Our Story

Casa Di Longobari is a traditional family Italian Cafe run by Castrese and Lori Longobardi.

Meet Castrese & Lori Longobardi: A Culinary Legacy Born of Love, Castrese and Lori are keeping their rich family traditions alive—and sharing them with you, one flavorful dish at a time.

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Chef Castrese, born in Naples, Italy, and immigrated to the United States in 1989, is a master of his craft, with a deep-rooted knowledge of how good food should look, feel, and most importantly, taste. Taught by generations before him, he learned early on that the secret to exceptional cuisine lies in using only the finest ingredients—just as any true Italian would insist.

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Together with his wife Lori, they honor their heritage by combining fresh, locally grown produce from their farm with the highest quality imported ingredients from Italy—crafting authentic Italian dishes made especially for you. Their not-so-secret ingredients? Love and passion. Their food doesn’t just satisfy hunger—it warms the heart, feeds the soul, and brings pure joy to every bite.

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About Chef Castrese

Chef Castrese Longobardi was raised on a bustling farm in Naples, Italy, the 3rd oldest of eleven siblings. His father was a respected fruit merchant, renowned across Italy for his integrity and dedication to quality. His mother ran the farm and ruled the kitchen. From her, young Castrese learned to cook with purpose and pride. Every meal she made was a symphony of flavors—crafted from scratch using homegrown ingredients she harvested with her own hands. Her signature dishes—chicken cacciatore, roast pork, fresh pasta with sauce, and rustic pizza—inspired a lifelong passion in her children. That passion turned into a family legacy, as two of Castrese’s sisters and one brother went on to open successful restaurants in Naples, Florida; Naples, Italy; and Baltimore, Maryland. Castrese himself founded the beloved Lenny’s Pizzeria in Brooklyn, a landmark eatery now run by his son. Since coming to live in Sullivan County, Cas assisted with the reopening of Bum & Kells, Loch Sheldrake, opened Parksville Pizza (Mobile Gas Station), Casa Di Longobardi, Swan Lake, and now Casi Di Longobardi Cafe, Italian Imports and Catering, Liberty New York.

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About Lori

Lori is a proud second-generation Italian American whose roots trace back to Abruzzo, Italy. She grew up in Schenectady, New York, in a vibrant Italian-American neighborhood filled with old-world charm and tradition. Her grandfather, Alfred—affectionately known as “Bebop”—was a spirited forager, musician, and gardener. He scoured the countryside for ingredients to pickle and jar the traditional way, just like they did back in Italy. His garden overflowed with vegetables, and his love for life overflowed into song—whether he was playing lively Italian melodies or hymns of praise like “How Great Thou Art.”

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Lori’s grandmother, MeMe, was the heart of the home. Generous, kind, and deeply rooted in faith, MeMe had a gift for making everyone feel welcome. Her kitchen was a haven, where the table groaned under the weight of homemade pasta, chicken cutlets, meatballs, rabbit, antipasto, and love. Her legendary sauce recipe—treasured by family and friends—was so beloved that she and Bebop launched a sauce company called Alfredo’s in the early 1950s. It took off quickly, but due to post-war rubber shortages used for jar seals, they eventually had to shut it down.

Lori inherited her culinary gifts from her mother, Sandra, with whom she continues to share cherished family recipes. Together, they celebrate their Italian-American roots every time they cook.

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A Taste of Italy, from Their Table to Yours

Castrese and Lori come from proud Italian lineages where cooking wasn’t just a skill—it was a sacred tradition. Both were raised to believe that food should be fresh, soulful, and made with heart. Now, they bring that legacy to you, one dish at a time.

So sit back, relax, and let them welcome you like famiglia—with a taste of Italy you won’t soon forget.

Buon appetito!

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