Friends pose with Santa at Zio Toto's annual Winter Ball. (Staten Island Advance/Carol Ann Benanti)
The evening was attended by some 150 revelers.
Entertainment was provided by "American Idol" contestant Marisa Pontecorvo, who is now known as "Corvo," as well as a DJ.
Friends enjoy a festive evening at Zio Toto. (Staten Island Advance/Carol Ann Benanti)
"I wait a whole year for our Winter Ball," said Filippo Giuffre. "I love the fact that our customers and friends get together and celebrate the holiday season. It really is a big party for us. And we have people who come from Manhattan just to be here. We wish everyone a wonderful holiday and a blessed new year."
Guests at Zio Toto's annual Winter Ball pause for a photo with Santa. (Staten Island Advance/Carol Ann Benanti)
The dining spot, named for Filippo's dad, Salvatore, whose nickname was Zio Toto or Uncle Sal, continues to serve up a distinguished selection of Sicilian dishes, such as the traditional pasta con sarde (pasta with fresh sardines), spiedinis (the Italian equivalent of skewered beef, veal or chicken) and other popular down-home favorites.
FYI: Many of the recipes are rooted in the owner's own Sicilian heritage, specifically his home town of Palermo.
Joanne and Filippo Giuffre, owners of Zio Toto, pause for a photo with Santa. (Staten Island Advance/Carol Ann Benanti)
The Giuffres have graced this column on several occasions due to their humanitarian efforts as well as their invovlement in Zio Toto and the Mancini Giuffre hair salons and spas in Dongan Hills and Tottenville. (The couple also owns Zio Toto on 84th Street and Third Avenue in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn.)
Debbie and Steve Anzalone enjoy Zio Toto's annual Winter Ball. (Staten Island Advance/Carol Ann Benanti)
Continue to scroll for more festive photos of the holiday party.
At Zio Toto's annual Winter Ball are, from left, Filippo and Joanne Giuffre, owners; Angela and Brian Deshong, and Anna and Gaetano Napoli. (Staten Island Advance/Carol Ann Benanti)
Friends pause for a photo at Zio Toto's annual Winter Ball. (Staten Island Advance/Carol Ann Benanti)
Marisa Pontecorvo, better known as "Corvo," entertains the crowd during Zio Toto's annual Winter Ball. (Staten Island Advance/Carol Ann Benanti)
Santa and his helpers take a spin on the dance floor with sparklers in hand at Zio Toto's annual Winter Ball. (Staten Island Advance/Carol Ann Benanti)
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- As a way to spread holiday cheer to all who call Staten Island home, Filippo Giuffre and his wife, Joanne, played host Thursday evening to a splendid soiree at Zio Toto Ristorante in Tottenville.
On hand to add to the evening's authenticity was Santa and his "dancing helpers," who strutted their stuff to heartfelt tunes that go hand in hand with the "most wonderful time of the year."
Audra Erkman, Vanessa Lonano and Jill Guariglia, from left, smile for the camera at Zio Toto's annual Winter Ball. (Staten Island Advance/Carol Ann Benanti)
Guests enjoy Zio Toto's annual Winter Ball. (Staten Island Advance/Carol Ann Benanti)
Friends smile for the camera at Zio Toto's annual Winter Ball. (Staten Island Advance/Carol Ann Benanti)
Filippo Giuffre, left, owner of Zio Toto, Tottenville, smiles for the camera with staffers and Santa Claus at the dining spot's annual Winter Ball. (Staten Island Advance/Carol Ann Benanti)
Bill Marco, right, Santa and a friend are all smiles at Zio Toto's annual Winter Ball. (Staten Island Advance/Carol Ann Benanti)
Friends smile for the camera at Zio Toto's annual Winter Ball. (Staten Island Advance/Carol Ann Benanti)
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