Andiamo Italia 5-fas EarneciACC9es: Ambience, Aldo, Amore... If you are looking for a new experience in fine dining...one that not only wets the palate with gourmet cuisine, but also incompa- rable modem surroundings, you must try Andiamo Italia. At this culinary masterpiece you can savor the finest old-world cuisine in a modern-day atmosphere and bask in the gorgeous ambiance while enjoying beautiful piano music in the background. Most people never forget their first taste of exquisite Italian cuisine. Its a rare joy to the palate and soul that indelibly lingers in the memory of human senses. Chefs able to prepare such ambrosia soon attain celebrity status in the world of epicurean dining. And true masters of the art become legends. To savor the food and meet such a legend face-to-face, lunch or dinner at Andiamo Italia in Warren is absolutely essential. That's where you'll find the fabled chef Mr. Aldo and the incomparable dishes for which he has become famous throughout the Detroit area for the past 40 years. "There aren't many Italian chefs of his caliber in the entire country," said Joe Vicari, who has been the new owner and manager of Andiamo Italia for the past year. In this business, it is no exaggeration at all to say that Aldo is a living legend." Fact is, Joe Vicari wanted to name the restau- rant after Aldo once he'd taken it over from the previous owner in 1991. "Aldo was flattered, but insisted that the name we had was a good one, and that he'd be very satisfied just to be the master chef here," Joe said. When a culinary artist such as Aldo feels this way about cooking for the new Andiamo I talia, you know there's a whole new ambiance and character to the place. 'We want to make this a great Italian restaurant, known for three thin&s," said Mr. Vicari. "First, for our friendliness and pleasant atmosphere, secondly for the qual- ity and authenticity of our food, and then for our affordability." To make sure the first requirement is fulfilled, \ Joe made adjustments throughout the staff. "Every customer has to feel welcome, important and the center of attention for their stay in our restau- rant," said Mr. Vicari. "Without that factor, we can't survive.i Neither can we expect to stay in business without the very best food. That's why I'm so glad that Aldo has cho- sen to be part of Andiamo Italia." Many younger diners may not know that Aldo is a real Italian chef. As in • originally from northern Italy Italian. He t came to the U.S. in 1948 at the age of 25, (, worked as a chef for the famous Lombardi's at Seven Mile & Harper for years, then opened his own restaurant, appropriately named Aldo's. It was so good that it was chosen as one of the top 159 Italian restaurants M the entire world. He closed it with a sad heart a short time ago and retired because he could find no one to take it over who would put the same heart and soul into its food and service that he had. Those fans who drove miles and miles from all over the metro area to savor his fresh and uniquely prepared dishes were equally disappointed. Until now. Andiamo Italia has drawn the great Aldo out of retirement and into their kitchen. "This business is in my blood," said Aldo. "I can't give it up. And this place is right now one of the best Italian restaurants m town." If you know Aldo, you know the qualification isn't necessary. You'll also know that his food is a big factor in that claim. It's about as far removed from buffet tub Mostecolli as Italian can get. "Human beings begin to eat with their eyes," Aldo reminds us. "Properly cooked and prepared Italian cuisine is not only wonder- ful to taste, it's beautiful to see." The perfect combination of the two is what Aldo feels is key to any Italian restaurant's success: "A restaurant and chef should feel proud to serve the food they create...and they should never serve any dish which they would not like to see and be served themselves. That's why we take such care here at Andiamo Italia." To that end, many of the restaurant's foods are prepared in- house, and many of those especially for an individual order. For example, all meats are carved to Aldo's demands from the complete side of meat. All pastas, breads and desserts are fresh-made right at Andiamo Italia. So are the sauces...as each order is received. That means the sauce for your dish is prepared especially for you, and not ladled from a pot. Even the pizza is an Aldo spectacular. 'The first pizza in Detroit was created by Aldo in the 1950's when he was at Lombardi's," said Joe. "He's never revealed the secret to anyone...except us!" If you get the impression that Aldo's talents have provided Andiamo Italia with a wide-ranging and toothsome menu, you're absolutely right. You'll find fish, chicken, lamb, beef and pork entrees in variety along with terrific salads for both the lunch and dinner crowds. Should your taste crave something special which you don't see on the menu, just mention it to Aldo. He'll not only make it up specially for you, but he'll stop by your table to make sure it met your palate's expectations. The real beauty of such infinite choice and uncom- . promising quality is that you can sample it all at highly competitive prices. "Our lunches are about $5.95, and for din- ner, a :?arty of two can usually enjoy a cock- ! tail witi their meal and still get out for $40 or less," Joe said. "BelieVe me, we're right in the same ballpark with all of the moderately priced chain-style restaurants for any meal you'd like. I guess we just do it better." Think of it: "The Chain" or a real legend. When you get down to it, there's really no choice at all. Not when the legend of Aldo stands ready at Andiamo Italia, 7096 E.14 Mile Road, Warren, Michigan 48092, or call 268-3200 for information or reservations. Ciao! As an added temptation, Andiamo Italia warmly invites' Those interested in experiencing the true taste of Italy to mention this ad when making reservations for lunch or dinner and a complimentary appetizer is on the house! ale 62 FRIDAY, JUNE 5, 1992 nd is ITALIA The True Taste Of Italy 7096 E. 14 Mile Road • Warren, Michigan 48092 • 313 - 268 - 3200