Rao’s famous New York restaurant was started in 1896 by Charles Rao. Through the years subsequent owners and Rao’s family members often wondered how they could bring this simple Southern Italian cooking to the customers they couldn’t fit into their tiny restaurant. Finally, in 1993, the owners developed the marinara sauce based on the recipe that had been passed down for generations. The most important criteria for making the sauce was that it had to be made with the same finest, freshest all natural ingredients that the restaurant used, without additives or fillers. It must taste just like the customer had made it fresh at home to serve their families that day, and it does. Amen Wardy Aspen carries a large selection of Rao’s sauces and pastas. Once you try them, you’ll understand why reservations at Rao’s restaurant are virtually impossible to get!