Shelter Island Slice is opening soon and the Island will have a local pizza place once again. Renovations are nearing completion in the space at 3 North Ferry Road that formerly house Piesano’s.
That’s thanks to Frank Venesina, who grew up cooking in his family’s Sag Harbor restaurant, Conca D’Oro. The popular Main Street pizza shop started in 1975 by his father, Tony, was part of Frank’s life until the family sold the business in 2017 (Sag Pizza is there now).
Frank worked side-by-side with his brother, John, and their father learning how to cook and make some pretty delicious pizza.
Shelter Island Connection
“I already feel part of Shelter Island,” Frank said in a recent interview. Not only does he know many Islanders who came for pizza at Conca D’Oro over the years, but he he also worked at Piesano’s last summer and saw many familiar faces during his time there.
The opportunity to open his own pizza place came last fall, Frank said, when Piesano’s owner, Luigi Mondi, asked if he’d be interested in the space.
Why a pizza place
“I wanted to make a place where kids could come after school,” Frank said. “I have two boys ages 8 and 10 and just like I grew up in Conca D’Oro, my boys can be a part of Slice.”
Shelter Island Slice is expected to open mid-May, pending approval of permits, Venesina said. Renovations are nearly complete as the whole family is pitching in. Tony, John and Frank are working side by side to make it happen. Just as they did for many years at Conca D’Oro.
On the menu
The 2020 menu will include classic pizza, grandma’s style, plus Frank’s favorite veggie cauliflower gluten free that will available in a personal 10 inch personal pie.
Additionally, appetizers like wings and mozzarella sticks, caesar and greek salads, parmesani style sandwiches, and beer and wine will be served.
Take-out and delivery service will be available immediately. Once the state lifts the pandemic regulations, patrons will be able to eat in the sunny dining room or on the patio.
