Oprah Winfrey is continuing her beloved tradition of sharing her favorite things on “World News Tonight with David Muir” as part of the annual Made in America Christmas series. This initiative focuses on spotlighting exceptional small businesses across the United States. “We’re shining a light on some incredible small businesses all across America,” Oprah remarked, underscoring the importance of supporting homegrown enterprises during the holiday season.
Among the standout selections this year is the Italian-American restaurant Rubirosa, recognized for its “Pasta Sampler and Marinara Sauce Gift Set.” This carefully curated sampler features a trio of pasta shapes—reginetti, fusilli, and lumache—accompanied by three jars of homemade marinara sauce. As part of the segment, anchor David Muir visited Rubirosa, located in New York City’s vibrant Nolita neighborhood, to taste their renowned pasta sauces and engage with the team behind the culinary establishment.
Rubirosa, which opened in 2009, has a rich history rooted in family tradition. Maria Pappalardo, who took the reins of the restaurant in 2015, is the daughter of an Italian immigrant who founded the famous “Joe and Pat’s” pizzeria on Staten Island in 1960. The recipes offered at Rubirosa are inspired by these original family creations, with many of Pappalardo’s staff having a tenure of over a decade at the restaurant.
During his visit, Muir sat down with Pappalardo to sample the restaurant’s acclaimed marinara and vodka sauces directly from the kitchen. “There’s very few ingredients—you’ve got plum tomatoes, garlic, oil, salt, pepper,” Pappalardo explained, revealing the simplicity behind their flavorful marinara sauce. The ingredients are sourced with care; the tomatoes are grown in California, while the pasta and jars are crafted in New York.
For those unable to dine in at Rubirosa, the restaurant offers online purchasing options for its pasta sauces.
Additionally, Oprah’s Favorite Things list for 2025 highlights an array of American-made products, including The Gourmet Chip Company’s Specialty Custom Trio Gift Box 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 showcase these businesses creating American-made holiday gifts throughout December, encouraging viewers to support local artisans and creators during this festive season.
