Rescue workers working in the rubble of the World Trade Center have discovered there still is such a thing as a free lunch.
Nino’s Restaurant at 431 Canal St. has been a refuge for cops, firefighters, EMS workers and other uniformed personnel almost since the crisis began.
So far, the 27-year-old Italian eatery has served more than 73,000 free meals to hungry rescue personnel – and the owner wants to keep on dishing out the free grub for another six months.
“When I stop and think that I have an opportunity to do this, I feel blessed,” Nino Vendome told The Post. “I’m tired of hearing ‘thank you’ from these guys.
“My family is indebted to these people, all of them. Thank God I made enough money to do this.”
Nino’s began serving meatballs, sausages and onions, eggplants, salad and other classic Italian fare free to workers on Sept. 13. The restaurant was converted to a full-scale relief center with 10 people constantly working in the kitchen – including Vendome’s 82-year-old mother, Josephine.
During lunch hours, the restaurant is packed with grateful personnel anxious for a break from their heartbreaking task.
So far, Vendome, 50, says he has spent $50,000 of his own money on the gastronomic extravaganza and has received more food and money from other local restaurants and well-wishers. Now, he’s formed a foundation to keep the free food flowing for another six months.
State troopers T.J. Loewke and Mike Rushanski, from upstate Liberty, are in the Big Apple helping with relief efforts and wore the satisfied smiles of the well-fed.
Feasting on eggplant and chicken cacciatore, the two cops were appreciative.
“It’s good, it’s very good,” Loewke said.
Rushanski added, “It’s unbelievable. I’ve never seen anything like this. It’s an oasis.”
Windows on the World chef Steve Popolizio, 43, is lending a hand in the kitchen while Tavern on the Green chef Gary Coyle is also chipping in. Other volunteers serve food or are raising funds to help with the costs.
Volunteer Renee Typados, an Upper West Side mom of four and Vendome family friend, has been busily nailing down donations.
“We’re in the process right now of trying to get a contribution of 35,000 pounds of chicken breasts,” she said, adding that the restaurant was going through about 3,000 cans of Coke a day.
Another benefactor has pledged 1 million paper plates.
Nino Vendome – who has festooned his eatery with Old Glory, patriotic messages and notes of thanks – said he is grateful for what America has given him. He and his family arrived from a small town outside Naples in 1955 with three suitcases and $40 between them.
“This is a way of giving back something to people that are often taken for granted,” he said. “As long as they’re in the rubble, we’re in the rubble. They deserve a meal as long as they’re here.
“I wouldn’t do their job if they paid me $10,000 a day.”