Important information for fans of Italian cuisine
The popular Cafe Epicure, which has been closed for renovations since September, plans to reopen by about Dec. 15. The trattoria, a downtown culinary institution at the corner of Main Street and Palm Avenue, has been transformed into a more classic Italian spot with light colors, a new entrance area and expanded kitchen.
Chef Alessandro Gala, new from Italy, will be serving up the same menu, but plans to add breakfast with organic choices in the near future, says Giovanni Migliorini, the co-owner of Cafe Epicure who also owns Mediterraneo restaurant in downtown Sarasota.
Cafe Epicure offers freshly-made pizzas, pastas, breads gelato and baked sweets. plus an impressive, full-liquor bar and wine menu.
Located at 1298 N. Palm Ave., the cafe will be open daily from 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. and may be reached by phoning 941-366-5648 or online at cafeepicure.com.
Pazzo Southside
Chef Michael Calore and wife Victoria, owners of the popular Mozzarella Fella on Main Street in downtown Sarasota, are opening a second Italian restaurant.
Pazzo Southside will take over the Osprey Avenue location left by the closed Mojo’s Real Cuban. The Calores are in the process of remodeling the new space with seating for about 70 diners and plan to open in January or February.
The couple lost their restaurant near the World Trade Center during 9/11 and subsequently ran an Italian eatery on Staten Island for nine years before moving to Sarasota and impressing folks with their sandwiches featuring house-made cheese at Mozzarella Fella, which will remain open.
“We are really excited about this new venture,” said Victoria. “After five years in business here, we are ready to grow and open a restaurant again.”
Among creative dishes at Pazzo Southside will be seafood paella, short ribs and risotto and panko-breaded pork chops with cherry peppers, plus pastas and parmigiana selections. Beer and wine will be available.
Pazzo, at 1830 S. Osprey Ave. in the Southside Village neighborhood of Sarasota, will be open for lunch and dinner daily and will offer take-out services.
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