Relish has been on quite a tear of late reporting the death of several local restaurants. Now we'll do our best to turn that tide...
First up, Tony Lombardo just announced that the Lombardo's Family of Restaurants will add a new family member, Angelo's Taverna, in the space vacated by Max and Erma's (316 Market, inside the Drury Plaza Hotel at the Arch). (Readers of Ins, Outs and Almosts may remember the Lombardo family also opened the Terrazza Grill in Arnold in July of this year at 249 Arnold Crossroads Center).
The P-D's Joe Bonwich was on this story early here.
So who's the namesake? "Angelo's is an homage to my grandfather, who started this whole thing with a produce cart in the 1920's, then opened our first restaurant in 1935," says Lombardo, who also reported that the restaurant will be casual ("big bowls of pasta casual"), and not fine dining. Opening day is slated for February 1.
One cool note: Mark Pitliangas of Antique Architectural Decor is handling the interior design. In addition to outfitting a slew of Las Vegas casinos, Pitliangas was responsible for the snappy faux finish designs at The Thaxton Speakeasy, the interior at the newly-opened Cherry Lounge (4600 Gravois), and the design of just about every large sign along Washington Avenue, including the giant neon for Rosalita's Cantina.
Max and Erma's, the Columbus, Ohio-based chain of 61 restaurants, changed hands several months ago, and part of the restructuring plan was to close 10 of those stores. The Downtown St. Louis store was on the chopping block, but the location at 2024 Mid Rivers Mall Dr. in St. Peters remains open.
