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About Us
Our Beginning
Nuvolari's has been a Northshore institution for over 37 years. Founded by Rick Calucci and Paul Murphy in 1983, it sits a few blocks from beautiful Lake Pontchartrain in Old Mandeville.
Stepping into Nuvolari's, its easy to see its lasting appeal. A true classic that has stood the test of time – exquisite wood detailing, charming etched windows, and its eclectic neon green outside signage, they just don’t make ‘em like this anymore. You can eat there weekly and spot an enchanting detail you never noticed before.
Chef Josh began working for Paul and Rick in 2016 at their other restaurant institution, Jacmel Inn, in Hammond, LA. It turned out to be the start of a significant relationship and partnership for all three of them.
Over the years, Chef Josh was able to contribute to what would become some of the best years for Jacmel Inn. After a long and very lustrous career for Paul and Rick, there was no question who should take over Nuvolari's when it was time to finally retire – the one Chef they had full faith in.
Continuing the Tradition
Chef Josh was able to pick up where they left off and its safe to say that he has put as much sweat and tears into it in 2022 just as Paul and Rick did in 1983.
Without question, it is, and will always be, a family-owned, neighborhood restaurant dedicated to its patrons. Offering only the freshest ingredients and all handmade pastas, Nuvolari's is best described as modern Italian with traditional roots. Come in, grab a seat, order a glass of wine, and get fed.
If you happen to sit at the bar next to a man in his 60’s that will inevitably know someone in your family and probably grew up in his neighborhood, he will talk to you for a while, its probably Chef Josh’s dad. Say hi to him for us!
Chef Josh Garic
Chef Josh began his culinary career like all the best chefs do – watching and learning from family – especially at Sunday dinner with his parents, grandparents, and cousins. When college came, he realized life would be best if he made a living doing the one thing he had passion for – food.
He hopped on a plane and landed in Hyde Park, NY at the elite Culinary Institute of America studying under the guidance of certified master chefs. After Katrina, Josh realized that there was no place like home. And although I cannot confirm that he clicked his heels together, he knew he had to be back in the land of crawfish and Louisiana blue crabs.
Since then, he has taken home many honors and accolades including 1st Place at the Louisiana Food and Wine Experience and being the founder of the first New Orleans supper club, The Salty Swine.
It goes without saying though, that Josh’s most meaningful accomplishment, is his family. His 2 kids can be found watching and learning, just as he did, either in the kitchen of Nuvolari's, or his kitchen in Madisonville.
In the rare time that he is not at the restaurant, he is typically on his little bass boat coasting down the Bogue Falaya.
Rene Schnell
Hailing from Arabi, LA, Rene has been working in the restaurant Industry for over 30 years, running food and beverage operations for some of the biggest hotels in New Orleans. Rene has been able to hit the ground running here at Novolari's by completely reforming the staff to have the tools that boost the guest experience in the best possible way.
As a member of The Guild of Sommeliers, Rene lives the quote that life is too short to drink bad wine. Rene has developed award winning wine programs throughout both Louisiana and Florida.
When he is not thinking of ways to improve the front of the house, you can find him enjoying his life in Old Mandeville with his family or hunting deer and in shore fishing.
The next time you’re in Novolari's, do yourself a favor and ask him to recommend a wine. You won’t be disappointed.