Rumor has it that Salerno's is now closed and no longer in business. That's why it has been closed for more than a week. Anyone else heard anything?
Wow, that's big news if true. Not a surprise, tho...tired old environment and menu. They got lost in time and failed to keep up and too many other good Italian options in the area.
If true, what I'm learning is: use your neighborhood groupons if you have them. I have an SoG unused one. I also have one for Bacci. Salerno's on Grove had decent eats from what I've sampled there. I was a major fan of their EXTRA thin crust pizza (the special available on request crust - NOT the regular thin crust,) their soups were always homemade when I tried them, and not too shabby of an eggplant parm last time I had it. Their pizza with that special extra thin crust was pretty dreamy. I hated their regular crust - too bready and doughy. I liked the place for what it was. I might have to call right now and see if they really are closed. I really dug that pizza - super crunchy crust, and when the A-staff was on, they brushed it with olive oil, or butter.
My praise for Salerno's On Grove on Lth (http://www.lthforum.com/bb/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=30495)
I had called earlier today as I was really wanting one of their thin crust pizzas. The main number sounded like it was connected to a fax machine. After several tries, I decided to just walk over and the place was locked tight with no sign of why they weren't open during their usual hours.
While I don't get pizza that often, it is going to be a sad day in our house if we have to find another place for pizza.
I've found that just about all Berwyn pizzas need to be ordered xtra-thin. That said, you can have Salerno's low grade garbage. I'm sad they closed, but won't miss that pizza.
Sad to hear Arnie's closed. I miss the Salerno's that were on 16th or on Windsor. On visits to the United Center I go to the Salerno's at Grand and Racine very good! When I want pizza and horses I go to the Salerno's OTB in Hodgkins.
The original Salerno's on 16Th.St. was the best, the one in Hodgkin's is a close second,sad to see a restaurant close in Berwyn.
Quote from: berwyn senator on December 27, 2011, 08:03:22 PM
The original Salerno's on 16Th.St. was the best, the one in Hodgkin's is a close second,sad to see a restaurant close in Berwyn.
Late during my 30 years in Berwyn, I attended Morton college nights, often stopping at the house after class, about 8:30PM, to pick up Diane (adopted sister in law), called Salerno's on 16th. St., went to pick up a delicious cheese-sau-mush-on.
One of the last times, it was early winter, a light freezing rain was drizzling down. The bare tree branches glistened like shiny mirrors, reflecting the street lights' brightly. I'll never forget that scene; it was incredible!
berwynson
Edit: Also unforgettable: the male voice on their phone, speaking broken English, asking the inevitable last question: "thew go"? The "o" sounded like an abbreviated "aww".
A small ranch on the North East corner of 14Th, and East ave.is where I believe old man Salerno lived.In the back yard extending from the back of the house was a cement patio,underneath was an all concrete room excessable from the basement,it was here where cheese and sausage were aged far the old Salerno's.
Quote from: seebee on December 27, 2011, 04:12:59 PM
If true, what I'm learning is: use your neighborhood groupons if you have them. I have an SoG unused one.
I've noticed quite a few restaurants going South after a Groupon campaign. Nice way to make some money, if you're know you're going to close down; just offer a huge discount, and reel in the fish.
Quote from: Crunchie on December 27, 2011, 09:20:22 PM
Quote from: seebee on December 27, 2011, 04:12:59 PM
If true, what I'm learning is: use your neighborhood groupons if you have them. I have an SoG unused one.
I've noticed quite a few restaurants going South after a Groupon campaign. Nice way to make some money, if you're know you're going to close down; just offer a huge discount, and reel in the fish.
IME, this is only happening locally. Has anyone noticed it elsewhere?
Groupon is very good about issuing refunds.
I wonder what is going on? Garlic Clove, Salerno's...can Berwyn ever keep a restaurant anymore? I mean yes we have some longer lasting ones but it makes me wonder how much longer they will last.
Don't forget Wishbone.
I try to block out Wishbone because that one REALLY hurt :'(
The economy has been tough on all restaurants ,not just in Berwyn, Salerno's was OK but the parking was tough.I think they tried to live off their old reputation and didn't draw new customers.
I called and got immediate refunds on my Garlic Clove Amazon coupons...
Wishbone's demise wasn't so much about not "making it" as it was about the lease/terms/partnership agreement.
Seems to me that if Wishbone thought it was such a good location they would have found a way to cut a deal, or even found another place near by. I've stood in line on Washington, but I never had to on Roosevelt.
I had some long waits for the weekend brunches during the summer. It seems they would have found a place nearby, but Fitzgerald's was about the perfect fit for a Wishbone style restaurant, and... from what I'm told there was no cutting any deals with them (as it pertains to alcohol sales). I don't see how Capri works with Fitzgerald's (style more so than ethnicity) but I'll take it.
Quote from: Crunchie on December 27, 2011, 09:20:22 PM
Quote from: seebee on December 27, 2011, 04:12:59 PM
If true, what I'm learning is: use your neighborhood groupons if you have them. I have an SoG unused one.
I've noticed quite a few restaurants going South after a Groupon campaign. Nice way to make some money, if you're know you're going to close down; just offer a huge discount, and reel in the fish.
From what I've heard, Groupon is a sort of "loss leader" that hasn't been working for restaurants in many cases. Restaurants take a huge hit (using the Groupon marketing) hoping to get repeat business afterwards.
Capri in Burr Ridge is always packed. They also opened an Express with counter service and carry outs, and it's jammed at lunch. It should do well there.
Quote from: pkd50 on December 28, 2011, 07:45:20 PM
Capri in Burr Ridge is always packed. They also opened an Express with counter service and carry outs, and it's jammed at lunch. It should do well there.
Well, I hope so ... if they can make a profit without relying on alcohol sales, they could do very well.
Look for Salerno's to reopen in a nearby space......at least that's the word on the street. Nothing verified, just rumor. Time will tell.
Would be patrons were initially told there was a gas problem in the establishment......but there were also subsequent rumblings about a significant rent increase. Will be interesting to see how this pans out.
Called Salerno's this evening, and they're open Also, don't forget parking @ the new parking structure nearby
I don't know if I've ever been to Capri (been to one, not sure it's the same owners as the one in Burr Ridge), but I'm looking forward to hopefully a nice, Italian dining option in the area.
As for Wishbone - We drove into the city sometime before Thanksgiving to go to Wishbone on Washington. I was amazingly surprised that there wasn't any wait to get in and plenty of empty tables. We arrived probably between 9:30 and 10 a.m. on a weekend. It was still not that crowded when we were leaving. This is NOT the Wishbone experience I remember from when I lived in the city & I used to patronize all of the locations regularly - the original Grand Ave. location as well as Lakeview & Washington. The weather was nice, it wasn't a holiday - so not sure what's to blame other than the economy. Food & service were just fine. On another note, bumped into a family at a nearby table that we know from Oak Park. I am sure Wishbone in Berwyn is sorely missed by a lot of folks!
Quote from: Tuttles on December 29, 2011, 03:28:58 PM
I don't know if I've ever been to Capri (been to one, not sure it's the same owners as the one in Burr Ridge), but I'm looking forward to hopefully a nice, Italian dining option in the area.
As for Wishbone - We drove into the city sometime before Thanksgiving to go to Wishbone on Washington. I was amazingly surprised that there wasn't any wait to get in and plenty of empty tables. We arrived probably between 9:30 and 10 a.m. on a weekend. It was still not that crowded when we were leaving. This is NOT the Wishbone experience I remember from when I lived in the city & I used to patronize all of the locations regularly - the original Grand Ave. location as well as Lakeview & Washington. The weather was nice, it wasn't a holiday - so not sure what's to blame other than the economy. Food & service were just fine. On another note, bumped into a family at a nearby table that we know from Oak Park. I am sure Wishbone in Berwyn is sorely missed by a lot of folks!
Wishbone on Washington got a LOT of it's business from having Oprah's studio across the street. Since she shut down, it's hurt a lot of businesses in that area. But, the area is vibrant enough to withstand it.
Quote from: Dav on December 28, 2011, 09:49:53 PM
Called Salerno's this evening, and they're open Also, don't forget parking @ the new parking structure nearby
The Salerno's on Grove is NOT open..........and hasn't been since last week.
Wishbone is packed after the 11 o'clock Mass at Old St. Pat's gets out
Quote from: pkd50 on December 28, 2011, 02:28:24 PM
Seems to me that if Wishbone thought it was such a good location they would have found a way to cut a deal, or even found another place near by. I've stood in line on Washington, but I never had to on Roosevelt.
Your lease/term/partnership agreement is the PRIMARY factor in "making it".
NUMBER ONE.
Now if your "lease/term/partnership" agreement becomes a factor AFTER you don't reach anticipated revenues, then the lease ISN'T the problem.
I was there several times. The food and service was always good. Parking wasn't always easy. What do you think the problem was?
Quote from: pkd50 on December 30, 2011, 09:51:20 AM
I was there several times. The food and service was always good. Parking wasn't always easy. What do you think the problem was?
I think part of the problem was the typical "If I open it, they should come" attitude that we see around here far too much. Some seem to feel that customers need to overlook glaring issues like babies being weighed on deli scales because they are operating a business in Berwyn... in fact, we should be kissing their feet and thanking them for poor quality, service, inaccurate business hours, and being abusive to customers.
Salerno's was running on reputation alone. Same menu, same decor, same bad wait staff, and probably the same poor cleaning habits that caused them problems when Arnie owned it.
We had high hopes for the new owner. We hoped he would put his own stamp on it, and he did make a few changes, but apparently not enough to generate NEW business. And certainly not enough to win back the business that had been dwindling for years.
I don't know enough to put him squarely in the "If I open it, they should come" category... but I've heard "I've run X business for X number of years, so don't question how I run my business" from far too many times that I find it hard not to jump to that conclusion.
Hell, everyone else thinks in generalities around here... why can't I?
I didn't care for their pizza, and the last time we ate there (4?) years ago, things were way too salty. Too many other good restaurants around to waste my money on food I didn't care for.
I didn't go to Salerno's very often. I was talking about Wishbone.
Quote from: pkd50 on December 30, 2011, 01:19:02 PM
I didn't go to Salerno's very often. I was talking about Wishbone.
The problem was, at least in part, that Fitzgeralds controlled the alcohol they served. Ever sit outside there in the summer? Ever notice how you had two waiters? One for the food, and one for the booze ... which came from Sidebar.
Rumor has it Salerno's is re-opening where the Garlic Clove was since the rent is much cheaper.
Does that mean we get the alley back ?
Quote from: tlcnurse on December 30, 2011, 06:36:54 PM
Rumor has it Salerno's is re-opening where the Garlic Clove was since the rent is much cheaper.
Your rumor is correct.
Quote from: The Jackal on December 30, 2011, 10:47:12 PM
Quote from: tlcnurse on December 30, 2011, 06:36:54 PM
Rumor has it Salerno's is re-opening where the Garlic Clove was since the rent is much cheaper.
Your rumor is correct.
After they open, I'm going to call them and demand that they make crab cakes, as they should be 'grandfathered' in. Think it will work?
Quote from: The Jackal on December 30, 2011, 10:47:12 PM
Quote from: tlcnurse on December 30, 2011, 06:36:54 PM
Rumor has it Salerno's is re-opening where the Garlic Clove was since the rent is much cheaper.
Your rumor is correct.
I think that would be a good spot for Salerno's.
I always thought they owned the Grove location. Is Jungle Joe's still open, or will the whole place be Salerno?
Wouldn't it be simply good business sense, if it is moving, to give your patrons some sort of explanation instead of a complete shut down? Being that it was the holiday season, I'm sure there were people who decided to meet there, only to find a darkened building. If they had future plans, they handled the closing of this restaurant in an embarassing manner. I can't help but think that would be a reputation you wouldn't want associated with your restaurant's name.
I thought the same thing Juliet! Makes one feel like they have little loyalty to their customers?
Quote from: Juliet on December 31, 2011, 11:13:20 AM
Wouldn't it be simply good business sense, if it is moving, to give your patrons some sort of explanation instead of a complete shut down? Being that it was the holiday season, I'm sure there were people who decided to meet there, only to find a darkened building. If they had future plans, they handled the closing of this restaurant in an embarassing manner. I can't help but think that would be a reputation you wouldn't want associated with your restaurant's name.
Not sure their closing was "planned"......looks like there might have been some gas "problems" after all. Not sure about the rent rumors...the figures I heard were preposterous for Berwyn.
So I heard this from a friend who knows whats what. Salero did have a gas problem as Jackal mentioned. Their rent is set at a downtown Chicago price. They have to sell a whole heck of a lot of pizza to make that nut. The biggest part of their business is carry out & delivery...70%. Moving to The Garlic Clove is not at all a done deal, and investing and setting up a new place is an expense they aren't willing to make in the DD.
Quote from: pkd50 on December 31, 2011, 03:53:40 PM
So I heard this from a friend who knows whats what. Salero did have a gas problem as Jackal mentioned. Their rent is set at a downtown Chicago price. They have to sell a whole heck of a lot of pizza to make that nut. The biggest part of their business is carry out & delivery...70%. Moving to The Garlic Clove is not at all a done deal, and investing and setting up a new place is an expense they aren't willing to make in the DD.
Who owns the bullding they are/were in? Chicago downtown rent seems steep.
One other thing I wondered - How much did the Salerno's get and make in profit when they sold their original place on 16th street to the District 98 school district?
Quote from: Ted on January 01, 2012, 06:54:40 AM
Who owns the bullding they are/were in?
Hello...hello...hello.......I'm sorry, there must be a problem with the connection.
LOL!
I'd tell you, but I don't think we are allowed to say the name on the BTF
Quote from: pkd50 on January 01, 2012, 12:38:13 PM
I'd tell you, but I don't think we are allowed to say the name on the BTF
Why? Does the Mafia own it? Or is that one of the buildings owned by SKYDAN?
^^^^^^^
Hello....hello....hello.......I'm sorry but we MUST have a bad connection.
Quote from: The Jackal on January 02, 2012, 08:18:01 AM
^^^^^^^
Hello....hello....hello.......I'm sorry but we MUST have a bad connection.
Ah... so it's Lilly Tomlin playing Ernestine, the telephone operator?
One ringy dingy. Two ringy dingies.
The boogey man owns it Ted. The X-Berwynite who causes you to lay under your covers shivering in fright.
The landlord is a sweetheart. Angelic almost. :)
'bout time you spoke up, Roger! lmao... ;D
Bonster: I hope you and your family enjoyed a healthy and happy holiday season and that 2012 turns out to be a great year for you. All the best.
ah.... so that's the place Joe Keating owns with Frank Marzullo?
Thanks... I knew they owned a building around there but I didn't know it was the same place as where Salerno's was.
Was the rent really $8,000 per month? That does seem steep for a pizza place.
Look what I just found on craigslist. Looks like the building and the restaurant are for sale.
http://chicago.craigslist.org/wcl/off/2778405378.html (http://chicago.craigslist.org/wcl/off/2778405378.html)
Mortgage maybe but doubt about the rent.
Quote from: pkd50 on December 31, 2011, 03:53:40 PM
So I heard this from a friend who knows whats what. Salero did have a gas problem as Jackal mentioned. Their rent is set at a downtown Chicago price. They have to sell a whole heck of a lot of pizza to make that nut.
Anybody who pays Loop pricing on a DD space deserves to go out of biz for being so frikkin stupid.
Quote from: Roger on January 02, 2012, 10:17:37 PM
Bonster: I hope you and your family enjoyed a healthy and happy holiday season and that 2012 turns out to be a great year for you. All the best.
Thanks Roger, and the very same to you as well.
On our final visit to the Garlic Clove, the hostess explained to us that Jungle Joe's had been recently evicted by the County Sheriff for non-payment of rent.
Quote from: pkd50 on December 31, 2011, 09:36:00 AM
I always thought they owned the Grove location. Is Jungle Joe's still open, or will the whole place be Salerno?
Not happy that it is out of business, but they were so outdated. The restaurant was dark and still had that stale smoke scent; the chairs were dark cloth and visibly dirty, I was afraid to sit on them and the flies were the icing on the cake. I think the current owners of the building should gut it and start over, reinvest in their investment. Their local competition is way "hotter" than this joint. Thank heaven for La Notte and OoT, The Restaurant.
Quote from: Ana on January 04, 2012, 10:56:26 AM
Not happy that it is out of business, but they were so outdated. The restaurant was dark and still had that stale smoke scent; the chairs were dark cloth and visibly dirty, I was afraid to sit on them and the flies were the icing on the cake. I think the current owners of the building should gut it and start over, reinvest in their investment. Their local competition is way "hotter" than this joint. Thank heaven for La Notte and OoT, The Restaurant.
I think the owner, "Frank", is looking to dump it, judging by the Craiglist ad.
I believe there's more than one owner...
Quote from: Ted on January 03, 2012, 06:50:41 AM
ah.... so that's the place Joe Keating owns with Frank Marzullo?
I received a message stating that Joe Keating has no financial interest in the property at 3248-3250 Grove Avenue.
Quote from: Ted on January 05, 2012, 06:48:32 AM
I received a message stating that Joe Keating has no financial interest in the property at 3248-3250 Grove Avenue.
I did a little research on the Salerno's building.
First, the address for property tax purposes is 3244 Grove. The pin # is 16-31-126-018-0000.
According to the Assessor's office, there is no property at 3248 Grove or 3250 Grove.
The property at 3244 Grove was transferred in a Deed in Trust transaction from Arleen Colonna to Trust # 3336 of Harris Bank in Hinsdale. The name on Trust # 3336 is Susan M. Keating.
FYI, I could not find the name Marzullo in any of the documents on the Cook County Recorder of Deeds site, although there may be names on the mortgage taken out with Harris or with Citizens Bank.
Here is a picture, based on the pin #:
http://www.cookcountyassessor.com/Property_Search/Property_Large_Image.aspx?transfer_string1=http://www.cookcountyassessor.com/Property_Search/Property_Large_images_Output/16311260180000_AB.JPG (http://www.cookcountyassessor.com/Property_Search/Property_Large_Image.aspx?transfer_string1=http://www.cookcountyassessor.com/Property_Search/Property_Large_images_Output/16311260180000_AB.JPG)
Quote from: Ted on January 05, 2012, 06:48:32 AM
Quote from: Ted on January 03, 2012, 06:50:41 AM
ah.... so that's the place Joe Keating owns with Frank Marzullo?
I received a message stating that Joe Keating has no financial interest in the property at 3248-3250 Grove Avenue.
I sent a message stating that Joe Keating should have financial interest in the property at 3248-3250 Grove Avenue.
(Strip club, of course)
Quote from: Bonster on January 05, 2012, 10:16:19 AM
I sent a message stating that Joe Keating should have financial interest in the property at 3248-3250 Grove Avenue.
(Strip club, of course)
no can do. According to the Assessor's office, 3248/3250 Grove Avenue doesn't exist.
Just think - all these years, I've been eating pizza in an imaginary building that doesn't exist.... LOL
How does one pay taxes on a building that doesn't exist?
Quote from: tgoddess on January 05, 2012, 02:47:59 PM
How does one pay taxes on a building that doesn't exist?
Well, tgoddess, I am now confused as well.
I drove by there just now. The address 3244 Grove is associated with an auto body shop across the alley from the building that houses Salerno's.
The building that houses Salernos has addresses of 3248 Grove and 3250 Grove but those addresses do not come up on the Cook County Assessor's website as a building on the tax rolls.
Therefore, I think we can assume one of the following:
1. The building that houses Salerno's is not on the tax rolls
OR
2. The address of the building that houses Salerno's has changed over the years from 3244 Grove to 3248/3250 Grove and the assessor's data was not updated
OR
3. The assessor's data is just plain wrong about the address of the building that houses Salerno's.
OR
4. The assessor's website search engine is broken and mysteriously ignores the addresses 3248 Grove and 3250 Grove.
I'm thinking it's #2.
@Bonster - Why did you delete your last post in this thread? I thought it was funny.
Quote from: Ted on January 05, 2012, 06:37:48 PM
Quote from: tgoddess on January 05, 2012, 02:47:59 PM
How does one pay taxes on a building that doesn't exist?
The building that houses Salernos has addresses of 3248 Grove and 3250 Grove but those addresses do not come up on the Cook County Assessor's website as a building on the tax rolls.
My phone book thinks Salerno's is at
3250 !
The Craig's List real estate posting (for this wonderful business venture in the historic Debt District) uses the address as
3248 !
Quote from: buzz on January 05, 2012, 06:47:08 PM
Quote from: Ted on January 05, 2012, 06:37:48 PM
Quote from: tgoddess on January 05, 2012, 02:47:59 PM
How does one pay taxes on a building that doesn't exist?
The building that houses Salernos has addresses of 3248 Grove and 3250 Grove but those addresses do not come up on the Cook County Assessor's website as a building on the tax rolls.
My phone book thinks Salerno's is at 3250 !
The Craig's List real estate posting (for this wonderful business venture in the historic Debt District) uses the address as 3248 !
The Cook County Assessor lists the address as 3244 S. Grove if you look at the picture they have on file, which clearly shows Salerno's. The tax bill for that property index number goes to GMK Grove, Inc. at 3250 S. Grove. I would take the assessor website description with address and property index number the one you will go by. That PIN has taxes paid for last year a little over $29K and up to date.
Quote from: Ted on January 05, 2012, 06:37:48 PM
I drove by there just now. The address 3244 Grove is associated with an auto body shop across the alley from the building that houses Salerno's.
Alley?
What alley?
Quote from: The Jackal on January 05, 2012, 08:51:13 PM
Quote from: Ted on January 05, 2012, 06:37:48 PM
I drove by there just now. The address 3244 Grove is associated with an auto body shop across the alley from the building that houses Salerno's.
Alley?
What alley?
Oh, you know the one. The one that was full of rats and God knows what else.
Quote from: MRS. NORTHSIDER on January 05, 2012, 07:07:47 PM
... The tax bill for that property index number goes to GMK Grove, Inc. at 3250 S. Grove.
Thank you, Mrs. N. Another piece of the puzzle. GMK Grove, Inc. has the following information on the secretary of state's website:
Entity Name GMK GROVE, INC.
File Number 60687307
Status ACTIVE
Entity Type CORPORATION
Type of Corp DOMESTIC BCA
Incorporation Date (Domestic) 09/21/1999
State ILLINOIS
Agent Name JAMES F GAY
Agent Change Date 03/12/2003
Agent Street Address 11001 JANN COURT
President Name & Address
JAMES F GAY
11001 JANN COURT
LAGRANGE 60525
Agent City LA GRANGE
Secretary Name & Address
FRANK MARZULLO
3816 S GROVE BERWYN IL 60402
Agent Zip 60525
Duration Date PERPETUAL
Annual Report Filing Date 09/21/2011 For Year 2011
I could have told you that a long time ago, but the detective work was funny to watch. Jim Gay is actually a nice guy.
Those extra lbs.? A mirage. <LOL>
Quote from: Bonster on January 06, 2012, 08:18:47 AM
I could have told you that a long time ago, but the detective work was funny to watch. Jim Gay is actually a nice guy.
Thanks for the info.... you apparently know a lot more than I do.
Doing the detective work was fun.
Quote from: Ted on January 06, 2012, 07:30:46 AM
Quote from: MRS. NORTHSIDER on January 05, 2012, 07:07:47 PM
... The tax bill for that property index number goes to GMK Grove, Inc. at 3250 S. Grove.
Thank you, Mrs. N. Another piece of the puzzle. GMK Grove, Inc. has the following information on the secretary of state's website:
Entity Name GMK GROVE, INC.
File Number 60687307
Status ACTIVE
Entity Type CORPORATION
Type of Corp DOMESTIC BCA
Incorporation Date (Domestic) 09/21/1999
State ILLINOIS
Agent Name JAMES F GAY
Agent Change Date 03/12/2003
Agent Street Address 11001 JANN COURT
President Name & Address
JAMES F GAY
11001 JANN COURT
LAGRANGE 60525
Agent City LA GRANGE
Secretary Name & Address
FRANK MARZULLO
3816 S GROVE BERWYN IL 60402
Agent Zip 60525
Duration Date PERPETUAL
Annual Report Filing Date 09/21/2011 For Year 2011
I told you there were multiple owners....
Quote from: The Jackal on January 06, 2012, 05:27:37 PM
I told you there were multiple owners....
Yeah, but I couldn't find any evidence that Ernistine the telephone operator was an owner....
One ringie dingie. Two ringie dingies.
:D ;D ;D :D
Hello? Hello? I'm sorry, the connection is REALLY bad, can't hear a thing.......
Quote from: pkd50 on December 31, 2011, 03:53:40 PM
Salero did have a gas problem as Jackal mentioned.
Th only question that remains is who is going to get stuck with the gas "problem"...should be interesting, a real doozy.
QuoteMoving to The Garlic Clove is not at all a done deal
Just a hunch, but I don't think you'll be seeing the previous owner of Salerno's in the DD any time soon.
Pay the bill...no gas problem. Pretty simple actually.
LOL.
The bill was paid..from what I hear. The issue was the AMOUNT paid, or actually the amount that was billed.....LOL. Maybe I'm wrong, but that's what I hear.
In any event, this has to be good news for La Notte......
Quote from: berwyn senator on December 27, 2011, 08:50:29 PM
A small ranch on the North East corner of 14Th, and East ave.is where I believe old man Salerno lived.In the back yard extending from the back of the house was a cement patio,underneath was an all concrete room excessable from the basement,it was here where cheese and sausage were aged far the old Salerno's.
I haven't figured out the reply method yet, and quoting from somebody else.
Re: the old Salerno's on East Ave. Many years ago the brick house on the corner was going to be torn down, and it was offered for sale for a small amount to anyone who would have it moved. My husband and his buddy found a vacant location in Oak Park that was reasonably priced, but we couldn't afford the move because of the cost of having the cable wires cut and re-attached. We could have had the electric wires lifted during the move, but the cable couldn't be lifted. So the building was torn down.
Looks like there's some notice(s) posted on Salerno's windows.
Word has it that Salerno's will reopen in some sort of merger with Brando's at the Brando's location. We shall see.
Quote from: The Jackal on January 20, 2012, 02:43:58 PM
Word has it that Salerno's will reopen in some sort of merger with Brando's at the Brando's location. We shall see.
Good Lord. The blind leading the blind.
I gave up on both of these places, Brando's almost a year ago, and Salerno's about six months ago after I finally got sick of patronizing two Mickey Mouse run operations. What finally killed Brando's for me was when I went there at noon on a Friday and they were closed even though their hours said they were supposed to be open. Salerno's I gave MANY chances because I liked their pizza. What did it for me was also them closing early when I would call to place an order. I would call at like 9:15pm and order and the kid would tell me "sorry, we are closing because it's slow." WTF? ??? Then I always order my pizzas baked well and they would always give them to me practically raw. I would open up the box and look at the pizza and the kid would just stare at me and shrug. Screw both of these places. Good luck. I'll stick with Bouna for beef and Falco's and Home Run Inn for pizza. Places that have NEVER let me down in DECADES.
^^^^^^^
LOL.
I'm not laughing AT you, I'm laughing WITH you.
Yeah, the best was when I called Salerno's I think a year ago and they told me "we ran out of pizza dough." WTF? Are you kidding me? ::) I would equate that to me calling up Com Ed and them telling me "uh, we ran out of electricity."
Hahahahahaha..
Hey, it COULD get worse...you COULD go to a local diner and order breakfast in the morning, only to be told they're out of milk and eggs.... ;D :) ;) :P :o ???
You guys are making me miss Berwyn.
You guys are killing me - besmirching my beloved Salerno's name!!!
Seriously tho- I would give up on them too if that was my experience. I just wish I could give out pieces of their pizza when I got the ones I loved so much. I have had a clunker or two, but the great ones that I've gotten have been absolutely stellar, imo. Super thin, extra crunchy crust, with loads of flavor, super tangy sauce, and real cheese, and the sausage was awesome. And for the prices they were charging, it NEEDED to be insanely good for me to keep ordering.
seebee, don't get me wrong, I have been a Salerno's customer since before we went there after the 8th grade dance at Lincoln Jr. High when they were still on 16th St.! (we dined and dashed that day, but that's another story) ;D I am not one of the people here that have one bad experience and it's all over. I gave these screw balls like 15 chances over the past few years. Their operation was obviously going down the shitter for some time. I was just one of the goofs that kept coming back for more.
Quote from: seebee on January 20, 2012, 04:06:28 PM
You guys are killing me - besmirching my beloved Salerno's name!!!
Seriously tho- I would give up on them too if that was my experience. I just wish I could give out pieces of their pizza when I got the ones I loved so much. I have had a clunker or two, but the great ones that I've gotten have been absolutely stellar, imo. Super thin, extra crunchy crust, with loads of flavor, super tangy sauce, and real cheese, and the sausage was awesome.
You besmirch foam with grill marks covered in reddish-brown syrup, but you're OK with 1" styrofoam covered in ketchup with a slight sprinkle of plastic? I mean cheese?
Just kidding. I'm sure you had some good ones... the KEY is asking for xtra-thin crust - everywhere in Berwyn. By doing that I gave Dinico's a 2nd chance and they've been great. I'm thinking of trying the same at Benny's.
I went about three times prior to 2006, and each time got the "default" thin and it wasn't very good.
We used to live right down the street from the Salerno's on 16th when we first moved to Berwyn. My husband is not a fan of thicker crust pizza so even then we ordered from Al's. However, he did used to go there from the NW side of Chicago when he was a teenager because they could get served alcohol there. When my older daughter was in Girl Scouts we had an outing at that location where the girls went into the kitchen and made their own pizzas - they had a huge kitchen there. I believe the 16th Street location was when they were in their heyday. Heck, I usually couldn't find a parking spot in front of my house on the weekends.
My only experience with the Salerno's on Grove was when I used to be in a bunko club once a month (at least 5-7 years ago) and the wonderful lady that hosted it loved their pizza so much she always ordered pizzas from there for the evening. I did enjoy it but we all had such a great time we probably could have been eating Little Caesar's and it wouldn't have mattered.
Quote from: The Jackal on January 20, 2012, 02:43:58 PM
Word has it that Salerno's will reopen in some sort of merger with Brando's at the Brando's location. We shall see.
Now theres a real recipe for disaster!
Quote from: Bonster on January 20, 2012, 04:39:57 PM
Quote from: seebee on January 20, 2012, 04:06:28 PM
You guys are killing me - besmirching my beloved Salerno's name!!!
Seriously tho- I would give up on them too if that was my experience. I just wish I could give out pieces of their pizza when I got the ones I loved so much. I have had a clunker or two, but the great ones that I've gotten have been absolutely stellar, imo. Super thin, extra crunchy crust, with loads of flavor, super tangy sauce, and real cheese, and the sausage was awesome.
You besmirch foam with grill marks covered in reddish-brown syrup, but you're OK with 1" styrofoam covered in ketchup with a slight sprinkle of plastic? I mean cheese?
Just kidding. I'm sure you had some good ones... the KEY is asking for xtra-thin crust - everywhere in Berwyn. By doing that I gave Dinico's a 2nd chance and they've been great. I'm thinking of trying the same at Benny's.
I went about three times prior to 2006, and each time got the "default" thin and it wasn't very good.
Crap, now that I think of it, I need a new pizza joint. I'll try Dinico's xtra thin first.
Quote from: seebee on January 20, 2012, 06:18:17 PM
Quote from: Bonster on January 20, 2012, 04:39:57 PM
Quote from: seebee on January 20, 2012, 04:06:28 PM
You guys are killing me - besmirching my beloved Salerno's name!!!
Seriously tho- I would give up on them too if that was my experience. I just wish I could give out pieces of their pizza when I got the ones I loved so much. I have had a clunker or two, but the great ones that I've gotten have been absolutely stellar, imo. Super thin, extra crunchy crust, with loads of flavor, super tangy sauce, and real cheese, and the sausage was awesome.
You besmirch foam with grill marks covered in reddish-brown syrup, but you're OK with 1" styrofoam covered in ketchup with a slight sprinkle of plastic? I mean cheese?
Just kidding. I'm sure you had some good ones... the KEY is asking for xtra-thin crust - everywhere in Berwyn. By doing that I gave Dinico's a 2nd chance and they've been great. I'm thinking of trying the same at Benny's.
I went about three times prior to 2006, and each time got the "default" thin and it wasn't very good.
Crap, now that I think of it, I need a new pizza joint. I'll try Dinico's xtra thin first.
Villa Nova's?
(I know it's not in Berwyn...)
DiNico's never fails me. I am not a fan of thin crust so I can't speak for that but I can't see it being bad. I actually stopped in their LaGrange location and grabbed a $5 super slice (aka half a large pizza!) on my way home today. Yum! :oink:
Villa Nova is in Stickney on 39Th. and maybe Grove,ever since the original owner died,its a roll of the dice as to how the pizza will be.They have one in New Buffalo Michigan,a little more consistent
Things have come a long way since "John's" frozen pizza. People can really pick and choose nowadays. We rarely order pizza nowadays. Jewel always has Gino's East frozen pizza on sale and I have a bread machine which I can make very good pizza dough in and the rest is a snap.
Quote from: berwyn senator on January 20, 2012, 07:01:52 PM
Villa Nova is in Stickney on 39Th. and maybe Grove,ever since the original owner died,its a roll of the dice as to how the pizza will be.They have one in New Buffalo Michigan,a little more consistent
Villa Nova should be ordered well-done. It makes a huge difference. We really enjoy their pizza. Haven't tried the New Buffalo location. We always hit Stop 50 when we're over there in the summer. You like that place?
The New Buffalo location was pretty good,there service was also good considering we were with a rather large group,including grandchildren.Next time I'll make sure we hit Stop 50 we always like to try different places.
Make a reservation...and enjoy. On this snowy evening I'm relishing the thought of a day at the beach followed by a pizza & some vino there.
That's my kind of day!!!!
Quote from: berwyn senator on January 20, 2012, 07:01:52 PM
Villa Nova is in Stickney on 39Th. and maybe Grove,ever since the original owner died,its a roll of the dice as to how the pizza will be.They have one in New Buffalo Michigan,a little more consistent
Chicago outfit boss "Pizza Al" Tornabene. Here is a piece done by Chuck Goudie from Channel 7 News:
http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/local&id=6819520 (http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/local&id=6819520)
What's a "well done" pizza?
Quote from: mustang54 on January 20, 2012, 04:51:03 PM
Quote from: The Jackal on January 20, 2012, 02:43:58 PM
Word has it that Salerno's will reopen in some sort of merger with Brando's at the Brando's location. We shall see.
Now theres a real recipe for disaster!
hahahaha...that's not the ONLY disaster on Windsor.
Speaking of all things Italian, can any of the BTF experts identify any of the below:
2nd from left. Didn't he do time (along with his father) for some financial malfeasance connected to Cicero & Betty's administration?
Quote from: menace2society on January 20, 2012, 09:58:11 PM
What's a "well done" pizza?
It's just cooked another 5 minutes or more to make the crust crisper and give the cheese a nice patina. I've only ordered thin crust this way. It is most excellent.
While we're on pizza, I happen to love D'Amato's over on Grand and May. An entirely different kind if pie....pizza done by a bakery. I stop for a slice whenever I'm in the neighborhood.
Quote from: Pat on January 21, 2012, 05:50:21 AM
2nd from left. Didn't he do time (along with his father) for some financial malfeasance connected to Cicero & Betty's administration?
Ding Ding Ding...we have a partial winner!
Wait a second, Jackal....where the hell did you get that photo?!?!?!?!? (and why do you have it?)
Hahahahaha......tell me who the other three guys are and I'll tell you where I got the photo. I know one of them, for sure..the tall one.
Maybe we should do this over a beer. I'm a bit concerned about naming names! 😜😜😜....although I must say I think he's the only one I can identify. If only the names were a bit clearer. When in the mid to late 80's is this from?
Quote from: Pat on January 21, 2012, 05:50:21 AM
2nd from left. Didn't he do time (along with his father) for some financial malfeasance connected to Cicero & Betty's administration?
Looks Like Mike Spano.
Pat I believe that photo's from a Morton West year book.
That picture brought me back, circa late 70's, early 80's SFR and Morton East HS. Wow...
Quote from: berwynguy on January 21, 2012, 07:16:23 PM
Quote from: Pat on January 21, 2012, 05:50:21 AM
2nd from left. Didn't he do time (along with his father) for some financial malfeasance connected to Cicero & Betty's administration?
Looks Like Mike Spano.
Pat I believe that photo's from a Morton West year book.
Hmmmm....thought Spano was a Friar.
Quote from: Pat on January 21, 2012, 07:08:26 PM
Maybe we should do this over a beer. I'm a bit concerned about naming names! ....although I must say I think he's the only one I can identify. If only the names were a bit clearer. When in the mid to late 80's is this from?
Has to be 1983 or before.
The guy second from left has been incorrectly identified (he's the OLDER brother)..and he graduated in '83. The one on the far left had an uncle who was a Lt. with BPD with the same last name, and he also has a twin brother. I want to see if anyone can name the other two.
Quote from: Juliet on January 21, 2012, 08:02:20 PM
That picture brought me back, circa late 70's, early 80's SFR and Morton East HS. Wow...
These guys are from West (Maple pool), not East, and the oldest graduated in '83.
Right, Spano was class of 87
Quote from: Pat on January 21, 2012, 08:20:45 PM
Right, Spano was class of 87
The YOUNGER one was. The OLDER one was class of '83. The older brother was shorter and stockier.
Quote from: The Jackal on January 21, 2012, 07:27:02 AM
Quote from: Pat on January 21, 2012, 05:50:21 AM
2nd from left. Didn't he do time (along with his father) for some financial malfeasance connected to Cicero & Betty's administration?
Ding Ding Ding...we have a partial winner!
I'm sorry, I misread this. The YOUNGER brother did time, not the one pictured.
That was what I was just thinking. I was thinking of the younger bro. Still a great shot. Those jackets are from Art-Flo, right?
Quote from: Pat on January 21, 2012, 06:43:53 PM
Wait a second, Jackal....where the hell did you get that photo?!?!?!?!? (and why do you have it?)
It's from that Facebook site justme posted earlier.
ALL the jakets were from Art-Flo.
Quote from: Bonster on January 21, 2012, 08:27:41 PM
Quote from: Pat on January 21, 2012, 06:43:53 PM
Wait a second, Jackal....where the hell did you get that photo?!?!?!?!? (and why do you have it?)
It's from that Facebook site justme posted earlier.
Sorry, missed that. Late to this party.
Quote from: Pat on January 21, 2012, 08:31:37 PM
Quote from: Bonster on January 21, 2012, 08:27:41 PM
Quote from: Pat on January 21, 2012, 06:43:53 PM
Wait a second, Jackal....where the hell did you get that photo?!?!?!?!? (and why do you have it?)
It's from that Facebook site justme posted earlier.
Sorry, missed that. Late to this party.
No need to be sorry... I just happened to see ppl posting pictures from it on facebook the other day.
:)
Quote from: seebee on January 20, 2012, 06:18:17 PM
Quote from: Bonster on January 20, 2012, 04:39:57 PM
You besmirch foam with grill marks covered in reddish-brown syrup, but you're OK with 1" styrofoam covered in ketchup with a slight sprinkle of plastic? I mean cheese?
Just kidding. I'm sure you had some good ones... the KEY is asking for xtra-thin crust - everywhere in Berwyn. By doing that I gave Dinico's a 2nd chance and they've been great. I'm thinking of trying the same at Benny's.
I went about three times prior to 2006, and each time got the "default" thin and it wasn't very good.
Crap, now that I think of it, I need a new pizza joint. I'll try Dinico's xtra thin first.
We Dinicoed last night. I'm a warm fan. Good call, Bonster!
You prolly won't believe me, but the Dinico pie (ordered xtra thin) was in the ballpark of what I would consider the good pies I've gooten at Salerno's on Grove. Super thin crust - tho Slaerno good ones were seriously like 3 times crunchier. The Dinico pie last night was a flakier crunchy, and the Dinico pie middle was flabby. The Salerno pie middles were always fantastic (when we got the good ones)
Sauce - about the same, imo - thin and tangy. I like it that way.
Snausage - Salerno a clear winner, (imo.) Dinico's had a smidgeon of nutmeg? My Spidey Sense tasted something along those lines. Wasn't bad at all. and pretty plentiful.
Cheese - Salerno's was a cheese monster, but you PAID for it. The cheese on the Dinico pie was ample enough, but there was a complete difference in the amount each used. At Salerno's you PAID for it tho.
Took some cell pics - still trying to work the new fancy phone out for pics.
All in all, very decent pie, and the price is completely right. Pie last night was like 17 bux with a free liter of Diet Rite (my vice soda.) The same ordered pie at Salerno's would have been 25 buck it would come with more cheese, more snausage, and a crunchier, more flavorful crust, but Dinico's is definitely no slouch for the price point. Might be my "go to" pizza joint from now on.
(http://i556.photobucket.com/albums/ss4/seebee6913/dinic/2012-01-22_19-35-14_774.jpg)
(http://i556.photobucket.com/albums/ss4/seebee6913/dinic/2012-01-22_19-34-59_833.jpg)
(http://i556.photobucket.com/albums/ss4/seebee6913/dinic/2012-01-22_19-34-24_439.jpg)
(http://i556.photobucket.com/albums/ss4/seebee6913/dinic/2012-01-22_19-34-17_489.jpg)
Al's Pizza in Cicero is featuring 1/2 price pizza every Monday. I asked when this promo would end and they don't have an end date as of yet. Great deal for great pizza.
We've been doing DiNico's Ultra-thin lately...VERY good. And we live so close that it gets here too hot to handle.
Quote from: Boris on January 23, 2012, 05:11:50 PM
We've been doing DiNico's Ultra-thin lately...VERY good. And we live so close that it gets here too hot to handle.
Gonna have to try that, cuz I definitely was not happy with the crust on their regular pie.
Quote from: marie on January 23, 2012, 04:25:37 PM
Al's Pizza in Cicero is featuring 1/2 price pizza every Monday. I asked when this promo would end and they don't have an end date as of yet. Great deal for great pizza.
Thanks for posting this. We ordered pizza from Al's last night and it's gotten expensive. A large pie with 4 toppings, tax, delivery & $5 tip was $33. ???
I like Al's pizza when I'm eating in there. For some reason, perhaps those hole-y platters they serve it on, the crust is much crisper eating in. Plus they remodeled inside so the bar area's much nicer and up to date.
Quote from: Bonster on January 23, 2012, 07:35:19 PM
I like Al's pizza when I'm eating in there. For some reason, perhaps those hole-y platters they serve it on, the crust is much crisper eating in. Plus they remodeled inside so the bar area's much nicer and up to date.
Since we moved to Berwyn (almost 24 years ago) Al's has always been our favorite pizza. The past 5 years or so we have had to order a football size pizza in order to have enough to feed everyone. I have to honestly say that their football size is just not the same quality as their round sizes. I usually order half cheese and half sausage/green pepper. 65% of it will end up being cheese and it seems like the cheese is stretched a little thin across the whole pizza. We just rarely order pizza out anymore. I buy good frozen pizza on sale and make it homemade here because I can't justify spending that much money on a pizza. My kids do like DiNico's when they buy pizza on their own although I keep on telling them to stay the hell out of that part of town - LOL
I am surprised that no one has mentioned Falco's Pizza on Cermak. This pizza reminds me of what Home Run Inn used to taste like in the eighties and nineties. Good stuff!
Quote from: bigolo on January 24, 2012, 01:33:49 PM
I am surprised that no one has mentioned Falco's Pizza on Cermak. This pizza reminds me of what Home Run Inn used to taste like in the eighties and nineties. Good stuff!
Its still the best, by far!
Quote from: mustang54 on January 24, 2012, 01:36:28 PM
Quote from: bigolo on January 24, 2012, 01:33:49 PM
I am surprised that no one has mentioned Falco's Pizza on Cermak. This pizza reminds me of what Home Run Inn used to taste like in the eighties and nineties. Good stuff!
Its still the best, by far!
+1
Quote from: Bonster on January 24, 2012, 01:37:25 PM
Quote from: mustang54 on January 24, 2012, 01:36:28 PM
Quote from: bigolo on January 24, 2012, 01:33:49 PM
I am surprised that no one has mentioned Falco's Pizza on Cermak. This pizza reminds me of what Home Run Inn used to taste like in the eighties and nineties. Good stuff!
Its still the best, by far!
+1
I agree!
Quote from: bigolo on January 24, 2012, 01:33:49 PM
I am surprised that no one has mentioned Falco's Pizza on Cermak. This pizza reminds me of what Home Run Inn used to taste like in the eighties and nineties. Good stuff!
IMO, Falco's is the best pizza in the whole area, but hey, these are just MY taste buds talking.
Btw, just confirmed that Salerno's will in fact be moving into Brando's in an unspecified partnership/joint venture agreement.
Quote from: The Jackal on January 21, 2012, 02:27:21 AM
Speaking of all things Italian, can any of the BTF experts identify any of the below:
I thought this was taken in front of MW, but after a second look, I'm not so sure. I am, however, pretty sure that the guy on the far right is one of my closest friends..and the only one of the four not to attend MW. The guy second from the right has initials AD, I'm fairly certain.
Question is, can anyone identify the guy looking back with the glasses. Should be EASY for longtime Berwyn "experts"...a household name in the area.
Quote from: Pat on January 21, 2012, 08:17:00 PM
Quote from: berwynguy on January 21, 2012, 07:16:23 PM
Quote from: Pat on January 21, 2012, 05:50:21 AM
2nd from left. Didn't he do time (along with his father) for some financial malfeasance connected to Cicero & Betty's administration?
Looks Like Mike Spano.
Pat I believe that photo's from a Morton West year book.
Hmmmm....thought Spano was a Friar.
The younger brother was a Friar. The older brother was a Falcon.
Quote from: The Jackal on January 24, 2012, 07:32:30 PM
Quote from: The Jackal on January 21, 2012, 02:27:21 AM
Speaking of all things Italian, can any of the BTF experts identify any of the below:
I thought this was taken in front of MW, but after a second look, I'm not so sure. I am, however, pretty sure that the guy on the far right is one of my closest friends..and the only one of the four not to attend MW. The guy second from the right has initials AD, I'm fairly certain.
Question is, can anyone identify the guy looking back with the glasses. Should be EASY for longtime Berwyn "experts"...a household name in the area.
Correction.
The guy on far right is NOT one of my closest friends and he DID attend MW. I was right on the money with who the second guy from the right was, though.
And YES, this IS on Home Avenue right in front of MW.
According to Brando's Facebook Page:
Our Facebook Fans heard it first! Brando's Beef is proud to announce Salerno's Pizza (formerly on Grove Ave.) will be partnering with us.
They are now located in our restaurant and starting today at 4 p.m. you can begin ordering this delicious pizza for pick-up and delivery. Please note when ordering a pizza use Salerno's phone number: (708) 484-3400.
Stay tuned for our new menu featuring Brando's Beef, Salerno's Pizza and some yummy new items! Thank you for your patience as we transition into this delicious endeavor.
Quote from: NYWREB on January 27, 2012, 01:46:28 PM
According to Brando's Facebook Page:
Our Facebook Fans heard it first! Brando's Beef is proud to announce Salerno's Pizza (formerly on Grove Ave.) will be partnering with us.
They are now located in our restaurant and starting today at 4 p.m. you can begin ordering this delicious pizza for pick-up and delivery. Please note when ordering a pizza use Salerno's phone number: (708) 484-3400.
Stay tuned for our new menu featuring Brando's Beef, Salerno's Pizza and some yummy new items! Thank you for your patience as we transition into this delicious endeavor.
God help us
Quote from: NYWREB on January 27, 2012, 01:46:28 PM
According to Brando's Facebook Page:
Our Facebook Fans heard it first! Brando's Beef is proud to announce Salerno's Pizza (formerly on Grove Ave.) will be partnering with us.
They are now located in our restaurant and starting today at 4 p.m. you can begin ordering this delicious pizza for pick-up and delivery. Please note when ordering a pizza use Salerno's phone number: (708) 484-3400.
Stay tuned for our new menu featuring Brando's Beef, Salerno's Pizza and some yummy new items! Thank you for your patience as we transition into this delicious endeavor.
Is that a first for Salerno's - delivering pizza? Or did they do pizza delivery previously?
I think it speaks favorably for the owner of Brando's to let another business use his kitchen/restaurant space. Let's cut the guy a break.
Quote from: Juliet on January 28, 2012, 10:09:34 AM
I think it speaks favorably for the owner of Brando's to let another business use his kitchen/restaurant space. Let's cut the guy a break.
Agree! Salerno's always had delivery.
Must have been something new. They didn't deliver when I lived in Berwyn. The one on Grand delivers in the Loop
I agree, they did not always deliver.
The one on 16th street never delivered. They always said they never had to the pick-up was always busy.
Salerno's did not always deliver. The Oak Park one may have started delivering when they were actually on the Berwyn side of Roosevelt. When I opened Food Taxi in 1996, I approached the owners on 16th street and was honestly told " do you realize how many drivers you would have to have going at one time to deliver our Pizza's? We're busy enough." So they weren't even interested in doing delivery back then. I do know that the Grove one was delivering since the day Arnie opened.
I don't think the Home Avenue location delivered either, although I may be mistaken. I DO remember there being a pick up window/door right by the alley on Home Avenue that was ALWAYS busy.
I worked there in high school & they did not deliver as well. The only ones that ever delivered was the ones owned by Joe & Arnie.
Jeez, sorry for the confusion. I was responding to delivery at Salerno's on Grove.
Wouldn't be surprised if something opens in the old Salerno's spot within the next two-three weeks.
Come on now Jac, you mean your going to make us all wait 2/3 weeks? This so like you! Lol!
Patience is a virtue Patsy...!!! LOL!!!!
Island of Lost Souls Pet Shop
No that wouldn't suprise me either. I would feel BLUE if it didn't.
Quote from: The Jackal on January 24, 2012, 07:32:30 PM
Quote from: The Jackal on January 21, 2012, 02:27:21 AM
Speaking of all things Italian, can any of the BTF experts identify any of the below:
I thought this was taken in front of MW, but after a second look, I'm not so sure. I am, however, pretty sure that the guy on the far right is one of my closest friends..and the only one of the four not to attend MW. The guy second from the right has initials AD, I'm fairly certain.
Question is, can anyone identify the guy looking back with the glasses. Should be EASY for longtime Berwyn "experts"...a household name in the area.
I thought Jim Peterik for a second, but too short and too young I think.
Jim Peterik?
The photo is from 1982-3.
I'll give you guys a hint about the photo: beef sandwich.
Btw, looks like work is going on inside of Salerno's on Grove.
Jimmy B
Ding, ding, ding...we have a winner!!!^^^^^^^
Btw, the new owner of the business at the old Salerno's should ring a bell for many who follow Chicagoland municipal politics...at least according to my sources!
Totally forgot about the merger. Called 788-BEEF last night for a Brando's pizza. "I forget - the biggest one you got - cheese and sausage for delivery - this is Scotty".
I asked for the total, so I could have my kid pay the guy while I was working downstairs. $27.21!
I like to get rid of my money as quick as I make it, but $30 for 'za?
I love Brando's. Gianni and Brian know me and I love those guys. I'm writing this because I've posted very positive comments about their shop in the past, as well as championed their place to anyone who would listen to me.
What I'm saying is that $30 is alot for a pizza around here (unless when summer comes, and chicks in bikinis start delivering them. I can change my tune very easily!).
For the record, I will stop by there very soon, as I haven't had a meatball sam in awhile, and see the guys in person. Hopefully everything is happening very fast and they are working out the menu(s), etc.
SM
Dang! You can get a football pizza from Al's for $20! (extras for toppings, of course but still!)
Quote from: justme on February 25, 2012, 10:42:40 AM
Dang! You can get a football pizza from Al's for $20! (extras for toppings, of course but still!)
We just ordered a football size pizza from Al's the other day - half sausage and there was alot of sausage on it. It was $25 with tax and we picked it up. It wasn't cheap but it was GOOD and there was enough for dinner and leftovers. We don't do that very often anymore but every once in a while you just have to give in to that craving for a really good pizza and I'm not talking Little Caesar's.
I have had the Salerno's on Grove 30 dollar pizza a few times, and when they are perfection (MY opinion of perfection that is,) they are damn near worth 30 bucks compared to other pizza joints. I will say this, I realy do not like their regular thin crust at all - it is too thick and bready. What I really like is their extra thin crust "available on request" per their menu. When they make those things right, price excluded - they have been the best pizzas I've gotten in town, hands down. Premium everything. I've had a few clunkers, but the ones they have done well are simply remarkable, imo. For the price tho, when they throw a pie at you that is anything less than stellar, it's a total rip-off. I haven't tried the Brandernos pie yet. For the prices they charge, I can really only afford to give them one shot. If they do not feel like they need to rebuild their brand by offering a quality product at that price point, then it's just simple economics. Your product is not worth your price, and you will fail in an area with a glut of similar products. I really liked their a-game pies:
http://www.lthforum.com/bb/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=30495 (http://www.lthforum.com/bb/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=30495)
Looks like Salerno's is about to become "The Blue Penguin"... that's the name on some quickly scrawled paper signs on the windows advertising for waiter and busboy positions. A few weeks back, I spoke with a man named Jerry Genova who apparently is the (or one of the) new owners. I asked him if it would continue to be an Italian Restaurant, and he told me they were going to try to take the place in a different direction. Steaks and chops?
Quote from: nativeson on March 19, 2012, 12:08:01 PM
Looks like Salerno's is about to become "The Blue Penguin"... that's the name on some quickly scrawled paper signs on the windows advertising for waiter and busboy positions. A few weeks back, I spoke with a man named Jerry Genova who apparently is the (or one of the) new owners. I asked him if it would continue to be an Italian Restaurant, and he told me they were going to try to take the place in a different direction. Steaks and chops?
There is another Blue Penguin restaurant in Chicago. I wonder if it is related:
http://www.trav-well.com/chicago-restaurants-109603-The_Blue_Penguin.htm (http://www.trav-well.com/chicago-restaurants-109603-The_Blue_Penguin.htm)
http://www.epictrip.com/The-Blue-Penguin-restaurant-reviews-t239749-v,Chicago,Illinois.html (http://www.epictrip.com/The-Blue-Penguin-restaurant-reviews-t239749-v,Chicago,Illinois.html)
It is.
Quote from: The Jackal on February 09, 2012, 05:43:11 PM
Btw, the new owner of the business at the old Salerno's should ring a bell for many who follow Chicagoland municipal politics...at least according to my sources!
Looks like the Jackal was correct again, eh?
Quote from: nativeson on March 19, 2012, 12:08:01 PM
A few weeks back, I spoke with a man named Jerry Genova who apparently is the (or one of the) new owners.
Sooo... that must be the Jerry Genova who was the mayor of Calumet City until he was sent to jail for corruption? I thought convicted felons weren't supposed to be granted liquor licenses in Illinois... must be a different Jerry Genova, right? ;)
I don't know if its the same guy, but I DO see a gray Lincoln with Indiana plates parked in front of Salerno's quite often..... ;)
Calumet City is in Illinois.
Same guy, I heard that he's "operating" it.
Buzz, I understand that. Nonetheless, manny for.er Val city resident now livein Indiana, including a Lake County (IN) judge and former NFL lineman John Jurkovic. Think of it as the Indiana counterpart of the Berwy-Plainfield migratory pattern.
Can't help but wonder... why on earth would a former mayor of Calumet City who did jail time for corruption suddenly surface all the way up here in Berwyn to "operate" a restaurant on sleepy old Grove Avenue? Is it the generous TIF funding, the ease of getting a liquor license despite his felony conviction, the burgeoning Depot District with its high traffic and sophisticated, well-heeled clientele? Maybe he has an extra warm and cozy relationship with the well-connected in this town... relationships that the rest of us poor slobs paying ever increasing taxes would find verrrrrry interesting. Or maybe Mr. Genova just threw a dart at a map and it landed on Berwyn, simple and as innocent as that. I just really would like to know, of all the possible locations he could have chosen... Why Berwyn? ::)
Quote from: The Jackal on March 23, 2012, 01:06:27 PM
Buzz, I understand that. Nonetheless, manny for.er Val city resident now livein Indiana, including a Lake County (IN) judge and former NFL lineman John Jurkovic. Think of it as the Indiana counterpart of the Berwy-Plainfield migratory pattern.
So..... because of this
migraine pattern, an Indiana resident can leave the nest and obtain a liquor license in Berwyn, Illinois ? Thought you had to be a resident ?
Quote from: nativeson on March 23, 2012, 03:56:22 PM
Can't help but wonder... why on earth would a former mayor of Calumet City who did jail time for corruption suddenly surface all the way up here in Berwyn to "operate" a restaurant on sleepy old Grove Avenue? Is it the generous TIF funding, the ease of getting a liquor license despite his felony conviction, the burgeoning Depot District with its high traffic and sophisticated, well-heeled clientele? Maybe he has an extra warm and cozy relationship with the well-connected in this town... relationships that the rest of us poor slobs paying ever increasing taxes would find verrrrrry interesting. Or maybe Mr. Genova just threw a dart at a map and it landed on Berwyn, simple and as innocent as that. I just really would like to know, of all the possible locations he could have chosen... Why Berwyn? ::)
That's the million dollar question, isn't it? LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Quote from: nativeson on March 23, 2012, 03:56:22 PM
Or maybe Mr. Genova just threw a dart at a map and it landed on Berwyn, simple and as innocent as that. I just really would like to know, of all the possible locations he could have chosen... Why Berwyn? ::)
Hey, 40 years or so ago, five young lads from Edinburgh, Scotland threw a dart at a map of the US.....and shortly thereafter the Bay City (MI?) Rollers were born.
It CAN be done.
Why not Mr. Genova and Berwyn?
Found out yesterday that Salerno's on Grove is now part of the Brando's location for delivery. I think carry out as well. The number should be the same.
Just in case if anyone is interested.