One restaurant in the Bronx entering into its second year of service continues bringing fine Italian cuisine to neighborhood.
La Strada Enoteca, located at 3151 E. Tremont Avenue, opened on September 4, 2007 and its brisk business defies the country’s economic times.
“We had a very good and very busy first year,” said owner Joseph D’Angelo.
The Tuscan themed institution, spanning about 2,000 square feet, takes pride in not serving the run of the mill average Italian food, unlike many other places, much of the menu is made fresh in the restaurant by the chefs, including D’Angelo.
“It’s not your average Italians restaurant, it is something completely different from what anyone else is offering in this area,” said D’Angelo. “Most of our food is made fresh in the kitchen like our desserts and our pasta. We also have an impressive wine list with over 60 wines.”
The native Bronx born D’Angelo grew up in the Country Club area, attending Our Lady of Assumption and Academy of Mount St. Michael before moving onto the Culinary Institute of America.
D’Angelo spent time working at several different locations, including Union Square Café, cooking with renown Chef Mario Batali at Esca, and owning Spigolo, located on the upper east side at 1561 2nd avenue.
Wanting to be closer to his Bronx roots D’Angelo opened La Strada, while continuing ownership of Spigolo.
“I worked in the city for 15 years, but wanted to offer what we give people in the city to residents of the Bronx,” said D’Angelo. “The service, food, décor is all like a place you would find in Manhattan.”
La Strada holds special events and services, including a prefixed menu on Monday and Tuesday nights that includes three courses for $ 22.95, and Sunday night football food and drink specials for the 4 and 8 p.m. games. Live music is available every Wednesday and Thursday night from 7 to 10 p.m., with a variety of different musical appearances.
“It’s an extra something to give the customers, it’s not overbearing, it’s just nice in the background and people seem to enjoy it,” said D’Angelo. “We have about 15 different performers we call in for different nights, we like to mix it up.”
For more information visit www.lastradaenoteca.com or for reservations call 718-409-3240.
