Anna Maria's Wine Bar Wins Notice By Doing Good

RYE, NY — Anna Maria's Wine Bar in Rye received attention this spring on two different foodie fronts.

It earned a listing in the Dine Back Better guide for New York published by One Fair Wage, a national nonprofit organization that advocates on behalf of restaurant and service workers, to help New Yorkers find restaurants that are paying workers a full minimum wage with tips on top.

Plus, the Wine Bar was a runner-up in the New York High Road Restaurant Awards for Gender Equity Independent Restaurant of the Year, making a showing in a crowded field of mostly New York City eateries.

Anna Maria Santorelli's resume ranges from working in multiple culinary areas at Gracie Mansion under three different New York City mayors, to operating a successful restaurant in Larchmont for 13 years. In 2020 she brought her passion for food and wine to the community of Rye with the upscale but cosy wine bar.

"As with all businesses that I've been affiliated with, my wine bar fosters a warm and welcoming environment, regardless of gender, race or ethnicity," Santorelli told Patch. "It's a place where patrons from all walks of life feel like friends. I am humbled for that philosophy to be recognized with our recent nomination for "Gender Equity Restaurant of the Year" through the High Road Awards. It certainly came as a surprise, but one that is very much appreciated!"

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