R.I.P. Vincent Scotto, chef at Gonzo

[Tom Steele]

Vinny died of a heart attack on Thursday. He was a friend, and a deeply gifted chef. For my tastes, his grilled pizza was as good as any pizza I've ever had. But there was much, much more going on at Gonzo. He will be missed terribly. Love and condolences to his friends and family, especially his wonderful sister Donna.

[stevetee]

i am saddened by this very much. vinny was such a great guy, he will be missed. way too young...
-bill telepan

[Deb Van D]

Very sad news and my condolences to his family and to you for the loss of a friend.. I am a real fan of the restaurant Gonzo, too, just like so many things about it.

[Tom Steele]

Hi there, Bill. Yes, when someone that filled with life goes, it's particularly sad. No one knows for sure what will become of Gonzo now. Hopefully, Donna will be able to keep it going. But it was so much about Vinny's unbridled culinary imagination. . . .

[capecod114]

I am family friend and had the pleasure of visiting his restuarant only once, but it was a tremendous meal and he was, as always, a terrific host. Amazing what he accomplished in the time he had - a true inspiration.

- Mike Larkin

[Dagmarvenus]

I cannot agree more with Tom......Vinnie and his family are dear friends of ours, and Vinny was kind of like my 'big' brother in the States... I met him about 9 years ago, and since then we developed a great friendship. He did an outstanding job organizing my wedding 5 years ago, and we've spend many holidays and parties cooking and creating together.....Such a talent.........A dear friend who will be deeply missed. I wish the Gonzo team much strength in dealing with this terribly tragic loss.

[Lynda Dias]

Chef Scotto influenced so many Hospitality Management students at New York City College of Technology at the Anna Nurse Culinary Workshop Series and giving so many of our freshman an opportunity to explore a day in his work-life! His generosity and enthusiasm for this industry will never be forgotten by our students.
Lynda Dias

[eastvillagegirl]

I am very sad to have just heard about the death of Vinny. He was a larger than life personality. I loved his restaurant, his food and the wonderful conversations I have had with Vinny regarding his love of traveling throughout Southeast Asia. He will be missed by many throughout the world.

[blanchita121]

I first met and enjoyed Vinny's wonderful pizzas at Scopa right after 9/11 when I had to live in the nearby Gershwin Hotel b/c I couldn't go back/live in my BPC apt. Vinny was always so warm and welcoming and we ate at Scopa almost every day/night. Then, I found Gonzo and proceeded to take my friends and family there on numerous occasions. They all loved his food and thanked me for introducing them to his restaurant. I was so shocked to read about his sudden death. God bless Vinny in that great kitchen in the sky, his sister, and the rest of his family and friends. In my opinion, he has THE BEST pizza -- anywhere!!

[debbygoldman]

My boyfriend and I eat at Gonzo about once a week. We love Vinny's food, hospitality, family. We are both so saddened at the loss of such a warm and wonderful friend and chef. Love and sympathy to his family, especially Donna. I hope that Gonzo lives on - Vinny would have wanted that.

We'll miss you Vinny. xxxx Debby & Howard

[Tom Steele]

I spoke with Vinny's lovely sister the other day, and she assured me that Gonzo will march onward, as Vinny would have wanted. Most of his staff has been with him for a very long time, and they'll be able to create all of his marvelous dishes and pizzas just as before. She has read this thread, and wants to thank all of you for your kind words. Now let's ALL go to Gonzo!!

[sing me a bar]

I'll be going over there in support of their soldiering on!

[floretbroccoli]

He was a talented chef and a lovely man. He always made me feel like a welcome regular whenever I saw him at Gonzo. So sad.

[ChefJoseph]

Vinny was a close friend and supporter of my career and my food. He was one of my biggest fans and I one of his. I was first introduced to him by Mario Batali in 1996 and worked for him at Fresco. With his death I have lost a moral and professional compass and the world has lost a larger than life human being and one of a kind Chef. He treated my family as his family and was never shy to share an opinion. We shared a magical trip to Venice a few years back which was made all the more interesting by having Vinny as a tour guide (the most autocratic tour guide on the face of the earth, but he was always right !). We dined together twice in the week before his death and I am now grateful to have spent those few hours with him.To quote a favorite film: "The light that burns twice as bright burns half as long". I think of him everyday.
Joseph A Cacace