Depew Courier/ Friday, December 26, 2014
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DECEMBER 26, 2014
Simply Italiano brings a little Tuscany to WNY By Amy Robb LANCASTER SUN CORRESPONDENT
Residents of Lancaster will now only have to go around the corner to get a taste of Italy. Simply Italiano welcomed patrons Wednesday for a soft opening of the store and ribbon cutting ceremony, offering delicacies like espresso and baked goods from Gino’s Italian Bakery. “We’re so happy to be an outlet for Gino’s coffee and cakes, with roughly 30 years of experience in Buffalo,” said Paul Lista, coowner of Simply Italiano. The event took place from 5 to 8 p.m. that night, with goods arriving earlier in the day, just in time for the big event. Guests sipped their espresso and snacked on fresh baked cookies, while listening to Maria Angelova and Ben Baia of Big City Horns sing Italian classics, accompanied by one of our very own Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra’s pianists, Michael T. Jones. Located at 85 Central Ave., in the Village of Lancaster, Simply Italiano is the result of a passion for all things Italian by owners Paul and Ellen Lista. The couple even got married in Italy, first going to an Italian consulate in Buffalo and then making the move to Milan, as well as Florence, where they stayed before marriage in the heart of the Tuscan region, a small village called
PHOTO BY AMY ROBB
A 1985 Vespa located in the shop.
PHOTO SUBMITTED
Owners of Simply Italiano Ellen and Paul Lista. Volterra. It’s a family affair too, with their five sons, Anthony, Nicolas, Joseph, Dominic, and Alex, supporting the couple in their new business venture. A couple of the brothers were there, along with a grandson, to help behind the counter for the big opening. The Listas spent several months living and breathing the Italian lifestyle, and it became such a passion that they brought it back with them. “We worked hard at the Italian language and food, met artisans with different
products, and even stayed at some bed and breakfasts there,” said Paul. Almost everything on Simply Italiano’s shelves is imported from Italy, including olive oil, artisan pasta and rustic sauces. Italian spices like basil, thyme, garlic, and oregano will be available through Prima Oliva, and Christopher James will have his photography work available, highlighting Buffalo and Western New York. “We do what we can to be interactive with the community. We want everyone to grow and help
each other out in any way possible,” added Paul. Lavazza coffee will be offered as well, in addition to fresh espresso made with an ornate machine imported from Milan. “Lavazza is a premium coffee, manufactured in Rome with a unique, smoky flavor. Almost like a buttery flavor. That’s why so many people drink it… it’s so good,” said Paul. The Listas want to make the store a multi-sensory experience, not just about the food (although it does shine through). Judy, a university Italian professor,
Ribbon cutting ceremony held. will be skyped in via a large television in the store to teach patrons how to order in Italian, along with other quick phrases. It creates a memorable, immersive experience other than picking up some premium olive oil and imported pasta. The building itself is also a part of that immersive experience, with 12-foot ceilings, beautiful hard wood floors and exposed brick walls. In between shelves
of items you’ll find a 1985 Vespa parked in the shop too, a vehicle synonymous with Italy. Call 68-ITALY (6848259) for more information, or visit the store’s Facebook page: facebook. com/pages/Simply-Italiano. The specialty store will soon have their own website, simply-italiano.com, after the New Year. Stay tuned for updates on their Facebook page.