An annual restaurant crawl in New Dorp saw its biggest turnout ever on Sunday. NY1's Aaron Dickens filed the following report.
The line for just a taste of pasta from La Strada Restaurant stretched down the block Sunday. But, Jo DeCicco and her husband say it's was worth the wait.
"Because it's delicious, said Jo DeCicco.
"People are coming out. Everything is great. We have a fantastic day. Its a win win situation," said Mike DeCicco.
More than 1,000 people turned out for the 2nd annual restaurant crawl on New Dorp Lane. It was organized by Councilman Steve Matteo's Office and The New Dorp Merchants Group.
"Alot of our merchants are out selling. They are giving out coupons and percentages off to come back to the lane at another time," said the merchants group.
The crawl is one of several events the merchant's group has organized since it started 2 years ago. The group is made up of about 100 business owners. With funds allocated by Matteo, the group is able to fund other important things as well such as private trash pick-up, landscaping, and a marketing campaign for the business district.
"We believe that slowly but surely the exposure is becoming more available to people. I think its slowly happening it does take a lot of work. We are working everyday," said a business owner.
In addition to the great food, people took in live performances. Dancers and bands performed in front of restaurants down the lane. It was also the first year that New Dorp Lane was blocked off to traffic and it was a big hit among those who came out."
"It allows everyone to walk around freely we set up tables so people can get food to sit down and relax," said city councilman Steve Matteo.
"Staten Island thrives on small businesses. It's important to support them," said a local resident.
The merchants group says six new business are expected to open in the area, including a few new restaurants, in the coming months.