They Lived Here – RUDOLPH VALENTINO

Located at 201-10 Cross Island Parkway, restaurant Caff on the Green is renowned for being the home of the beloved silent film legend, Rudolph Valentino.
Born on May 6, 1895 in Castellaneta, Italy, Valentino's juvenile antics caused his mother to enroll him in military school at age 13.
On December 9, 1913, Valentino boarded the U.S.S. Cleveland for America, not as a poor immigrant boy, but as an ambitious young man.
In order to support himself, he took jobs waiting tables in restaurants and gardening. This last job led him to the beautiful grounds surrounding his former home.
Built in 1919 by Valentino himself, Caff on the Green was meant to recreate the farmhouse where the movie idol was born. Here Valentino would entertain his lady friends. He proposed to his second wife, Natacha Rambova, in front of the still-standing original fireplace, located in the bar area. After modern renovations to the restaurant were concluded, the area was stocked with Valentino memorabilia and aptly titled, &#8220The Valentino Room.”
Prior to the construction of the highways and bridges, Valentino would frequently walk to the beach and utilized this home as a summer residence until his death in August 1926.
The death of this film legend did not lead to the death of the beautiful location. Considered one of the greatest mayors of New York City, Fiorello LaGuardia purchased the property in 1927. After being elected Mayor in 1934, he used this home as his summer version of Gracie Mansion.
Finally, in 1989, Caff on the Green obtained the land and undertook a two-year extensive restoration. In the tradition of its greatness, Caff on the Green has been named one of the five best restaurants in New York.