Hoping to lure some NYC empanada-makers (pictured in front) to fill the last storefront in her building of half-million-dollar condos, downtown developer Andrea Christie Pizziconi (pictured with plate) invited them to a party packed with young New Haven enthusiasts.
Pizziconi, the former Yale development office rep who got Gourmet Heaven to come to New Haven, now co-owns, with the Christie Wareck Company, the building of half-million dollar condos at Church and Center Streets. Upstairs sit 13 upscale lofts, set to be finished in October. Downstairs sits the hopping Dunkin’ Donuts. Next door, Gourmet Heaven owners plan to open a market called Le Bon Marche. One storefront in the building is still up for grabs.
Around the corner from her apartment in NYC, Pizziconi discovered these folks at Ruben’s Empanadas. Their empanadas, traditional South American savory pies, are baked in the oven like a hot pocket. Some are made in the traditional Argentinian style, such as sausage or tuna and egg. Others bear trendier mixes — anything from vegetarian chili with tofu to a western omelet.
Pizziconi wants Ruben’s, which has four restaurants in the city, to open a fifth in New Haven. She mentioned the idea a week ago, with an effusive sales pitch: People waiting at the bus stop will pop in for a cheap bite. Deal-seeking students will flock in. At night, Crown Street clubbers will drop by for wine.
“If you’re still on the fence, you have to meet New Haven,” she told the crew. “I’ll throw you a party!” Saturday, she threw them a party at one of the half-million dollar lofts.
She brought everyone to the table Saturday night to amplify the pitch: Town Green’s Scott Healy, Yale Office of New Haven and State Affairs’ Reggie Soloman, mayoral aide Jessie Phillips, The Group With No Name’s Janna Wagner, and a slew of young professionals excited about the city and the loft’s dance floor.
What did the Manhattaners think of the Elm City?
“A lot of young people, professionals, I think it’s the perfect spot,” said Mauricio Chavez (pictured above, second from right). Chavez manages two of the New York stores. His counterpart, Jorge Franco (above at far right), however, said he wanted to get a better look in the daylight to see how many potential lunch customers would be walking around the streets.
Marcela Velazquez (above at left) said they’re used to a super-busy lunch hour in Soho. “The pace is insane! If you don’t know [your order], we send you out the door.”
The trio left to a standing applause. Stay tuned to see if they, and their empanadas, will be back.