Executive chef Franco Ortega is filled with fond memories of the days when he began his culinary career at the former Il Ponte, the Arrochar dining spot that would eventually morph into  Italianissimo Ristorante, Café and Bar. That was more than a quarter century ago.

Then when owner, Gianvito Fanizza retired 2006, chef Franco and a partner bought Italianissimo until Franco took over on his own more than five years ago. Fast forward some 26 years, and the passionate chef has witnessed lots of changes in the restaurant business with rising food prices and as trends in the food industry gravitate toward quick service and casual and alfresco dining.