David Muir recently explored Rubirosa, a renowned Italian-American restaurant in New York City’s Nolita neighborhood, famous for its exquisite pasta sauces. This visit was part of a special segment on “World News Tonight” where Muir joined Oprah Winfrey to celebrate her ‘Favorite Things’ for 2025, showcasing American-made products. For five consecutive years, Winfrey has spotlighted various small businesses across the country, marking the occasion with the Made in America Christmas series.
Among the highlighted businesses is Rubirosa, which was founded in 2009 and successfully carries on a family culinary legacy. Maria Pappalardo, who took over the restaurant in 2015, hails from a family of restaurateurs; her father established the beloved “Joe and Pat’s” pizzeria on Staten Island back in 1960 after emigrating from Naples, Italy. Pappalardo’s commitment to authenticity and tradition is reflected in their dishes, which are inspired by her family’s original recipes.
During his visit, Muir sampled Rubirosa’s famous marinara and vodka sauces. Pappalardo detailed the simplicity of the marinara sauce, emphasizing its quality with just a few ingredients: plum tomatoes, garlic, oil, salt, and pepper. The ingredients are sourced with care, as the tomatoes are grown in California and the pasta is made in New York, embodying the spirit of local production.
For those unable to dine at the bustling restaurant, Rubirosa’s pasta sauces are available for purchase online, making it easier for fans to enjoy their flavors at home.
Alongside Rubirosa, Winfrey’s 2025 favorite things list features other notable businesses, including The Gourmet Chip Company from Asheville, North Carolina, Springs Fireplace’s Hot Sauce Trio Gift Set from East Hampton, New York, Stingray Spot Remover from Las Vegas, Nevada, and Gently Soap from Marietta, Georgia.
“World News Tonight with David Muir” will continue to shine a light on American-made businesses throughout December, promoting the importance of local entrepreneurship during the holiday season.