Danny DeVito Takes Huntington by Storm

Although snow forecast by meteorologists did not arrive Saturday,  a totally different kind of whirlwind took Huntington by storm last Saturday.

Danny DeVito, the actor, director and producer, who first gained renown on Taxi, was in town to promote his new premium Limoncello at Bottles and Cases on East Main Street. He developed the brand to make the most of a drunken morning appearance in 2006 on ABC's The View, which he blamed on a long night out with George Clooney, saying on the show, "I knew it was the last seven limoncellos that was going to get me."

The  lemony liqueur, limoncello, has long been all the rage in Italy where it is served ice cold as a digestive after large meals. Boasting the perfect blend of citrusy sweetness, DeVito's premium Limoncello is created from all natural ingredients and what many consider to be the world's finest lemons- the organic Sorrento lemons which hail from southwestern Italy.

Christina Gennaro Ball of Northport, who attended the event with her husband, John, and her daughter's teacup Yorkie, Emmie Doodles, said that John arrived at the store several hours early to secure the first place on line.

"John was an extra in Last Action Hero and he has always been a fan," Ball said of her husband's appearance in the 1993 film starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, in which DeVito lent his voice to an animated cat detective, Whiskers.

She and her husband are no strangers to Limoncello, Ball said.

"We have family in Sorrento and we drank it around the clock. The lemons in Italy are to die for," Ball said, adding that she and her husband brought a case and will be giving bottles as Christmas gifts.

Joan Polla of Northport, who was in attendance with husband, James, said that DeVito's performances in films such as Matilda, Throw Mama From The Train and One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest have made DeVito a family favorite.

"He is very sincere and genuine, and has a lot of energy," Joan said. "He is very accessible. You could see him in your house at your table."

Joan, who purchased three bottles, said that she is looking forward to trying the bottle's "scratch and sniff" feature. According to www.dannyslimoncello.com,the bottle is a beverage industry first, and by scratching an image of a lemon customers can preview the enticing scent of a Sorrento lemon.

The Pollas fell in love with the taste of limoncello when they first sampled it in Italy about 10 years ago, James said.

Wine-making is a family tradition and he expects DeVito's Limoncello to be a big hit with his friends and relatives. "I can't wait to sit down to dinner and enjoy it," James added.

According to Mark Herman, the general manager of Bottles and Cases, 2,500 to 3,000 DeVito fans turned out for the event and more than 2,000 bottles of Limoncello were sold. News of the star's appearance drew fans from as far as Philadelphia, Massachusetts and Canada, he indicated, adding that DeVito autographed bottles for

"Danny DeVito signed every last bottle and every customer left with a smile," Herman said of the six-hour signing engagement.

He has been all over the country and this was the most successful appearances. There's talk about him coming back, Herman added.

DeVito's Limoncello is marketed by the Iconic Brands, a Lindenhurst-based firm known for its high quality, celebrity-branded alcoholic beverages.

Bottles and Cases is located at 99 East Main St., Huntington. For information about DeVito's premium Limoncello, or to learn more about their in-store tasting calendar, call (631) 423-9463 or visit:

www.bottlesandcases.com

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