Angelina Italian Bistro will open on the first floor of the old Madison Theater on October 28. Occupying the corner that straddles Broadway and Grand Circus Park, the restaurant will be a highly visible addition to the downtown dining scene.
When partners Tom Agosta and Mike Viviano decided to open a restaurant, they immediately settled on Italian cuisine because of their shared Sicilian heritage. Angelina seats 160 and will focus on modern, fresh Mediterranean cuisine including moderately-priced antipasti, tasting plates of cured and smoked meats, pizza, pasta, dry-aged cuts of beef, Mediterranean seafood and free-range poultry.
Agosta and Viviano aim to emphasize local and organic products, including meats, produce, flour,
Great Lakes Coffee,
Motor City Brewing Works beer and a variety of Michigan wines. Chef Joel Vassalo, late of renowned
Five Lakes Grill, brings extensive
charcuterie knowledge to the table.
The work of Detroit artists is also on display. Lucy Olechowski's blown glass sculpture hangs from the most-prominent corner of the ceiling; and
Jason Huffine's metal work peppers the decor. "People say it's nice that we're using local people," says Agosta. "But the truth is that there are such great people here."
A nine-person antipasti bar overlooks the kitchen and a full bar greets patrons at the main entrance on Witherall, under the old Madison Theater marquee. When warmer weather arrives again, guests will enjoy the fact that all of Angelina's windows swing open, bistro style, and that outdoor seating will occupy the Broadway frontage.
Viviano estimates Angelina will employ 30 to 35. The restaurant is making its start as sustainably as possible with recycling services from
Recy-Clean and biodegradable carryout products from
Michigan Green Safe.
The team had hoped to open Angelina's doors in July of 2007. After numerous delays, they credit the Detroit Economic Growth Corp. with helping them navigate any issues that arose, and Detroit Commerce Bank for "really hanging in there."
Lunch will be served Monday through Sunday; dinner, Tuesday through Sunday. Angelina will open at 11 a.m. daily and close at 3 p.m. on Monday; 10 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday; midnight on Friday and Saturday and 9 p.m. on Sunday. Call 313-962-1355.
Source: Tom Agosta and Mike Viviano, Angelina Italian Bistro
Writer: Kelli B. Kavanaugh
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