Belle Arti closes

Napa's first and only Sicilian trattoria ceased operations today. But the owners of Belle Arti are not leaving wine country.

While partners Rosario Patti and Santo Sacca have shuttered their Belle Arti restaurant -- located on the back side of the Napa Valley Opera House -- the two Sicily natives will rejoin former business partner Russell Kassman at The Depot on Soscol Avenue. As of Wednesday, the new Soscol Avenue business venture will be known as Cucina Belle Arti at The Depot.

Closure of the intimate Sicilian trattoria is but the latest in a string of restaurant closures in wine country this month. Previous eatery closures include Budo, Pinot Blanc and Wine Garden.

Patti, who manned the stoves at Belle Arti, said he will develop a new menu at the Depot, starting with a special Valentine's Day dinner now being planned.

After their New York restaurant was lost as a result of the 9/11 terrorist attack, Patti and Sacca teamed up with Kassman to open Belle Arti on Sept. 11, 2002. Subsequently, the Sicilians bought out Kassman and he went on to purchase and open The Depot in 2004.

In welcoming his two friends to the Depot, Kassman noted that Belle Arti had received rave reviews for its authentic Sicilian cuisine and Patti, as executive chef, "earned accolades for the application of regional products to traditional Italian fare." He pointed out that his new executive chef, a graduate of the infamous Medici Cooking School in Florence, has been featured in cooking classes and demonstrations on television and throughout Napa, and is a master in the kitchen and the classroom.

"His partner, Santo Sacca, is a noted authority on the wines of Italy and Belle Arti had the most extensive wine list -- specializing in the wines of Sicily -- in the Napa Valley region," Kassman added.

While Patti was reluctant to finger a single reason for the closure of Belle Arti, it's no secret that he and his partner had been critical of noisy construction on the First Street bridge replacement, driving away lunchtime business, as well as inadequate area parking -- complicated by the mix of gargantuan construction equipment -- discouraging would-be diners from coming downtown.

"I want to thank the people who supported us over the past three-and-a-half years," Patti said Monday. "Those who want to continue eating my food can now come to the Depot. I will have a larger kitchen, so I'll be able to offer even more menu options.

"We respect the position that the Depot has in the Napa community, and we look forward to carrying on that tradition while adding our own esthetic to the menu and wine list." The Depot's new executive chef said the new menu would feature traditional Sicilian fare while retaining the eatery's signature pasta dish, malfatti.

Patti said he will take his kitchen crew and dining room staff with him, keeping five staff members on local employment rolls.

Sacca will assume the role of restaurant and bar manager. He said the Depot wine list will feature as many if not more Sicilian bottlings that were the hallmark of the Belle Arti menu.

"Man, it's going to be so nice to have a full bar and access to all the wonderful spirits and wines of the world," Sacca added. "At least now we will be able to offer grappa and Port after dinner, and have cocktails available to go with Rosario's wonderful antipasti -- as it should be. This move will allow us to wine you, dine you and entertain you all in one location."

In discussing his reunion with former business partners, owner Kassman spelled out the details of the arrangement. "Santo will take over the management of the front of the house operations and Rosario will be executive chef. I will remain the business manager and marketing contact and be responsible for the booking of cabaret entertainment. This arrangement will let all three of us concentrate on the areas that we enjoy and do best. I can't think of better ingredients to make a winning recipe."

As for the future of the restaurant space behind the Napa Valley Opera House -- home for a long time as well to popular Napa eatery Celadon prior to the opening of Belle Arti -- a sign on the window indicates Napa residents Donna and Michael Van Duyn will open a "beer and wine eating place" to be called Loco's.

According to the Napa real estate agent who handled the sale of the business and lease transfer, Skip Keyser, escrow on the property is expected to close this week.

Contacted by phone last Friday, Loco's partner Donna Van Duyn said she had nothing to say at this time about the couple's new business plans. When those plans are finalized, she indicated she would make an appointment with The Napa Valley Register to discuss them.

Sources closest to the sale indicated the Van Duyns had spread the word that Loco's would feature Tex-Mex cuisine.

This is not the first restaurant venture for the Van Duyns. For part of its existence in downtown Napa, Rio Poco was owned and operated by the couple.

By popular demand, Pilar Sanchez has decided to add an additional February class to the new series she is offering at Pilar restaurant in Napa. It will be on Saturday, Feb. 11 at 11:30 a.m. and feature a lobster souffl. (The lobster souffle will also be available on the restaurant menu on Valentine's Day for love birds that don't want to cook, Sanchez notes.) Guest speaker at the class will be Mike Weinberg-Lynn, owner of Osprey Seafood, who will share tips on buying fresh seafood.

The fee is $35, which includes class and lunch. (Beverages are separate.) To reserve a spot call Pilar at 252-4474