with age old recipes and the family members around who carried down the traditions. Maybe it’s because we’re from America and we’re still a young country with few of our own traditions. Maybe it’s the feeling of belonging that comes with the barking family members and constant eating. Whatever it is, there is a fondness that comes with that movie representing that kind of a culture and Casa Bianca Pizza Pie has just that nostalgia.
Located in Eagle Rock, between Pasadena and Glendale, is a Los Angeles staple that’s been around for 60+ years. Sam and Jennie Martorana, with Sam’s brother Joe, moved to Los Angeles in 1955 and shortly after found a corner to open to Casa Bianca Pizza Pie. The recipes have been passed down through the decades from the Italian tradition. I would have loved to have seen this restaurant in the 60’s and the cool thing is, in 2020, you still can get a taste for what it would have felt like. An almost plastic-y, seafoam green/blue (I’m not good with colors) type banquettes are centered around red and white checkered
vinyl table cloths, in the first room. As you walk through what feels like a blast from the past, you can turn the corner and past briefly by the kitchen, into another dining area, equally as magically nostalgic. Larger parties can be catered to on this side with long, oxford blue banquettes lining the walls, capable of seating up to 16.
Now, Sam and Jennie’s son and daughter, Ned and Andrea, keep a watchful eye on the continuity of this beloved Italian food diner. It’s had a few features in it’s day, including the late Jonathon Gold’s write up in 1991, so it’s still as successful and busy as ever. In the days of crowded indoor dining, a glass of wine would have been handed to you as you waited (like any Italian family would do) for a table to clear. We’re not waiting for tables while sipping wine anymore, but their menu is just as mouthwatering at home.