It’s their lucky perm!
As March Madness approaches, St. John’s University, Hofstra University, and Long Island University are tapping into a little something special. The secret? Delicious home-cooked meals from Vincent’s Clam Bar. They started catering for these Nassau County schools during the fall semester, just in time for their remarkable success this season.
Hofstra head coach Speedy Claxton is excited, saying there’s something “magical” about Vincent’s. He even mentioned he might drop by that evening, as his team is gearing up for their first NCAA Tournament game in 25 years.
Adelphi University is experiencing a similar upswing, recently making it to the NCAA Division II Tournament after having Carl Place Spot Meals as their catering partner.
“There might be something in the sauce,” joked Vincent’s manager, Danny Pepi, who was attending the Big East Tournament alongside owner Bobby Marisi, both cheering for Johnny. Pepi noted how incredible it was to see so many teams together and thriving.
Stir the pot
Hofstra, which had been on the longest tournament drought among the four schools, shared one last meal at the Clam Bar before sweeping the Coastal Athletic Association in Washington. Pepi said, “We fed them that week. Their blood was literally gushing out on the court in sweet sauce.”
He joked about the power of their food, recalling the tradition of NHL teams stopping by before facing the Islanders at Nassau Coliseum. “It’s strange. We have a pretty good track record of folks coming in and winning the next night,” he commented.
Whether it’s superstition or not, this popular spot has become a second home for big-name athletes like Don Mattingly, Tom Seaver, and Joe Namath. Coaches like Claxton, St. John’s Rick Pitino, and LIU’s Rod Strickland are not exceptions. They, along with other celebs like Chazz Palminteri and Hilary Duff, have their own nameplates on the restaurant’s booths.
Each team, along with Adelphi, has a special dish at the iconic restaurant, and Pepi shared that Pitino loved his plate so much he took it home. The Red Storm enjoyed celebrating Selection Sunday with their favorite red sauce last year, and they’re doing it again as they head into Big East regular season championships.
Vincent plans to bring Hofstra a Sunday dinner on campus once more this year. Pepi anticipated it might be a tough year to replicate last year’s success.
Stay hungry
After practices, the players go after food like “thoroughbreds,” according to Marisi, but he needs to prepare enough for 50 to satisfy the hungry group of 30. “A lot of guys eat Alfredo, or just plain grilled chicken mixed with vegetables,” Pepi said, adding that sometimes he switches things up with steak.
When it comes to coaches like Pitino, Claxton, Strickland, and Adelphi’s Dave Duke, their tastes align. “It’s definitely chicken parm,” Pepi mentioned. Winning coaches don’t stray much from their usual orders, though they might occasionally add a Caesar salad or some penne alla vodka.
Pitino prefers a sweet, mild red sauce, while Claxton has been adventurous, trying out spicier varieties. “When you go there, you don’t have to order,” Claxton commented, often finishing his meal with a hot brownie à la mode.
Claxton also expressed enthusiasm for another Italian favorite, Lobquez from North Port, who’s been welcomed back since winning NBA championships with the Spurs. The reception he received was wild. “As he walked through the dining room, everyone went completely crazy,” said owner Louis Selvaggio about the scene on Thursday night. “The whole place was giving him a standing ovation. Then he came back for the encore and everyone was clapping. It was insane. Literally insane.”
