Big Taste at Little Italy’s

The husband and wife team of Jerry and Sara LaVecchia have run their own businesses for quite some time. Owners of Coastal Carolina Auto & Truck Guide, the LaVecchias know a good deal about the world of publishing. But recently they decided to take a crack at a different kind of business when they opened Little Italy’s Ristorante in West Ashley.
While this is the first time that the LaVecchias have owned a restaurant, they are no stranger to the business world or the food and beverage industry. “I grew up working in my aunt’s restaurant and I was also a bartender in my early 20s,” says Sara. “ I always wanted to have a place of my own.”
Sara got her wish when they opened Little Italy’s at 1662 Savannah Hwy. in the space previously occupied by Lenny’s Sub Shop. The LaVecchias completely revamped the former sandwich joint into a cozy neighborhood Italian restaurant with a full bar and an impressive menu that features Southern Italian classics, such as lasagna, rigatoni, veal parmesan, chicken picatta, and much more. They also feature daily specials and a featured cocktail menu, which includes drinks such as the Italian Lemon Drop, the Venice Mojita, and a Tiramisu Martini. Little Italy’s also has a great wine list with selections in every price range.
But the food is really where Little Italy’s shines. A creative collaboration of old family recipes and fresh ideas from two experienced chefs in the kitchen. “We have two chefs, Kevin Caughill and Barney Lafayette, who both come with a ton of experience and great ideas,” says Sara. However, while Caughill and Lafayette create many of the recipes on  Little Italy’s menu, some of the staples have been handed down from the LaVecchia’s own family. “A lot of the recipes come from Jerry’s grandma, who was from Sicily,” says Sara. “The meatball recipe came from my dad, but I must admit that I changed it a little bit over the years.”
Although this is her first foray as a restaurateur, Sara says the response from the West Ashley community has been encouraging. “We are looking forward to being part of the West Ashley community and serving our family recipes of Italian cuisine with a Charleston feel,” she says.
Little Italy Ristorante is located at 1662 Savannah Hwy. Suite 105. For more information, call 573-7720 or visit www.littleitalysristorante.com