Would you say no to Robert DeNiro?

Evidently, actor Robert DeNiro was so impressed with his visit to Chazz: A Bronx Original this past Saturday that he told his friend Chazz Palminteri, a restaurant partner, that he wanted him to consider opening his next restaurant in New York City.

I'm not sure what Chazz's answer was, but when I talked to him this summer before the Harbor East restaurant was even open, he said that he was already considering opening six or seven Chazz restaurants throughout the country. He mentioned Las Vegas and Atlantic City as possible future spots.

I guess he better think about NYC, too.

DeNiro and Chazz, pictured at the restaurant, have been friends since DeNiro made his directorial debut in the movie A Bronx Tale (1993), which starred Chazz.

For lunch on Saturday, DeNiro's group enjoyed the veal meatball appetizer with fresh whipped ricotta cheese, a pizza made with burrata cheese, a caprese salad, penne with blackened chicken, and a few of the homemade desserts.

DeNiro was on his way to the Kennedy Center Honors program in D.C.

Photo courtesy of Edith Williams of Diamond Digital Portraits