Friendly Encounters: Gene Steratore and Anthony Pinello

This is a weekly series featuring friends who have met celebrities.

The origin of my friendship with Anthony Pinella started with Coca-Cola. The Pinella family owns Rex Italian Foods in Norridge, IL.and they had fantastic fountain Coke! While working or just in the area, I would always stop at Rex and get a Coke (and usually a cannoli, too).
I liked their Coke so much, it prompted me to write a story in the (now defunct) Lerner Newspapers, about my search for the best fountain Coke in the area. I went into the story knowing I loved the Coke at Rex, but I was willing to try fountain Coke at other places (all for the sake of the story, of course).
In the end, I honestly felt Rex had the best of what I tried (and I tried a lot). The White Hen near my house came in second and the Shell Station at Harlem and Higgins in Chicago came in third. Ironically, within a few months, all three stopped serving Coke. Fortunately, since then, Kostner Korner (previously the White Hen) and the Shell Station have brought back Coke.
Oh Rex, how could you turn your back on Coke? In all fairness, I still stop at Rex for my cannoli (and other food) needs. They do have many great dishes there.
Recently, NFL referee Gene Steratore paid a visit to Rex. Steratore was the Head Official for Super Bowl 52 earlier this year. Although he lives near Pittsburgh, apparently he heard about the delicious offerings at Rex Italian Foods and visited it on a trip to Chicago.
I usually still poke at Anthony about bringing back Coke. Even without Coke, it is still worth a visit (and that is a strong statement, considering my love for Coke). If you're in the Norridge area, check out Rex Italian Foods and tell them Johngy sent you (and to bring back Coke).

Gene Steratore and Anthony Pinella in Norridge, IL-February 2017.

Friendly Encounters: Anthony Pinello Meets Guy Fieri

This is a weekly series featuring friends who have met celebrities.

I have been going to Rex Italian Foods on the northwest side of Chicago for year.  During my time at Lerner Newspapers, I wrote a story and listed Rex's as the #1 place for a fountain Coke in the area.  Their cup size was my only complaint.  They hung that article in their store for years and also added larger size options to their fountain beverages.

Last year, food star Guy Fieri featured Rex's on his show, Drive-Ins, Diners and Dives.  Oh sure, Fieri can big shot himself all over the place, but where was he ten years ago when I was heralding Rex's?  Anyone can "find" gems like Rex's when you are already famous and peole are sending in tips all of the time, but a real journalist (like me) finds these gems on his own.

Don't get me wrong, I like Fieri and I like Rex's.  Both are winners in my book.  I just can't help but feel a little left out.  Maybe I should have my own DDD-type show where I seek out great fountain Cokes around the country.

Oh sure, you laugh now,. but true Coke connoisseurs will understand and appreciate that.  People laughed when I wrote that original story, but it got a great response.  I have even heard that Fieri's people read it and that lead them to their DDD segment at Rex's.

I am glad that Rex's got the publicity.  The Pinello family is a great bunch.  They are friendly, lively and they make excellent food.  My only real complaint is that they have switched to the other beverage.  It looks like I have some work to do!

Anthony and Renata Pinello and Guy Fieri in Norridge, IL-July 2012.