Once just a brick building filled with dust, dirt and debris, a River Grove space has been transformed into a new dining destination.
Located at 8347 Grand Ave. in River Grove, Michael Palmieri bought the building in July. Although the it was just a shell, he saw his lifelong dream starting to come to life.
He’s always been in business for himself, but he’s always wanted to own his own restaurant and had talked about doing it for 30 years. On Dec. 2 Mia Passione, Italian for “My Passion,” opened for business.
“It’s been my passion to do this,” he said. “I love it.”
The love could be seen in the intimate and eclectic atmosphere. The restaurant, which specializes in Italian food, seats about 15 comfortably, has a long granite bar and a pizza oven Palmieri imported from Italy.
“A lot of the hard work was done by me,” he said. “I was physically doing it. I did practically everything from putting the chairs together to putting the paintings on the wall.”
He’s also hands-on when it comes to cooking the food, saying he grew up in an Italian family where the men did all the cooking. His food is made from his family recipes, and he says he doesn’t skimp on the quality of food and ingredients he uses.
“I don’t skimp on the product,” he said. “Everything that comes out of that kitchen, I see it.”
Most of his dishes are made fresh and he claims his meatballs are the best anywhere.
Mike Michael’s empty plate after eating a meatball and pasta dish at the restaurant on Friday could back up Palmieri’s claim. The 53-year-old Elmwood Park resident grew up around good Italian food and loves meatballs.
“I consider myself a meatball snob,” he said. “I’ll complain if the meatballs are not good. These meatballs are some of the best I’ve had around.”
Along with his desire to have his own restaurant, Palmieri, 58, created the restaurant to leave something behind for his children and grandchildren. He said many of his family members work for him, but considers all of his employees family.
His fiancee, Karen Witt, helps out at the restaurant, keeping the business moving.
“It’s what keeps him going,” she said. “He’s always wanted this and I want to live the dream with him.”
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His daughter, Samantha, works as a bartender at the restaurant. With 15 years in the restaurant business, she’s happy to support her father.
“You need someone there who can run it and someone you can trust, and that is me,” she said.
Although the business has been open for less than a month, Palmieri is already thinking about opening another restaurant. A warm reception from those who have come in to eat doesn’t hurt the idea of expanding the business.
Jim Padula, 55, of River Grove said “so far so good” after eating a meal at the restaurant recently.
“So far, the quality here is terrific,” he said. “The staff is very nice and the price is right.”
The only regret he has was that his father was not around to see his dream realized. They had a great relationship growing up and believes he would be proud of him.
“I’m extremely proud of it,” he said. “I built it and designed it. I’m very proud of it.”
Mia Passione is open seven days a week, and can be contacted at 708-716-8000.