Cuz'n Vinny's Homemade Pastas is a beloved local business that has been making waves in Lehigh County with its fresh, high-quality Italian specialties. Vince and Natalie Tannasso, the husband-and-wife team behind the business, have been serving up delicious homemade pastas, sauces, desserts, and prepared meals since 2022. Now, they're expanding their reach by selling their specialty foods at Jay's Local in Allentown's West End.
What makes this move particularly exciting is the collaboration with Jay's Local owner Lyell Scherline, who is known for his support of local businesses. Cuz'n Vinny's will be selling its freshly prepared items at Jay's Local, with hours starting at 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays, and potentially expanding to 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the coming weeks. The menu will rotate weekly, featuring dishes like lemon chicken over bucatini, basil and spinach pesto over linguine, and the popular 'Screaming Italian Pasta Salad'.
One of the key aspects of Cuz'n Vinny's is their commitment to using high-quality ingredients. Vince Tannasso, the chef, sources premium meat from a local butcher and imports Molino Grassi glyphosate-free, organic semolina flour from Italy, which is double the cost of regular flour but ensures a clean and healthy product. This dedication to quality is reflected in their menu, which includes a variety of pasta cuts and dishes like lasagna, carbonara with peas and pancetta, and stuffed meatballs.
The Tannassos are also considering a name change to better reflect their team effort. They're leaning toward 'Cuz'n Vinny's Pastas and Italian Kitchen', which would more accurately represent their collaboration and the Italian kitchen's influence on the business. This shift in branding highlights the importance of teamwork and the role of each family member in the venture.
Jay's Local, which opened in 2019, is an inviting cafe-style eatery known for its high-quality local fare at affordable prices. The restaurant is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and regularly hosts children's storytime programs. Cuz'n Vinny's joining Jay's Local is a testament to the evolving business landscape in the area, with other businesses like Project Steaks also utilizing the space to serve the community.
In conclusion, Cuz'n Vinny's expansion to Jay's Local is an exciting development for food lovers in Lehigh County. With their fresh, high-quality Italian specialties and dedication to local ingredients, they're sure to continue serving up delicious meals and building a loyal customer base. As they expand their hours and menu, they're also providing a valuable service to the community, making delicious Italian food more accessible to those in the eastern part of the Lehigh Valley.
