Welcome to Broadway Stages' Spotlight, where we feature local shops, restaurants, organizations, individuals, and venues. October is Italian American Heritage Month. Join Broadway Stages in honoring Italian Americans' values, culture, and contributions during this observance! This week, we visit Michael's of Brooklyn in the Marine Park neighborhood of Brooklyn!

Michael Cacace started Michael's of Brooklyn (MoB) as a small pizzeria in 1964. But good things don't just last. They grow. Today, MoB occupies an entire city block in the Marine Park neighborhood of Brooklyn. And it is still in the Cacace family. From the second generation, Fred Cacace runs the front of the house with his son, Michael. John, Fred's brother, helms the kitchen, but don't be surprised if you find him in the dining room chatting with customers.

“Trendy” is not a word you would use to describe MoB. Instead, they buck the trend to change with the times. The most commonly used word to describe MoB is “classy.” The dining room is illuminated by chandelier light and bedecked with wood paneling. It's an ample space with white tablecloths and servers in suits or uniforms. And to top the old-school experience off, a pianist accompanies your dinner.

The experience and atmosphere are remarkable, but the food keeps people coming. Generational recipes, lovingly handed down through the family, are used to craft inspired recipes. Are you a seafood lover? You'll have a hard time picking from their menu. Should you go with the veal scaloppini in a white wine sauce with tons of shrimp? But there's also the Lobster fried alla Michaels with shrimp that everyone raves about. Maybe you want to try the Rigatoni Vodka Baked N' Burnt (rigatoni with sausage and ricotta). But then you'll miss out on the braised rabbit cacciatore. Perhaps you should plan a few visits!

MoB's signature dish, the Veal Smash Job, should not be missed. The breaded-and-fried chop is topped with melty mozzarella and a sauce made from heirloom tomatoes, onions, and prosciutto. Whatever you choose, from delicious warm and cold antipasti and tantalizing pasta creations…to delectable seafood, veal, and poultry entrees, it will come with authentic touches like handmade mozzarella and meat that's butchered in-house.

Many customers rave about MoB's sauce. Some prefer the marinara sauce, a bright, fruity acidity, and plenty of garlic-imbued bits of tomato and peppery olive oil, and others the puttanesca made with olives, anchovies, and capers. So, obeying the laws of supply and demand, MoB listened. In addition to the restaurant, they are purveyors of sauce under the Michael's of Brooklyn brand. It is the only nationwide pasta sauce made and packed fresh in Brooklyn! You can find them at various retailers and online stores or order directly from MoB.

But don't get up from the table yet! No meal at MoB is complete without dessert. They offer a wide selection from which to choose straight from their dedicated pastry shop located right across the street. Those in the know say the Boston cream pie with fresh raspberries is exceptional!

Before you go, you can check the menu online for the current specials. If you are ready to eat, make a reservation or order online. They are open Tuesday through Sunday from Noon to 10 p.m. You can also follow them on Instagram and Facebook for more information and offers.

Broadway Stages shares traits with Michael's of Brooklyn, including tradition, family, and excellence in service. We know that success will come when you go above and beyond to give people an exceptional experience. Michael’s of Brooklyn offers a menu of hearty dishes served by a warm and friendly staff. But don't take our word. Visit them and discover why Michael's has been a Brooklyn institution for nearly half a century. And when you do, tell them Broadway Stages sent you!