Today we’d like to introduce you to Jacqueline Pirolo.
Jacqueline, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My career in hospitality began with serving tables at Restaurant Joanina in Huntington, NY in 2007. I for sure fibbed and said I had restaurant experience to get the job, which became very apparent in hour one of training. Thankfully the owners were willing to give me a chance and I worked there for close to 6 years.
I tried to at one point pursue a career in television/film production – but even kept a part-time job at Joanina because yes production paid me pennies, but also I loved the restaurant environment. This place truly sparked my passion for this industry.
My brothers and I decided to venture out on our own and opened The Saint Austere in 2011 in Brooklyn, NY; a small 30-seat neighborhood restaurant that was open for just shy of 10 years. My brother and his wife (now my partners) opened Macchialina in 2012. I moved to Miami to balance out the sibling equation in 2016 and the rest is history. I love this city and the camaraderie that exists here with the hospitality world.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It’s not always a smooth road and at times still isn’t. Both The Saint Austere and Macchialina weren’t busy from day one. Trying to make yourself known while staying excited and confident in the product you’re putting out there in a slow restaurant that is having a tough time either paying bills, hiring people, or both is one of the hardest challenges I had to face. Your regular clientele, the people who truly support the restaurant day in and day out really helped.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Macchialina?
Located in South Beach’s residential west side community; critics, locals, and in-the-know tourists flock to the casually elegant eatery for chef Michael Pirolo’s rustic yet sophisticated, Italian fare. Heavy on hospitality but light on pretense, a quaint, NYC-inspired setting, big, robust flavors, and outstanding service are the foundation of Macchialina’s success.
Managing Partner, Jacqueline Pirolo’s ambitious wine program at Macchialina prides itself on a selection of predominately Italian wines (with the exception of Champagne) sourced from estate-grown grapes and boutique growers — many hard to find. Pirolo strives to highlight lesser-known, fringe varietals from winemakers that farm with a respect to nature. She, along with her team, uses their personal expertise to tell the story of the farmers and families cultivating these wines.
Macchialina has become known for their half bottles program, offering every single selection in half-bottle format (through a coravin system). Simply put, it’s half the bottle for half the price. All bottles that have been coravined then become a by-the-glass special, where guests are encouraged to ask Pirolo, “what are you pouring this evening?”
In 2021 Jacqueline launched her wine club, a monthly subscription with a changing theme allowing her to stretch her wings beyond Italy. Opened in late June 2012, no doubt this sense of being “family” comes from the fact that Macchialina is a family affair. Mike and Jen are business and life partners and the chef’s sister Jackie, serves as a partner, and beverage director while also handling daily operations at the restaurant. The team has plans for a new project in Miami in 2023-2024- details are still being kept a secret.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
As a child, I loved performing and dancing. I always thought I would grow up to be a teacher. My 3 brothers were my whole world, I always looked up to them.
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.Macchialina.com
- Instagram: @macchialina and @lambrusco574
