Biba Caggiano, owner of the critically acclaimed Biba Restaurant in midtown has been pleasing diners for two decades. She has authored eight cookbooks and is a favorite on local and national TV programs. Steve LaRosa caught her in her herb garden and posed some questions designed to capture another side of the popular restaurateur.
What’s in your garden?
Herbs—Rosemary, Sage, Mint, Oregano and Basil. It’s the back-up garden for the restaurant in case we run out late at night. In five minutes I can be at my house and zip in and out.
What does your name mean?
Nothing. It’s a nickname given to me at age 2 by an Aunt. She thought it was preposterous to name a 2year old Benilde. (Her real name)
How’d you get started?
I started cooking out of desperation. When we came from New York, I couldn’t find the ingredients I grew up with, so I learned. My palate saved me.
Is your husband Vince a good cook?
He’s not the best in the world. Once he made a meatloaf and not even the dog would it eat.
Embarrassing moment?
When I forget the names of people who’ve been coming to my restaurant for 20 years. And you know why? I’m not getting any younger.
Close encounters of the celebrity kind?
One day a group of people came in with a tall handsome, man who asked, “I know we’re late, but could we have lunch?” We stayed late to serve 007, Pierce Brosnan.
Who’s more handsome, Pierce or Vince?
Pierce. When Vince was younger, he was gorgeous too.
What do you make at home when you’re tired?
A mixed green salad with tuna imported from Italy, boiled eggs and onions. I put on my pajamas and watch Law & Order.
And when you’re really tired?
I eat peanut butter out of the jar and follow it with a glass of white wine.
What do you want people to know about Italian food?
That Italian food is still regional. If you go, eat and drink locally. If you’re in Rome, eat Roman food.
Where do you like to dine out?
Lemon Grass and 55 Degrees.
Hobby?
I think outside of my field, I’m the most boring person in the world…but I have a good sense of humor.
Personal hero—dead or alive?
I’m in awe of Alan Greenspan, because he’s in his later years and he’s one of the smartest people and has a purpose in life. People think when you hit 60, you should hang it up. I say baloney!
If you were president, what problem would you tackle?
More care and attention for foster children. When they hit 15, they’re turned loose. What are the odds for these kids?
Secret job you’ve dreamed of?
I have it.
But that’s no secret. Again?
I was a good actress as a kid. Once a boy I was acting with looked at the director and said, “I don’t want her, she’s not pretty.”
(We interject-You blew it Guiseppi!)
What film profoundly impacted you?
Two Women. Sophia Loren played a mother who came upon her daughter who had been raped by the Nazis. While bombs were falling all around, she was asking God, “Why, why?” I lived through the war. The Germans had occupied my home town of Bologna. I remember many things that were very sad.
Favorite record?
“Time to Say Good-Bye” with Andrea Bocelli and Sarah Brightman. It’s beautiful, vibrant and the words make you sad.
Guilty pleasure?
Clothes by Armani. I buy one or two pieces a year and hide the price from my husband.
LuxLife extravagance?
Staying in fine hotels when we travel to Italy. We do it because we’ve worked hard throughout our lives and this is a little reward.
Philosophy of Life?
Surround yourself with people you love, because they’re going to make you happy and a better person. For me, it’s my family, then my friends, then my second family (everybody at my restaurant), then the rest of the world, because I love people.
