(Courtesy of Cheech A Cini)
So long...and a hearty 'thank you.'
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Through heatwaves, rainstorms and even a pregnancy Jamie and Frank Melisi toiled for the last three years on their food truck Cheech A Cini's Truckin' Trattoria. The couple has loved their mobile restaurant life and, most especially, loyal patrons who enjoyed their Italian meals at 1322 Travis Ave. at the Mid-Island Babe Ruth League.
The truck's official last day at its Travis site is Friday, Oct. 19 from 11 a.m. to approximately 5 p.m. After that, the Melisis have one final food performance selling at P.S. 9's Pumpkin Smash on Saturday, Nov. 3 at 1055 Targee St., Concord.
(Courtesy of Cheech a Cini)
Frank started as a mason mixing concrete and worked alongside his father. He became a trained chef after schooling at the Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park. But things recently took a different turn.
"Sanitation called me," said Frank. "And we decided it was the best thing."
He and Jamie are proud of their history with Cheech A Cini. And the decision to move on is bittersweet.
"I'm very emotional about it...but we accomplished what we wanted to. That was our goal when we opened -- to be a premier food truck on Staten Island," said Frank.
(Courtesy of Cheech a Cini)
"We're selling the truck. I want to get accustomed to Sanitation. The food industry is a lot," said Frank. And he's not about to compromise he and Jamie's quality and fine reputation earned over the last few years. Frank feels that both professions deserve a person's 100 percent. And he just can't give that dedication simultaneously to both.
"We've accomplished so much through so many hurdles," said Frank. Mother Nature aside, the permit process for their food truck was an enormous struggle. It took three years to get the operation to the point where it could do business.
(Courtesy of Cheech a Cini)
"To get outside the ball field, the organizers really made a home for us," said Frank. And he's deeply appreciative of the support from Mid-Island Babe Ruth League.
"You can't get a street permit unless you go on the black market," said Frank.
"We wanted to work legitimately," Frank said.
(Courtesy of Cheech a Cini)
Specialties of the truck
The menu at Cheech A Cini featured panelle sandwiches -- fried chickpea fritters topped with cool, fresh ricotta cheese on a bun -- and various takes on Italian street food.
(Courtesy of Cheech a Cini)
Salads included locally grown vegetables.
(Courtesy of Cheech a Cini)
The truck became known for its "Pasta-Cini," a take on arancini aka rice balls.
Sniff.
And it really isn't the end, said Frank, since the truck can soon change hands. Along with the vehicle, he's offering his spot at the ball field and his knowledge.
"I will guide through the process. Now there's a permit for the spot," said Frank.
Through Nov. 3, Cheech A Cini will continue to sell its half and full trays of "Pasta-Cini," the equivalent of rice balls made with various meat and cheese combinations and pasta. The Melisis trademarked name "Pasta-Cini."
Frank can be reached at 347-973-9754.
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