Illusionist Helps Bring The Magic Back To Dining Out In Mamaroneck

MAMARONECK, NY — Three long years of pandemic-related challenges have robbed the restaurant industry of some of its former enchantment, but while the magic never left one beloved Hudson Valley dining spot, a little extra razzle-dazzle is helping to remind eaters that a night out can be so much more than just a meal.

While there's no doubt that Nonna Carola's wonders in the kitchen helped the Sound Shore institution thrive during the strange days of our new normal, the wildly popular neighborhood meeting place is just getting started. If you think the veal chop with sliced potatoes, onions and peppers is a seemingly impossible feat of culinary creativity, just wait until you see this establishment's next trick.

Nonna Carola in Mamaroneck is featuring magician George Wells to add a mystical dimension to their dining experience. Wells' specialty is close-up magic, which is done within feet and sometimes inches of diners seated at their tables.

For Wells, the uniquely intimate venue not only allows him to practice the kind of magic that helps make a connection with his audience but also helps the crowd connect with each other.

"Seeing adults react with wonder and smiles on their faces is what it is all about," Wells told Patch. "Magic done close up is like no other experience and certainly beats the virtual world."

The magician said he aims to create astonishment and give his spectators a sense of wonder — something that was sorely lacking in our lives for too long.

"For me there is no better magic than up close magic," Wells said. "When you're watching on a computer screen, you always wonder if you're being taken in by a trick of the camera, but when the magician is right there, inches away, then you know it wasn't a Hollywood special effect."

Wells said it's gratifying that as we are emerging from lives lived on Zoom and social media, he can help remind us how much fun it is to interact in the real world. In his performances, Wells often borrows items from those participating. The intimate environment not only makes it evident that there aren't any shills or trick props involved, but it also gives the audience that much more of a reason to be invested in the payoff.

"I'm an illusionist. I never present myself as a wizard or something, but that doesn't make the performance any less wondrous," Wells explained. "It might be easier if I were a wizard. In my performance, you have to be perfect every time or the illusion is shattered."

That drive to perfection, however, might be the reason he won't be handing his wand down to the next generation of Wells anytime soon.

"I think I may have turned my son off to magic in the process," Wells recounted. "In a small space, every performance is different. When something really works, sometimes people want to know how it was done. Other people will just say, 'I don't care how it was done, that was amazing,' but there's always a moment you know that you've reached them. That makes all the practice and repetition worth it to me."

Nonna Carola plans to have a monthly "Magic Night" at their restaurant and says they are excited to offer the benefits of entertainment to an already time-tested dining experience.

"I have always liked magic and having this at our restaurant as a special evening will be something our customers will enjoy and make a great evening out," GM Deni Caka said.

Nonna Carola is located at 211 Mamaroneck Ave., in Mamaroneck.