The Middletown Press (Middletown, CT)
Caffe Italia adds outdoor dining at its River Road site
SHELTON — Caffe Italia is bringing outdoor dining to River Road.
Lenny Manchisi recently put the finishing touches on an outdoor patio area at his Italian eatery at 813 River Road which features 42 seats, more than doubling the total seating inside Caffe Italia.
“This is definitely a plus,” said Manchisi about the new patio area. “Who does not want to sit outside and enjoy a meal and a cocktail? I’ve wanted this since we opened last year.”
Caffe Italian opened nearly a year ago. In the months since, Manchisi said he has enjoyed so much success he has expanded his bar selection as well as his pastries, paninis and gelatos.
“Business has been
great ... people have been happy” with what he calls a “taste of Italy in the heart of Shelton.”
Since its opening, the location has been popular
for its fresh coffee and espresso and its sfogliatelle, lobster tails and cannoli Italian pastries, which are delivered daily from shops on Arthur Avenue in the
Bronx. Caffe Italia also offers prepared foods, raviolis, Terranova bread and various groceries from Arthur Avenue locations.
“We are more than just a
coffee shop — we are a culinary journey to the enchanting streets of Italy,” Manchisi says, adding his eatery is “a haven for those seeking the genuine flavors and warm hospitality that Italy is renowned for.”
In addition to Caffe Italia’s favorites — Italian tuna and chicken cutlet paninis — it offers cakes by the slice, gelato and Italian ice. There is also a full bar, with various cocktails,
beers and wines, Manchisi said, adding that recently he has increased his selection of bourbon and whiskey.
Manchisi has vast restaurant experience, starting out working alongside his father at Jerry’s Shakespeare Pizza in Stratford, which his family owned for some three decades beginning in 1976. Manchisi also owned Tazza Osteria & Bar in Fairfield.