By ELLEN KOLMAN - Staff Writer - ekolman@starbeacon.com
Little Italy is ready to spice up the holiday season with their own unique flavors and style.
“At Little Italy we have all of our cookie varieties, pumpkin rolls, homemade nut roll, poppy roll, apricot roll, homemade caramel apples, Italian sweet bread (panettone), biscottis, butter flaked rolls, cannoli party trays, and gift baskets filled with wine, cheeses, and Italian specialty goods,” said Tricia Severino, owner of Little Italy restaurant, 2610 W. Prospect Road.
“When people see that they can still continue their holiday traditions with baked goods from Balkan Bakery, it is satisfying for me to hear how much that means to them,” she said.
Other specials at Little Italy that will brighten any holiday spirit are the “two for $22,” where a couple can eat for $22 and this includes one appetizer, two entrees, and one decadent dessert. This special will continue through the end of the year.
Beginning Nov. 27, Little Italy will be offering “buy $50 worth of gift cards and receive a $10 gift card for yourself,” Severino said.
“This is our way of giving back to the holiday shopper,” she said.
Even though Little Italy has been open only for nine months, it has become very popular, and this recipe for success was to bring the Balkan Bakery business, manned by Severino’s father, Tony (Toto), to the next level.
“We have combined the Italian breads and pastries with authentic Italian dishes, and wine and beer, for the complete Italian experience,” Tricia Severino said. “We want our customers to know that the Balkan Bakery is still alive and well and is here at Little Italy. This is the perfect marriage of Balkan Bakery and fine authentic Italian food.”
Balkan Bakery first opened its doors in 1916 in Ashtabula. In 1974, Toto Severino and his uncle Ralph Zullo bought the bakery business, and in 1988, Toto became the sole owner. With his daughter at his side, the Severinos built a lasting reputation for wonderful baked goods and fresh breads.
“My father Tony (Toto) Severino is still baking all of your favorite Balkan Bakery delights, such as Italian Balkan bread, fresh baked pizzas and calzones on Balkan dough and fresh dough to make your own pizza,” Tricia Severino said. “Just stop in for your baked goods. You do not have eat at the restaurant to purchase baked goods.” Other baked favorites include crusty Italian bread, turnovers, brownies, Italian cookies, Death by Chocolate cake, carrot cake, tiramisu and more than 100 varieties of pastries inside the 14-foot dessert case. Five years of research by Severino inside New York City’s Little Italy resulted in the dishes Severino serves today, prepared by chef Harold “Harry” Giddings.
“I went to New York City once a month to get ideas to bring back here to the people of Ashtabula,” she said. “In New York City, all bakeries have a restaurant to complement their baked goods.”
Little Italy has the whole authentic experience, complete with bread and dipping oil, and Italian dishes with unique flavors. Some of the dishes include Chef Harry’s famous soups: corn chowder, asparagus bisque, lobster bisque, creamy chicken and mushroom; plus mile-high lasagna, eggplant parmesan, charcoal-grilled chicken parmesan, creamy pesto tortellini, chicken pasta Alfredo, other pastas, plus steaks and seafood. Seafood specials include jumbo shrimp scampi, and they mean jumbo, placed on a bed of angel hair pasta with aioli (garlic & oil).
Little Italy also features Laurello wines, imported wines and imported Italian and domestic beers. Little Italy, seats 60 people comfortably and Severino believes her success is because of her fine product, friendly efficient service; and a strategy for marketing.
“We have excellent employees, and all of our staff are experienced and well-trained,” she said. “Beside word of mouth from our customers, we utilize newspaper ads and radio spots.”
A special added treat to the already fine dining experience is the live entertainment provided by Matt Carducci, singer and pianist.
“Matt, who is a Conneaut native, sings and plays piano during the dinner hour Mondays through Thursdays, and during our Thanksgiving Feast he will be playing from Noon to 6 p.m.,” Severino said.
Senior citizens will receive a discount on their feast.
“It has been a very exciting nine months, when I see their faces as they taste what I have derived. It is very satisfying,” Severino said.
Visit Little Italy 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday to Thursday, and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday. Call-ahead seating is available. Call 440-992-0902. For more information or to learn about Grab and Go (hot or cold) Catering at Little Italy, look up www.LtLItaly.com.
