2017 Pasta Bowl: Which Staten Island restaurants took home trophies?

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Taste-tests are in and Community Resources in Travis reports the winners of its annual Pasta Bowl showdown, a fundraiser and cooking competition. And the traveling trophy goes to -- wait for it -- Peter Botros of The Stone House in Clove Lakes Park with a ravioli-on-meatball recipe.

"Being active with local charitable organizations is something that I really enjoy and make an important part of the culture at The Stone House," said proprietor Botros, who personally cooked and presented two dishes. It is his second year at the competition: Last year's creations included a Blueberry Mac 'n' Cheese.

Although interaction with revelers in the room is the typically the fun part for Botros and he recognizes the charity aspect, he likes to compete.

Botros' dishes for the afternoon included two pastas and he explained them in detail: "First was a meatball-stuffed ravioli with a sweet and spicy marinara sauce, whipped ricotta cheese, Parmigiana Reggiano and basil oil. The second was a dessert ravioli with strawberry-Nutella ravioli in coconut-cream sauce with butter-toasted coconut."

Delectable samples and accolades around the room continued with more recognition of local chefs.

For instance, Mario's Restaurant of Dongan Hills took the venerable "Chef's Choice" award. In third place was Giovanni's Trattoria of Eltingville.

Second place went to Canlon's Restaurant in Oakwood.

Mario's "Tagliatelle al Limone" dressed with pesto is a favorite at his upscale trattoria which features the dish on its Wednesday unlimited Pasta Nights.

"We are glad and honored to participate -- it was a great turn out and a lot of fun," said Mario who cooked for approximately 500 guests.

Says second place winner Eddie "Jet" Canlon, "Giving back to the Staten Island community is a way for me to express my gratitude. I am truly blessed to be in a position to help others."

Participating restaurants additionally included A Taste of Honey Caterers in Travis, Aunt Butchie's of Brooklyn located in Richmond Valley, Bocelli of Grasmere, Cafe Del Mondo of Willowbrook, the College of Staten Island Cafe in Willowbrook,
Canlon's of Oakwood, Community Resources Chefs of Travis, Da Noi of Fort Wadsworth and Travis, Jimmy Max of Westerleigh, South Fin Grill of South Beach and Trattoria Romana of Dongan Hills.

The "People's Choice" winner, Stone House at Clove Lakes and its restaurant-within-a-restaurant, Chef's Loft, will keep the traveling trophy for the year.

As Executive Director Dana T. Magee said in his remarks: "This event happens totally through the efforts of volunteers, including many of our own staff who give up their time and work very hard to get everything ready for today and are here again this afternoon to help out."

He extended hearty a 'thank you' to each restaurant, bakery and volunteer who added to a feast replete with wine and soft drinks.

"You all make it possible for Community Resources to continue fulfilling our commitment to Staten Islanders with special needs and their families," he said. Community Resources is a non-profit provider for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and/or a mental health diagnosis.

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