Carmello's re-opening
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The familiar furniture and table settings, along with chef Stella Hedges, are a few of the things that will remain the same at Carmello's new location.
After nearly 20 years on Emmet Street, and more than a month of preparation, Carmello's will finally be re-opening in its new location on Fontaine Avenue this Friday, April 1. They hope. Owner Bill Hedges is still waiting for his new ABC licence, and he's not too happy about the wait.
"I have to apply all over again from scratch," says Hedges. "It's costing me $1,500 to re-apply for my ABC licence. It's pathetic having to go through all this rigmarole."
Still, he's taking it in stride. "So if it doesn't come by Friday," he laughs, "we'll just tell everyone it's an April Fool's joke and open on Monday."
Hedges says he's excited about the new space at 2208 Fontaine, the former home of Ludwig's Schnitzelhouse and Arirang Restaurant, because it's about three times the size of the old restaurant. Indeed, Hedges says he used to employ around 15 people at the old place, but now he's going to need at least 30 full- and part-time staff.
He's also brought some of the sights of Italy to the space, having hired an artist to paint Venice and the Coliseum on the walls.
"It's a beautiful place to visit now," he says. "But you can leave your passport at home."
6 comments
Welcome to the neighborhood. Great to have another restaurant we in Fry's Spring and Jefferson Park can walk to. Good luck !
If anything every shows why more government is bad, its the ABC.
Welcome Back. We have missed you and your fabulous dining experience! Great to know that you are back and even bigger than ever!
I love Carmello's. I can't believe I lived here for 15 years before I tried it. I've been missing Boston's North End Italian cooking for years, and it was right in Charlottesville, at Carmello's! Stella welcomes me and my elderly mother like long-lost relatives whenever we go there. She makes fantastic soups. And the lobster-filled ravioli is so good. I think I just gained a few pounds by thinking about the place....
It reminds me of The Grand Ticino in "Moonstruck." After the meal is finished, I always have the urge to raise my hand and shout, "Bobo, the check!"
Does anyone know if it did open on the 1st?
I heard from the folks at Hoo's Brew a few doors down that they are open now. I will try it for dinner Friday and if they're closed will let you know.