BUON NATALI!

A student at Parsons with an eye for fashion design and a family-run restaurant — now busy for the holiday season — Natali Germanotta has her plate full, balancing life, school, and work so effortlessly it makes you wonder how she does it all.

That answer comes from the Germanotta’s strong work ethic – her sister Stefani just happens to be Lady Gaga, while parents Joe and Cynthia are about to celebrate their first year as owners of the wildly popular Upper West Side Joanne Trattoria with Natali at the forefront.

With midnight-noir hair, peaches and cream complexion, quick wit and talented, 20 year old Natali is just about everything you expect a chic New York girl would be – and for the rest of us secretly envy, in a good way.

“I do a little bit of everything and adore my family,” Natali gushes as her shifts consist of hosting, serving and working with the staff, who feel more like a family unit, each with a unique background of their own.

After nine years active duty for the U.S. Navy and a culinary degree from Johnson & Whales, Head Chef and Manager Travis Jones took a chance when celebrity Chef Art Smith suggested a move to New York to open a new restaurant. “If it means I have to cook the food myself, that’s what I will do. Joanne’s isn’t just a job, or just a restaurant, it’s my life”, Travis explains. And, you can see why, as Travis has excelled in all facets, proving his skills both in the kitchen and out. “I have been lucky enough to get the opportunities I have been given, take nothing for granted, work hard, make good food and make people happy. It’s what I do”, says Travis.

A student at Marymount Manhattan College, hostess Meg Larson infuses her infectious smile to the praise of customers night after night. Lucky for her parents, the staff keeps eye on her as she attends college, living in a big city for the first time- and Meg is just as thrilled. Diagnosed with Friedreich’s Ataxia, a form of muscular dystrophy, Larson will not let that stop her and better yet, define who she is and how important she is to the Joanne’s family.

Stand-Up Comedian and server Ben Hersey — a dead-ringer for President Obama — takes his job seriously. Infectiously funny and quick on his feet, he not only serves fantastic entrees but does so with a great big smile. His strong work ethic allowed him the opportunity to stay on when the previous owners sold the location.

You won’t need the best seat in the house to hear opera diva Meghan Joynt belt “Happy Birthday” to a lucky guest – the entire dining room falls to a hush as she takes center stage, she glows. Fans and diners alike adore her charming approach and uncanny ability to remember guest’s names, their favorite dishes and how they like them served.

With Joe and Cynthia as regular guests of Vince and Eddies (the original restaurant), an amazing friendship grew. Bar Manager Ana Tango, who worked in the building for sixteen years, was elated when the Germanottas had the opportunity to purchase and rebuild, asking Ana to stay on. Keeping Tango behind the bar was a no brainer; she keeps her glasses filled, cocktails poured and plenty of good conversation going.

Now, busy bustling tables have rested; the fireplace lets out the last of its flame like a great big yawn. The menu is in place and tomorrow’s reservations are confirmed – Joanne’s staff bid goodnight with touched cheeks and Yuletide greetings. Maybe the secret recipe of Joanne’s success will stay under lock and key but some of that enchanting ingredient, the delightful swirls of Italian spices, a glowing hearth, a family, staff and fortitude escapes more and more from its magic bottle — for that, we adore it.

Happy Holidays from Viral Fashion.

- Joey Adami