STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Kim Leo is back in the spotlight with her signature meatballs, scungilli and breadcrumbs—but this time, she’s sharing her secrets in print. In a recent live interview from her kitchen at On Your Mark, the longtime restaurant owner and caterer walked viewers through a serving of penne alla vodka while sharing the stories, techniques and traditions behind her new cookbook and her upcoming book signings.
The next signing of 60-page “Kim Cooks” takes place Thursday at Casa Belvedere at 6 p.m. at 79 Howard Avenue. Over about 90 minutes, guests can meet Leo, watch her cook and hear her talk about the 20 core recipes that have shaped her three-decade career in food service. Admission is $50 for non-members and $35 for Casa Belvedere members.
Leo operates Kim Cooks, the catering business she built on years of feeding the Staten Island community. “Never had a bad dish she creates!” wrote Lauren Mazza Alfano during the broadcast, echoing a sentiment repeated across dozens of comments. Leo currently works from On Your Mark, the nonprofit at 129 Clinton Avenue that serves people with special needs, where she teaches cooking classes to both students and elderly community members. About a year ago, she had been invited to work in the space by the organization…