Well-known local restaurant/bar owners Vincent Mancari, 82 and Ernest A. Pala, 84, of Newark, died this week.
Pala owned Pala’s World’s Worst Pizza on Union Street in Wilmington for many years.
Mancari was the popular host and owner of Vincente’s Restaurant that operated for half a century in the Delaware area.
He was best known for preparing the establishment’s signature caesar salad in front of delighted customers, while wearing his distinctive red jacket.
Vincente’s was a go-to spot for many years and hosted many a business lunch and dinner from its locations in Wilmington’s Little Italy and later in north Wilmington and Glen Mills, Pa. The restaurant featured Italian food as well as desserts such as Bananas Foster. Mancari often offered a “talking menu.”
Several years ago, the restaurant returned to Delaware with a location on Kirkwood Highway and Mancari was often on hand to greet customers and prepare the salad.
Pala’s Little Italy establishment, contrary to its name, was well known for its tasty pizza and for keeping its status as a 21 or over tavern. Many a family going out for dinner and not knowing the status of the establishment was politely asked to leave.
Friends can call at the Doherty Funeral Home, 3200 Limestone Road, Pike Creek on Monday, December 2 between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. Mass will be celebrated at St. Mary of the Assumption Church, 7200 Lancaster Pike, Hockessin on Tuesday, December 3 at 11 a.m. Burial is private.
A Memorial Service for Pala will be held at the Arcaro Funeral Home, 2309 Lancaster Ave. in Wilmington, on Sunday afternoon, December 1 at 2 p.m.. Burial will be held privately at a later date.
