Newsroom
Explore our latest press releases as well as news mentions.
Cornicello's "I'll Have What Amy's Having" Crowned Seacoast's Best Cocktail
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Cornicello's "I'll Have What Amy's Having" Crowned Seacoast's Best Cocktail EXETER, NH – Cornicello, an authentic Italian restaurant in Exeter, is thrilled to announce that its signature cocktail, "I'll Have What Amy's Having," has won the prestigious Great Cocktail Challenge, hosted by the Exeter Area Chamber of Commerce. The victory was announced on July 31st 2025, following a two-week contest where residents of the Seacoast region of NH voted for their favorite drinks from over 20 participating establishments across the Seacoast. The winning cocktail, a vibrant and harmonious blend of Bulleit Bourbon, Chinola Passionfruit Liqueur, Licor 43, and fresh lemon juice, was created by Cornicello's Executive Bar Director, Michelle, affectionately known to regulars as “Doc.” The drink’s name and inspiration came from one of the restaurant’s most cherished regulars, Amy, whose love for passionfruit sparked the recipe. The name was born organically when Amy's friend simply told a server, "I'll have what Amy's having." "This win is a testament to the incredible talent and dedication of our entire team, led by Michelle," said Tim Ober, co-owner of Cornicello. "She created a masterpiece, and our front-of-house staff—Maggie, Jillian, Sophia, Lindsay, Elizabeth, and Hannah—along with our utility team, Jess and Miranda, worked tirelessly to share it with our community. Madison’s marketing and social media efforts were also pivotal in our success. It was a true team effort, and we are so proud of what they accomplished." The victory comes just a few months after new owners, Tim and Susan Ober, took over Cornicello. The Obers, along with Executive Chef Josh and Executive Bar and Beverage Director Michelle, have vowed to continue the legacy of the restaurant, which features authentic southern Italian dishes inspired by southern parts of Italy. "We are honored by the community's support," added Michelle. "Winning this challenge is more than just an award; it's a celebration of our customers and the shared spirit that makes Cornicello and our speakeasy, sottoCello, so special. This win belongs to all of us." "I'll Have What Amy's Having" will continue to be a featured item on the menu at Cornicello and its hidden speakeasy, sottoCello, located on the underbelly of the restaurant. About Cornicello & sottoCello Cornicello is an authentic Italian restaurant in Exeter, NH, offering fresh, farm-to-table dishes and handmade pasta inspired by the culinary traditions of Southern Italy. The name "Cornicello" refers to a charm meant to ward off bad spirits. Located in the basement is sottoCello, a hidden Italian speakeasy where the bad spirits come to play. It offers a unique and lively atmosphere with a full bar and Cornicello's full dinner menu. Contact: Tim Ober Owner, Cornicello & sottoCello tober@ilcornicello.com
Cornicello: Exeter's New Culinary Gem Shines in Portsmouth Herald Feature
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE The Ober Easy Family Restaurant Group Announces New Ownership of Il Cornicello, Highlighting Community, Tradition, and a Shared Vision EXETER, NH – The Ober Easy Family restaurant group is delighted to announce its new ownership of the acclaimed Italian restaurant, Il Cornicello. The new ownership was recently highlighted in an article by the Portsmouth Herald, which celebrates the restaurant's journey, the vision behind Il Cornicello and SottoCello, and the dedicated team leading the way forward. Under the new leadership of the Ober family, Il Cornicello remains a beacon of community and culinary excellence in downtown Exeter. The restaurant continues to feature its beloved team, including Executive Chef Joshua Herlihy and Executive Bar and Beverage Director Michelle Nickerson, both of whom are instrumental in preserving the restaurant's traditions while infusing it with renewed energy. The Obers' philosophy, as detailed in the article, centers on creating a supportive and empowering environment for their staff. This commitment is evident in Executive Chef Herlihy and Executive Bar and Beverage Director Nickerson's excitement for the future. Herlihy, a Dover native, continues to craft exquisite handmade pastas, while Nickerson, the creative force behind the downstairs speakeasy SottoCello, expands the restaurant's wine program and community engagement. "This story is about more than just food and drink," said a representative from Ober Easy Family restaurant group. "It's about community, tradition, and the future we're building together—from the kitchen to the bar and with every guest who walks through our doors." The full article, titled "Exeter's Il Cornicello: New ownership, with familiar faces at helm," can be read at seacoastonline.com. Il Cornicello is located at 11 Water Street in Exeter, NH. For reservations at Cornicello, please visit Resy. SottoCello welcomes walk-ins. About Il Cornicello Il Cornicello is a family-owned Italian restaurant in the heart of historic Exeter, NH. Known for its dedication to handmade pasta, locally sourced ingredients, and a warm, inviting atmosphere, it offers a fine dining experience upstairs and a vibrant speakeasy lounge, SottoCello, downstairs. Contact: The Ober Easy Family Restaurant Group contact@ilcornicello.com