Chef Sergio 🧡

Chef Sergio Pennacchio's reputation for gorgeous food and impeccable hospitality precedes him — but it's his generosity, thoughtfulness, and passion that have cemented the loyalty of customers and staff alike.

My family and I attended a very special barbecue in May hosted by Chef Sergio and his wife, Cori. Correction: this wasn't just any barbecue — it was an asado, and not just any asado, but a massive Argentinian asado. I'd been hearing about this event since 2020, when I first met this beautiful couple after they generously gave meals to anyone in Westchester Foodies who needed them, no questions asked. Shortly after that, I visited the original Piccola Trattoria — back when it was still piccola. It was love at first bite and that love has not faded.

I'm not alone in my adoration for Piccola Trattoria — the restaurant has won several Best of Westchester awards, including Best Italian and Best New Restaurant in 2024, after reopening following a two-year closure.

What's remarkable about this asado is that they host it every year for their staff, friends, and family. Piccola doesn't normally close on Mondays, but this Monday they did — their back and front of house teams were invited to relax poolside while Sergio and a few helpers grilled hundreds of pounds of beautiful meats, including ribs, chitterlings, sweetbreads, sausages, and brisket, paired with colorful salads, charcuterie, cheeses, and pasta. A feast. They hired a crew of helpers so that their staff, friends, and family wouldn't have to lift a finger.

Sergio's wife, Cori, is a powerhouse of a human, both professionally and personally, and has become a dear friend. She's also been instrumental behind the scenes during Westchester Foodies fundraisers, helping raise nearly $40K for hunger and restaurant-related causes.

Over the years, I've shouted out Piccola for some of the most delicious food in Westchester — from their carciofi appetizer (a permanent fixture on my last-meal-on-earth menu) to the insalata fresca (where hearts of palm and craisins unite), their meatballs, beef bolognese cannelloni, sweetbreads, and — to nobody's surprise — their bistecca. Piccola's specials are always spectacular, the kind where a dish comes out to another table and everyone ogles and inquires. I still dream about a blueberry double-cut pork chop I never even got — like that pair of really nice shoes I never owned.

Despite being closed for two years while they relocated just up the street, they managed to bring back the majority of their staff, who all picked up right where they'd left off — Gustavo, his wife, Peter, and even a new Gustavo, to name a few.

I was worried that the bigger Piccola would not feel the same. After all, what set Piccola apart from many restaurants, besides the delectable food, was that Chef Sergio would come out to the dining room sporadically to connect with his regulars and newbies. How would he do this in a space three times the size? He does and the energy at this Piccola Trattoria is even more special.

So what does Chef Sergio decide to do after nailing the comeback of all comebacks — and even winning a handful of awards? You'd think he'd simply ride the wave of success, maybe take an occasional break. Nope. He expanded, opening a private dining room and, most recently, a foodie's dream of a prepared foods marketplace a few doors down.

Meet Piccola Market & Rotisserie! Chef Sergio chose a short list of staples, each one perfected, so anyone can enjoy a great meal with zero effort. So far, I've only tried the gorgeously seasoned rotisserie chicken with a few signature sauces, along with an assortment of emotional support empanadas — and I hope to work my way through the rest of the menu, including an array of fresh pastas, this summer.

If you are wondering if this is a sponsored post — it is not. I have been wanting to share my admiration for this wonderful chef for a long time.

I do love to tell stories about remarkable people in the food and hospitality industry. If you would like to see someone highlighted, and would like to sponsor the telling of their story, please contact westchesterfoodiesfb@gmail.com.

Thank you to all subscribers of the WFRoundup, free and paid. A special thanks to those who pay yearly, as putting together menu celebrations, raising money for hunger-related causes, and spotlighting local businesses — here, on Facebook, and on Instagram — takes time and effort. 🧡 Happy eating! Keep it kind.