DiGuilio & Co. to open on Hertel
Opening end of June/beginning of July, Deanna DiGuilio and her mother Joanne are bringing back the DiGuilio tradition. After Victor Hugo's, Thirty One, and DiGuilio's on Allen Street, the DiGuilios are creating their new venture in the former Mulligan's Nite Club on Hertel Avenue. With dramatic mirrors behind the bar, chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, and the incredible glass roof, this new venture is sure to ewowi restaurant-goers. Remember, this is the same room M. Militello brought O.J., Rick James, and many other celebrates of the 70's, 80's, and 90's. With that in mind, disco nights will soon return to this legendary spot (complete with original disco ball and all).
The newly exposed kitchen (with Dunbar manning the menu) will be an experience in itself. Sitting at the edge of the kitchen will give patrons a culinary eprofilei second to none, and a private dining room has been added for small intimate parties. This is not going to Buffalo's newest spaghetti joint, this is going to be a place rife with stuffed culinary creations ala Dunbar. The menu is being developed as I type, so check out the BRO website for details in the YUM Channel. Parking has been addressed through the acquisition of a large lot next door. So get ready to come on over to North Buffalo's Hertel District and enjoy the latest Diguilio digs. Deanna has sent along an email that takes you through a quick rundown of the history detailing family-names and places that have contributed to Buffalois restaurant history.
Over 70 years ago, there were 5 brothers (Leo, Albert, Peter, Hugo and Romeo). Three of brothers (Leo Sr., Albert and Peter) had a dream of opening a fine dining restaurant in Buffalo. The brothers (including Hugo of the famous 'Victor Hugo's Wine Cellar') had apprenticed in Buffalo as busboys, bartenders and waiters. In the late 30' and early 40's they worked in the fine dining establishments in the area including the Park Lane, Oliveris, the Town Casino. In 1941 they finally opened their first restaurant on the corner of Elmwood and Johnson Park. They called it the 31 Club and, as they say, the rest is history.
For over 40 years the 31 Club was a standard in excellence in fine dining across the country and a hotspot for national touring musicians and celebrities. Now with all the DiGiulio brothers gone, the torch is being passed to the next generation of DiGiulios.
DiGiulio & Co. will carry on the excellent traditions of the 31 Club and infamous The Peter Stuyvesant's Hotel. Deannais mother, Joanne DiGiulio, is well know in the area as the former proprietor of DiGiulio & Co. on Allen Street during the 90s, and for her successful catering business. Her daughter Deanna now joins her as a partner. Deanna's father was Leo, Jr., owner of the legendary Peter's Pub supper club on Elmwood during the 70's, well known for its fine wines, dancing and romancing.
With over a year of planning DiGiulio & Co. is sure to be one of the premier dining establishments in this area residing in the former world-renowned 'Mulliganis Nite Club' (in the VIP room). The mother-daughter team, along with chef Dunbar Berdine, welcomes you to a delicious experience and a continuation of the DiGiulio tradition.
We are all looking forward to opening later this month.
-Deanna
DiGuilio & Co. will open next door to the Webb Antiques Trading Company @ 1677 Hertel Ave. The restaurant is located in back with a long walkway to the front sidewalk.
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queenseyes
Peter Scott: This was the Hertel restaurant that I was eluding to in my Hertel post two days ago. I had never been into this space before yesterday and was really shocked to see that the restaurant was covered by a glass atrium. The lighting is cool, the bar and the kitchen are sweet... I never knew that the place even existed (other than hearing stories). Just goes to show that just when you think you know an area, there are always more surprises around the corner. I remember DeGuilio's on Allen and still recall how upset the neighborhood was when it closed.
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viking
Leo would be proud,-- many of us learned a lot from working with and for the family. I know many old friends will be seen there when it opens.
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JohnINBROOKLINE
This is more great news for Hertel, and, let me say that while I am not political, the more I think of the development of Elmwood and Hertel the more I am impressed with the entrepreneurial spirit that is thriving in Buffalo. It's great to see those who "walk-the-walk" as well as "talk-the-talk". As far as the old Mulligans goes, it could get quite " winter-like" in there. Some of these indoor "white-outs" were quite something- It was a very lax time period, with little sense of consequence. When OJ would arrive, it seemed like every female in the bar moved into proximity with him. Whatever OJ may think about those days now, he sure was the toast of the town then.
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VegasBuff
John In Brookline...man I cant belive you remember those white out nites! (or would even mention them ;) lol Anyway Dunbar and Teddy are great good luck guys!!!
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Dan
Yo! Are the Scinta Brothers going to be playing there?
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ForestBird
"Yo! Are the Scinta Brothers going to be playing there?" hehe. They've been in Vegas for a long time ... $65.95 to see them at the Sahara, believe it or not. Maybe they'll return for the Seneca casino opening....
'See how this Sicilian family illuminates the showroom as they relate their experiences of growing up in Buffalo, New York! Listen to Frank as he launches into a riff of "Stairway to Heaven" - which prompts screams from women in the audience! Laugh as Joe jumps in with an impression of Neil Diamond (his "lead-singer look" is priceless), spurring a madcap battle of one-upmanship between the siblings! '
ack.
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BFLORome
**Robear...check the mis-spell of the name through a lot of the article...it's 'DiGiulio'....and the comment from 'Forest Bird' makes no sense and is insulting.
This is GREAT NEWS for the Hertel Village! Real italian food...with authentic flair...BRAVO!!!!
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MD
I don't understand BFLORome, there is not real Italian fare on Hertel now.
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just wondering
Does anyone know what's going on with the revival of the 31 Club (on South Elmwood, where Buddies used to be)? The project was progressing quite quickly and looked really promising. They built a lot of additional space onto the building. But in the past weeks, hmm or maybe months, there has been no activity there at all. I'm wondering why the project has stalled, and when will it resume?
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BFLORome
MD...'italian-american' best describes what's on Hertel now for the most part--with the exception of Lombardos which has some authentic dishes...some select dishes @ Garangelos...Romeo's as well...great panini sandwiches there...regardless, most deliver very good quality food...so what's your 'benchmark' for italian cuisine? Been there?...Done that? I'm thinking Digiulio's will deliver some authentic cuisine...it's all good for Hertel...Ciao;)
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Robear
The word on the street is that the second floor at 31 has sprinkler system issues. The city building code and the state building code appear to be holding up the progress. We here that this will all be resolved soon and the project will be back on track.
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peter scott
gracias...looks good
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GTO
Ya gotta try Filippo's!
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crabby patty
no Scinta fan here!
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mamaberd
i think that anything with dunbar's cooking attached is sure to be a hit!
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MR
Mamaberd.... you are totally right. Digiulios will be a four star restaurant with our boy Dunbar "manning the menu." Can't wait to see you there!
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lily mae
dunbar, or dad to me is my father! I'm 11 years old (i'll be12 in august) and dad makes me dinner every night and his meals are always good, so, on opening night i really think it'll be good! I'll know because I'm going. I hope you like my one and only dad "manning the menu" as much as I am going to!
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Elissa Bello
My dad worked with and was a very close friend to Leo Sr. In fact , Leo Sr. and his late wife were my sister's Godparents. I have some of my fondest memories as a little girl hanging out with them. They were an inspiration. I am so very happy to see his daughters carrying on the tradition, and contributing once more to the city of Buffalo. I look forward to a visit when back in Buffalo!
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Rosann "Bello" Gonzales
Leo DiGuilio Sr. was my God-father and best friend to my dad Jerry Bello, who was the head waiter at the Park Lane. They have been gone for a very long time, my dad having passed away in 1959! I am sure Joanne, who I remember as Leo's Jr.s wife will do a fine job on Hertel. I plan to visit soon.
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