La Terrazza, a new restaurant recently opened by local resident James Brown, is now offering up a tasty selection of Italian and Greek dishes.
When Brown learned the former “Pizza Connection” building on Scott Street was available, he made some phone calls and secured the location for his new venture.
“I’ve been interested in opening a restaurant for about five years,” he explained, noting after working in the industry for the past 10 years, he felt it was time to open a restaurant of his own.
And he thought an Italian and Greek restaurant was the way to go.
“I wanted to bring something unique to Fort Frances,” Brown remarked. “I’ve always wanted to own an Italian restaurant. I love the concept, the atmosphere that’s focused around food and family.
“As for the Greek part, I have a passion for Greek food and it’s something we didn’t have here,” he added.
He chose the name La Terrazza for the restaurant because it means “the terrace” in Italian, saying he wanted people to be reminded of freshness and the outdoors.
Since opening nearly two weeks ago, Brown said he’s had a steady crowd checking out the new restaurant for lunch.
A large selection of items are on the lunch menu, as well as an “express lunch,” which features pasta, wraps, and salad, and a lunch buffet seven days a week.
“I think people are really excited about a new restaurant,” Brown enthused. “And they’ve commented on the large portions. But I’d rather have people walk away feeling full than having empty stomachs.”
Meanwhile, Brown noted there are about 30 choices in total on the three dinner menus (Italian, Greek, and steak).
Everything on the lunch menu is under $10 while items on the dinner menus don’t run more than $20.
“We also have a ‘lighter choice’ portion, which I feel is important because many people are very health conscious these days,” he said.
Brown is using organic produce as much as possible because it offers a better taste. And he’s also planning to focus on local produce.
“There is just so many products available locally and I’d like to [offer] them,” he remarked.
La Terrazza also is open for breakfast, which is served all day, and features a full-service espresso bar. It will be available for private events and catering, too.
“We’re hoping to have some different theme nights and entertainment to offer some variety,” Brown remarked. “Something that will keep people coming in.”
And while there hasn’t been any major changes to the dining area, Brown noted he did a lot of renovation in the kitchen and still has many more plans.
Brown received his culinary training locally from “good chefs in Fort Frances,” and has been filling in in the kitchen until his chef arrived here from Thunder Bay this week.
A grand-opening event for La Terrazza is scheduled for this Saturday (May 10) from 7 p.m.-1 a.m., with the whole Italian and Greek menu being offered in bite-size form.
Everything is included in the $50 ticket, which can be purchased at La Terrazza.
“Seating is limited, so people should get them soon,” Brown warned.
For more information, call 270-1791 or stop by the new restaurant from 10 a.m.-9 p.m. seven days a week.