[Kitchen Nightmares] One door closes, another door opens
Ubiquitous
The “Kitchen Nightmares” episode on Café Tavolini in Black Rock airs
Friday, March 25, at 8 p.m. on Fox.
Although Café Tavolini has closed, and Lisa and Keith Restivo have
separated, things are looking up for some of the restaurant staff.
Chef Gordon Ramsay had taken particular note of Michael Sirico, the
restaurant’s chef, and a five-year employee.
“He said Michael should have a restaurant of his own because he has a
passion for the business,” Lisa said.
The owners of the new BLine Bar & Grill at 2770 Fairfield Ave., in the
space that previously housed Little Joe’s Café, hired Sirico as the chef
and manager.
Two other staff members from Café Tavolini have joined him as chefs at
BLine.
Lisa has helped out by designing, decorating and promoting the new
establishment, although she has no monetary involvement.
The BLine offers burgers and fries in addition to Italian fare and
popular bar food.
The BLine Bar & Grill will be hosting a “Kitchen Nightmares” viewing
party, with a full buffet, March 25, starting at 7 p.m. The public is
invited to attend.
Lisa said she is still sorry that Keith closed the restaurant so
suddenly, even though times were tough.
“If we had just held on longer …” she said wistfully. Working with
Ramsay was a “life changing and wonderful experience,” she said. She
wishes they could have put more of his ideas into practice and held on
until the show aired.
“I want to thank everyone for their continued support over our five
years in business,” Lisa said. “Café Tavolini hosted many parties, and
it brought a lot of happiness. It brought a lot of good people together.
The food and atmosphere was really great.”
But life goes on, and now she can devote her time to Bella Collections,
the boutique at 2980 Fairfield Ave. she co-owns with Bonnie Gabrys.
So things are moving onward and upward along with the arrival of spring.
As Café Tavolini’s doors have closed, BLine Bar & Grill’s doors have
opened, and many familiar faces may be found there, just a stone’s throw
away in this artsy and ever-changing corner of Black Rock.
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