Published: January 25, 2006 11:16 pm      

The return of the Sicilians

The last plate of authentic Italian cuisine was served up at Villa Fortunata’s on New Year’s Eve.

But just after most people have abandoned their resolutions, the family of one of Fortunata’s owners will open a new operation at the Center Street fixture. One month earlier, the other will set out his plates in North Buffalo.

Filippo Inglima plans to give Filippo’s Italian Ristorante, 1264 Hertel Ave., a “soft opening” in early February, with a grand opening after Valentine’s Day.

Jack Soldano’s daughter, Angela Soldano, will launch Casa Antica in early spring at Villa’s former location at 490 Center St., with her father and brother Charlie helping out in the kitchen.

“Our phone’s been ringing, people wanted to know if they were ever re-opening at that location,” said Sandra Hays Mies, president of the Lower Niagara River Chamber of Commerce. “It’s a key spot on Center Street, it’s become a tradition for many people, and we’re glad they’re back.”

Both Filippo Inglima and Soldano — natives of Agrigento, Sicily, who moved to Lewiston from Queens in 2000 to open their Villa venture — said it wasn’t arguments that led to Villa’s closing, and they remain in touch. The two had occasionally discussed separate ventures in recent years, but slow winter seasons brought the issue to the front.

“We had a great location, good recognition, and I love what Lewiston has to offer,” Inglima said. “But three months isn’t enough to carry you through the winter.”

Jack Soldano said Casa Antica will still focus on authentic northern and southern Italian dishes, but with more of a family-dining focus.

“It’ll still be classy, but we’re catering it to our year-round customers, their families,” Soldano said.

While his daughter Angela is only 24, she’s worked at restaurants all her life, and said she’s ready to take on running her own place. She can’t imagine living any other way.

“I’m not the type of person that can work in an office, because it’s just too quiet,” she said. “My family’s been in this business for so long, I couldn’t get out of it ... it’s a great opportunity.”

Inglima, working with chef Antonio Tafarella from Giuseppe’s in Queens, said he wants to attract a wider variety of clientele, with dishes starting at $9 and ranging up to $28.

“The response I’ve gotten from people in Lewiston is beautiful, they all say they’ll come and see me here,” Inglima said. “I’ve also gotten a lot of response from the area here in Buffalo ... Tony and me are very excited.”

Fillippo’s will also feature a patio bar during the summer months, and he plans to continue the dinner theater traditions he started at Villa Fortunata’s.