OnMilwaukee.com Article
Palermo Villa Facebook Page
My family has experienced a lot of losses over the years. Even this week, our wonderful Auntie Bessie passed on. We've buried family, have had surprise babies pop up, and have closed businesses. But I don't think anything will compare to the closing of Palermo Villa.
Palermo Villa has been a part of me as long as I can remember. My aunt, Kathleen Mirenda has been the owner for 34 years. Even though she had my cousin Frankie, Palermo's was her baby. My Uncle Dean was another face of the Villa that everyone was happy to see behind the bar. Over the years my sister Tina worked her way up to bar tending, and a new generation of regulars began. It was our "Cheers". Kathy, Dean and Tina always had a story for you when you walked in the door. Some people may say it's gossip, but we like to refer to it as The News. "Did you hear the news about...?", well now we are the news. My dad keeps telling me to stop saying WE, but even he is a part of that equation. The news of Palermo Villa does not just effect my aunt, it effects an entire world of people.
I pretty much had every birthday celebration, New Years, and of course Halloween at Palermo Villa. Everyone that's anyone knows about the pumpkins. My father is obsessed with Halloween, and over the years he and his friend Troy transformed the Villa into a magical place. It didn't matter what your plans were for Halloween, you better get your costumed butt down to Palermo's for a picture! This past Halloween I married my fabulous husband, and our Honeymoon began at Palermo Villa...of course.
I am lucky enough to be the person that created the Palermo Villa Facebook Fan Page. When the story was released this weekend, I shared it with the world. The instant it went public, many loyal customers poured their hearts out on the page. My own group of friends made it the hardest. When I would say, "Let's go to the restaurant", no one questioned where we were going. It has always been our home away from home. We grew up eating the best Italian food in town. Listening to them reminisce about ALL of the nights at PV brings tears to my eyes. I hope that someday my family can open a place where we can share meatballs and sfingis again. Until that time, we will mourn the restaurant like a death.
I want to thank my Aunt Kathy for all of the years she gave us. She was always happy to see you walk through her doors. You were greeted with a hug and a kiss just like it was a holiday. There was always a familiar face and your drink waiting for you at the bar. The staff was just as much family, I will miss them all. Thank you to everyone that has loyally supported Palermo Villa over these past 34 years. We will not forget you. Please become a fan of the Facebook Page (which you should be already) for any more "News".
I am sorry to hear of the closing. I was just in town and went to say hello but Kathy was not there. I remember the opening. Sitting with my family and enjoying the evening with great food and conversation. Most of these people are gone but Palermo's lived on. Love to all... Tracy Puccio
ReplyDeleteWe are praying that a new venture will be coming soon. Our family was devastated when we heard. Best wishes to Kathy and Dean in planning the next chapter.
ReplyDeleteOur family (3 generations, the 4th isn't eating solid food yet) is also mourning the loss of Palermo Villa. It was an anchor point and a long standing tradition for us for as long as I can remember. We even had a wedding there - yes, my dad & his bride were married right there in Palermo Villa!
ReplyDeleteAnd there is none better than Kathy Mirenda! (Dean is a great guy too, but Kathy is the best!) Kathy would always welcome you with open arms and a big smile. She'd sit down with you and talk, making you feel like you were at home with family. She was the heart & soul of the restaurant.
And the food! Nothing as good as Palermo Villa cooking! (well, maybe except for my wife's little Italian grandmother's cooking) So now where do we go for the deep fried eggplant, or the Fettuccine Palermo, or those marvelous pizzas? I hope they all come back somehow, some way, and soon.
The food, the family, and the fun of Palermo Villa will certainly be missed! My best to Kathy & Dean and all of the wonderful staff. Please keep us posted on any future developments.