Pietro Bartocci

Born and raised in Rome, Italy and a graduate of the University of Rome, he moved to New York City in 1981 and married Dr. Mary Elacqua OB/GYN and began attending N.Y.U. as an art history major while directing an art studio. An idea to show “food is Art” began to emerge with a desire to open an Italian restaurant.  'Via Della Pace' on East 7th was opened 15 years ago demonstrating his vision. In 1996 while vacationing in St. Croix he and Mary found a house they would call home. During the next twelve years as a resident of the Virgin Islands his desire to share “Art is Food” with friends and family on St Croix has given birth to the Italian VI Trading Company.

Mitch Amarando

Born in Brooklyn, NY and raised by Sicillian parents he was always surrounded by homemade old world foods, wines and pasta, some of which he was required to learn how to make as young as 6 years old.  This daily pleasure of making life’s necessity cultivated a palate of excellence for quality rustic Italian foods and wines. Educated with a degree in Educational Psychopathology  and a desire for adventure he relocated to St. Croix. Never practicing his vocational training a new career emerged in the restaurant service industry. In no way straying far from childhood Italian provisions the newfound excitement came through the parings of fantastic cuisines to fine wines.

The passion between these two men to provide interesting, fascinating Italian provisions and a close genuine camaraderie gave birth to the important company providing superior quality Italian products.

Chi Mangia E Beve Italiano . . . Campa Cento Anni
Eat, Drink Italian and live 100 years!