N.Y. independent pizza operator first to eliminate trans-fats

PLEASANT VALLEY, N.Y.  — Carlo D'aquinni, owner of Amore Pizzeria & Café, welcomed the recent ban on trans-fats in New York. D'aquinni claims he was the first New York restaurateur to eliminate trans-fats.  

 

"I made the change a few weeks ago, given the facts about the health concerns it's something I wanted to do," D'aquinni said. "It made good sense all around."

  

D'aquinni said his restaurant experience has taught him that having empathy for the customer's concerns is a key to success. He said the city's health concerns were top of mind.  

 

"At our store we are feeding friends, family and our community," he said. "The added (food) cost is secondary to their health."

 

According to a news release, most artificial trans-fats are found in partially hydrogenated vegetable oil, which is used for baking and frying and is found in many processed foods. Those trans-fats also are in margarine and some shortening.  D'aquinni's menu will see changes in French fries, mozzarella sticks, onion rings, jalapeno poppers, toasted ravioli, chicken fingers and fried calamari.