Rosemarino d'Italia Open for Business

Rosemarino d’Italia, a new restaurant on Mount Vernon Avenue, is open for business while it awaits its ABC license.

Manager George Prudente opened the doors at 1905 Mount Vernon Ave. a few nights last week for a soft opening.

Prudente oversaw some of the operations at La Strada, which closed at the site on Dec. 31, 2012. Family health issues and business shortfalls prompted the decision to close the Italian restaurant, according to Courtney Scott, daughter of owner Stephen Scott.

• See: La Strada to Close
• See: Some La Strada Staff to Join Rosemarino d'Italia 

Rosmeri Espinoza, who has worked at Pines of Florence on King Street for the past decade, filed an application with the city to take ownership of the business in January.

• See: New Plans for La Strada

Some of La Strada’s regulars were invited to sample the new Italian cuisine at Rosemarino d’Italia during Friday night's dinner.

“I asked them about the food and I told them to be frank and honest about it. I knew that being La Strada's regulars they would compare the food,” Prudente wrote in an email. “And honestly they love the food the ambience of the newly painted and decorated restaurant and of course the same service.”

Prudente said he hopes the ABC license is finalized in the next week or so.

Rosemarino d’Italia is open from 4:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 4:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday, noon to 11 p.m. on Saturdays and 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Sunday.

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