The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
New winery and restaurant opens
Bruno and Josipa Milisic have introduced a new elegant eatery to Wickliffe.
Casa Di Vino Winery and Restaurant, at 28932 Euclid Ave., showcases cuisine and culture.
“We always wanted to open a fine dining restaurant,” Josipa said. “We came upon this property that has great potential for our dream to come true.”
She said her husband, Bruno, has always had a passion for cooking and making wine.
Bruno, who is also an independent contractor, completely renovated the restaurant. He said the 8,000- square-foot facility required extensive repairs.
“The kitchen is brand new,” he said.
Casa Di Vino boasts a 4,000-square-foot outdoor patio that contains a large bar, three flat-screen televisions, creative landscaping and numerous outdoor tables and chairs.
There are ceiling fans in the gazebo and Josipa said they plan to add heaters for cooler weather.
American European dishes are served.
Although Bruno has a love for cooking, he is not showing off his culinary skills at the restaurant.
The executive chef is Christopher Fortney.
Fortney received his culinary degree from the Art Institute of Tennessee. He has been a culinary instructor and has extensive experience.
The grand opening was July 21.
Josipa said there were about 100 people present.
Since then, Casa Di Vino has hosted the Wickliffe Class of 1987 reunion, has numerous parties booked and the Willoughby Western Lake County Chamber of Commerce is hosting a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Fortney said the bestselling meals include the Fisherman’s Pasta, which is sautéed shrimp and mussels in a creamy blush sauce served over pasta; Cevapi, Croatian sausage served with sour cream and a roasted red pepper relish; and the Shrimp -cargot, which is baked in a lemon, butter and garlic sauce topped with Romano cheese.
The most popular items on the lunch menu include the steak sandwich and the caprese flat bread.
Josipa highly recommends the risotto.
Prices range from $10 to $18.
Wickliffe resident Bob Anzlovar said Casa Di Vino is about a 10-minute walk from where he lives.
“I’ve been here three different times for lunch, every time I tried something different and everything has been fantastic,” he said. “I remember when this used to be the Barrel Room. I’m happy to see the renovations. It’s not like any other restaurant or bar in Wickliffe.”
There are nearly 20 different kinds of beer and 30 wines to chose from.
In the future, Josipa and Bruno plans to expand their restaurant into a full winery, making their own wine locally. Bruno said he also hopes to see his wine being sold at local grocery stores.
They also plan to host wine-tasting dinners; a clambake in October; pig roasts next spring and summer; art and wine events; and live local acoustic music on the outdoor patio.
Casa Di Vino is closed on Mondays; open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday; from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday; and from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday.
Children are welcome and there are vegetarian options on the menu.
“This is a great location with great opportunity,” Josipa said. “We love being able to bring great food to a local community, where wonderful people can come in and enjoy a relaxing, incredible and friendly experience.”
Casa Di Vino is closed on Mondays; open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday; from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday; and from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday.