Recent Media Coverage of Alfano's Authentic Italian Restaurant and Splendido Lounge

• Award of Excellence, Wine Spectator

The Great Chefs of Tampa Bay
By Aaron Fodiman
    For twenty-four years, Linda and Frank Alfano have owned, operated and been the chefs at Alfano’s Italian Restaurant in Clearwater. Frank was raised in his family’s restaurant, and he and Linda both attended cooking school in Florence, Italy. They both believe that good food is prepared simply, but agree that it must also have some flair. They have given some of their dishes unusual names, such as the Nicci’s Apples dessert that is names for their daughter, who liked putting her apple pie over ice cream, or Chicken Daronzio that was named for their friend Sal, who asked Frank to make him a special pasta late at night. They have never changed their original concept and have always tried to have an “A.O.D” (Alfano on Duty), which has become much easier now that their two daughters work with them. They are fanatical about customer service, call many customers by name and also know if they prefer a special table, server or menu item. They have noticed that many of their customers are, once again, enjoying pasta risotto and potatoes, now that the “Atkins Diet” era has passed, but are replacing many of the oils they use with zero trans fat products. They love their fourteen-ounce bone-in Veal Chop Milanese that is lightly breaded, pan-fried and finished with fresh lemon and Romano cheese and also their Torta Miele of homemade apple strudel with butter pecan ice cream and butterscotch sauce.
     Frank and Linda love to travel, go antiquing and dine with family and friends when they are not working. At home, they occasionally share a large grilled porterhouse steak with a salad and fresh vegetables. We asked for words of wisdom to pass on to our readers, Frank, the comedian, says “ Try chocolate with cabernet sauvignon.”

Tampa Bay Magazine  July/ August 2007 Pg 53

Alfano’s Holds Sicilian Dinner
     Chefs/ Owners Linda and Frank Alfano enjoy creating special Italian menus at their Alfano’s Restaurant and Splendido Bar in Clearwater. So, when winemaker Lucio Maticardi of Feudo Arancio Wines decided to visit them during a tour through the United States, they invited customers and friends to enjoy a five-course Sicilian dinner, matched with wines from this distinguished winery. Feudo Arancio, situated on 2,200 acres in the southwestern corner of the island of Sicily, uses a new-world style to highlight their well-priced varietals.

Tampa Bay Magazine  July/ August 2007 Pg 30
Up Front
Sketches, Scribbles & Scraps of Information About People, Places and Almost Anything