About Us

Born and raised in the restaurant and bar businesses, Wines, Foods, and Spirits expertise came naturally – Babbo’s daughters, Francesca, Chef, Sommelier, Freelance Journalist and Photographer, and Cecile, Baker, accomplished Businesswoman, master at Marketing, and Author. Along with brother, Mast' Antonio Junior, Chef Tony, ardently carry on the family tradition to bring you the skinny on the best, FoodsNWines! 

--Roots dating back to over four generations from Italy to the USA. When Nonno Santino, Santo for short, opened his first Hotel and Restaurant in Stony Brook, Long Island, NY that tragically burned in a fire. Moving his young family to Miami, Florida for a fresh start, where Tony, Mast' Antonio, Santo affectionately, called his son. As a youngster, roller-skated to the local grocery store for family and neighbors, rode his pony, fished in the Miami River where stunning waterways and backdrops of construction pressed along. As the city allowed gambling and lax regulation, propelling a steady influx of migration from north USA to downtown Miami.

Opening a first Italian establishment on 1st Avenue and Brickell, called the Empire Bar & Grill. Later adapting the name, Allegro, introducing ‘Small Plates,’ scrumptious samplings of his menu handed out to patrons avidly, waiting for a table. Whilst enjoying the harmonious vibes from live bands and local musicians. Hence, the name, Allegro, was born and the next generation of family-owned restaurants and bars.

Following, Allegro II and first sidewalk café, on Bruckner Blvd, Bronx, New York. Then, Allegro III, Home of Fine Foods on Pelham Parkway, Bronx, NY. Where Tony, now AKA Babbo and a Master chef, alongside his beautiful wife, Lucile, a brilliant pastry chef, continued the family legacy. Delighting oodles of regulars from families and local businesses to doctors, nurses, fire fighters, even up and coming actors, fashion designers, and a main hangout for NYPD’s finest, 41st precinct. Everyone loved the Allegro from its vast menu and signature dishes, the energetic bar with superb cocktails and unique collection of wines, and aged spirits. Plus, the catered events from eclectic weddings, Bar Mitzvahs, the wild truffle, and handmade-pasta soirees, to the annual venison events. Always complimentary to dear friends, extended family, and patrons alike.

Finally, when the exciting upbringing came full circle, this beloved restaurateur, Babbo, with his enterprising son and business partner, Santino, Jr., expanded the family business into New York City's Discothèque scene. Building Club Heat from an abandoned warehouse in the Canal district into one of the hottest nightclubs, and main rival to the legendary Steve Rubell’s, Studio 54. Creating media frenzies, celebrity sightings, two Rock and Roll sold-out shows a night and wait lines almost reaching the West Side Highway--