L'Italo-Americano

L'Italo-Americano THURS DAY,   MAY  30,   2013 PAGE  17 The Last Night of the Legendar y Tosca Café RoBERto NAtAlINI Owner Jeannette Etheredge was as occupied as she has been for the last thirty-three years, receiving customers and friends at the historic Tosca Café in North Beach. But tonight it was different: Sunday marked the last night of the historic landmark—at least as we know it. This past Sunday, North Beach's venerable Tosca Café opened its door for the last time since its foundation in 1920. For nearly a century, the upscale location has become a landmark, not only for the Italian neighborhood, but for the entire City of San Francisco. As has been the case for decades, glasses of Tosca Special were aligned on the bar, encouraging the clientele to order a signature drink while enjoying the warm atmosphere, replete with history and tradition. Throughout the night, the spotlight was continually on Jeannette Etheredge, who was chased by photographers trying to immortalize the special day. Welcoming guests while simultaneously tend- Owner Jeannette Etheredge greets customer during her last night at Tosca Café food served will represent not one region in particular, but all Italian traditions." When asked what, after all these years, is her best memory, her reply is what one might expect: "I have plenty of memories; I can't really say which one the same. If it ain't broke don't fix it," declared Friedman, before quickly adding, "We'll fix what's broke though." Besides making the necessary changes and needed repairs demanded by a historic place like Tosca Café, it is safe to say that The old Tosca Café opened for the last time on Sunday, May 19, 2013 ing her famous bar, Ms. Etheredge took a short break to receive greetings and answer a few questions from the media, including from L'ItaloAmericano. "I owned Tosca Café for thirtythree years," said Etheredge. "…this place is ninety-three years old, and today I feel very good." When I ask what North Beach will be like after the old Tosca Café closes, she replies, "Yes it has been a big part of the neighborhood for sure, but It's gonna be fine and it will re-open in August. You know, there is a kitchen here, that hasn't been used for seventy years. So we're going to open up the kitchen. That's why we're closing for a couple of months. But Tosca will be here again, and the sign Tosca Café, it will always be there." When the new management reopens the business, customers will enjoy not just drinks, but also Italian food. "It's going to be Italian Rustic Bar Food," she continues. "The chef is an English Michelin star chef, and is my favorite." As has been well publicized in the past several months, Tosca Café was acquired by Ken Friedman, owner of the New the entire Italian-American community in North Beach hopes the decor and furniture of the venue will remain—at least somewhat—the same. In fact, together Tosca special drinks, brandy hot chocolate York based, Michelin Star restaurant Spotted Pig. Along with Chef April Bloomfield, Friedman is the owner of many other successful venues, all of which are located in New York. "The plan is to keep it exactly with the warmth of owner Jeannette Etheredge and her exceptional staff, it is the vintage atmosphere that has always attracted customers to the legendary landmark for nearly a century. May 30, Thurs.- Italian Emigration to Peru from Colonial Times. Volare Restaurant (561 Columbus Avenue in North Beach, San Francisco). For information, MGDerenzi@msn.com June 2, Sun.- Statuto Race; Start and Finish: San Francisco Italian Athletic Club at 1630 Stockton Street. For information visit http://www.sfiac.org/ June 5, Wed.- Italian Cultural Institute. A celebration of 20th-century Italian poetry; Book presentation and poetry reading (IIC, 814 Montgomery Street, San Francisco). For information: 415 -788 7142 contact.sanfrancisco@esteri.it June 12, Wed.- Italian Jazz Month, Stefano Bollani Trio, Venue: SF Jazz Festival. For information: http://www.sfjazz.org/ June 13, Thurs. - Italian Jazz Month, Enrico Rava Quintet, Venue: Yoshi's. For information: http://www.yoshis.com/sanfrancisco June 15, Sat. - Viva L'Italia Gala Dinner, An evening to benefit the performance of the Verdi Requiem (October 25, 2013); Fairmont Hotel, San Francisco. For information visit http://www.sfyic.org/gala-dinner-on-june-15-2013/ June 15-16, Sat & Sun. - 59th Annual North Beach Festival, The Festival is considered one of the country's original outdoor Festivals, For info www.sresproductions.com/ north_beach_festival.html June 21, Fri.- Italian Jazz Month, Pino Daniele, Venue: SF Jazz Festival. For information visit: http://www.sfjazz.org/ June 30, Sun.-Festa Italiana-Giorno Della Famiglia celebrating Italian Culture in the San Joaquin Valley at the Waterloo Gun & Bocce Club (4343 N. Ashley Lane, Stockton, CA 95215) from 10am-7pm. Tickets $5 per person in advance or $7 per person on day of the event (Children 12 and under are free). Parking is free. For additional information (209) 9834375 or www.festa-italiana.com

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