It’s a fortuitous twist of fate, thanks to a mouthwatering secret. March Madness contenders St. John’s, Hofstra, and Long Island University have stumbled upon an unexpected ally in their triumphant seasons—delicious home-cooked meals from Vincent’s Clam Bar. This culinary institution began catering to the two Nassau County colleges during the fall semester, right before these teams experienced a surge in success.
“There’s something magical about Vincent’s,” declared Hofstra head coach Speedy Claxton in a conversation with The Post. Claxton, who is steering the Pride to their first NCAA Tournament appearance in 25 years, added with enthusiasm, “I might stop in there tonight, actually.”
The culinary magic doesn’t stop there. Adelphi University also found itself in the NCAA Division II tournament just months after indulging in Vincent’s well-loved dishes, having partnered with the eatery for catering services.
“There might be something in the sauce,” mused Vincent’s manager, Danny Pepi. Alongside owner Bobby Marisi, Pepi has been a dedicated presence at the Big East Tournament, passionately cheering on the Johnnies.
Even Adelphi University just made the NCAA Division II tournament a few months after chowing down on the Carle Place spot’s food as an official catering partner.
“There might be something in the sauce,” said Vincent’s manager, Danny Pepi, who, along with owner Bobby Marisi, has been at the Big East Tournament devoutly rooting on the Johnnies.
“We were all saying, ‘I can’t believe these guys are all making a run for it,’ ” he added of the unbelievable crossover.
Stir the pot
Hofstra, which had the longest tournament drought of the four teams, enjoyed a final meal at the clam bar off campus before conquering the Coastal Athletic Association in Washington.
“We catered them that whole week,” Pepi said. “Their blood was literally pumping with sweet sauce on the court.”
Pepi may not be pouring it on thick in saying their food is a good omen. It was a regular rite of passage for away NHL teams to stop in before playing the Islanders at their old home of the nearby Nassau Coliseum for luck.
“It’s weird. We have a good record of people coming in, and then the next night they end up winning,” Pepi said.
Superstition or not, the red sauce joint is home away from home for the athlete A-list like Don Mattingly, Tom Seaver, Bobby Nystrom and Joe Namath.
It’s no different for Claxton, St. John’s Rick Pitino or LIU coach, and former Knick, Rod Strickland — each of whom has their own name plate at booths and tables like the many other celebs, including Chazz Palminteri and Hillary Duff.
Their respective programs and Adelphi also have their own plates at the famous Long Island eatery, and Pitino loved his personal one so much that he took it home, Pepi said.
The Red Storm enjoyed red sauce at Vincent’s during last year’s Selection Sunday watch party and are running it back for a second year in a row, this time in Queens for the Big East regular season champs.
Vincent’s plans to feed Hofstra Sunday dinner on campus this year as well.
“If it’s anything like last year was, this is going to be electric,” Pepi said.
Staying hungry
Post-practice, the athletes go through trays of food “like thoroughbreds,” according to Marisi, who said they have to bring food for 50 to quell 30 ravenous players and staff.
“A lot of guys do alfredo, a lot of guys do plain, grilled chicken with mixed veggies,” Pepi said. “Sometimes they’ll mix it up, and they’ll do a steak.”
As for Pitino, Claxton, Strickland and Adelphi coach Dave Duke, their orders are unanimous.
“It’s the chicken parm, hands down,” Pepi said.
The winning coaches don’t stray from the game plan, except for sometimes tossing in a Caesar salad and penne alla vodka as well.
Pitino likes his red sauce on the sweet and mild side, while Claxton has been dabbling with the spicier stuff lately, according to the manager.
“When I go in there, I don’t have to state my order,” said Claxton, who finishes off his meal with a delectable hot brownie à la mode.
Claxton also showed love to another Italian favorite of his since returning home with the nets cut down — Robke’s in Northport, which gave the former Spurs NBA champ and Hofstra player a hero’s welcome.
“As he walked through the dining room, everyone just started going completely nuts,” owner Louie Selvaggio said of the Thursday night hysteria.
“The whole place was basically giving him a standing ovation. Then he came back for an encore and was clapping with everyone. It was insane, literally insane.”
