Ciao Bello

General Manager David Siegman displays some of Ciao Bello’s popular drinks: (from left) Bellini, Aperol Spritz, Negroni and the signature blood orange frozen Bellini. (Photo: lawellphoto.com)

In the corner of Ciao Bello sat an elegant older woman who had long finished her meal. Yet, she lingered, her eyes scanning the crowds, high ceilings and panoramic windows. A frequent diner, she and others consider this Tony Vallone restaurant a second home. Ciao Bello has become a gathering place for nearby residents, shedding the white-starch formality of earlier years. In its place is a neighborhood Italian brasserie whose food quality remains intact and authentic, attracting the likes of President George Bush Sr. and First Lady Barbara. The place exudes a welcome casualness for twirling pristine homemade pastas that few local eateries can match. But try, too, the outstanding parmesan-crusted red snapper ravello and the lush sautéed chicken scaloppini with a lissome, long-stem roman artichoke, crispy capers and wild mushrooms. Sunday brunch is another main attraction, with $5 bellinis concocted with blood orange or real peaches to pair with beef cheek hash, signature challah french toasts and crabcake benedict.