Piccolino's in Napa closes | Napa Valley Register

4:30 p.m.Downtown construction projects, a down economy, moving the day of Chefs Market, lack of parking and closed streets — these are reasons Piccolino’s Italian Cafe shut its doors for the final time after the dinner crowd left on Monday night.

“I’m still in shock. I never thought I would be in this situation,” said Piccolino’s owner Joe Salerno. “I had every intention of going the full 20 years with the options on my lease.”

Piccolino’s had been open for 13 years on the west end of the Napa Town Center, near First and Franklin streets.

“What really put us behind the eight ball was the lack of capital. In the last three years some kind of construction has impacted us. When they closed Franklin Street, I lost 20 percent of my business and then the recession hit ... I just couldn’t get back out of the hole. The sad part is when the (Avia) hotel opened, business was starting to come back. But I had no money left and the banks were not interested in loaning. So I had no money to keep going,” Salerno said.

When the Chefs Market event, which runs all summer, moved from Friday to Thursday night, Salerno said it cost him $30,000 per year in lost revenue.

Because of all these factors, Salerno said his business was off 30 percent. “The recession was a big part of it. There was a synergy with the opening of the Avia, but I just couldn’t wait out the storm.”

The roughly 4,600-square-foot restaurant employed 28 full- and part-time employees.

“I’ve offered to help them get placed. But other than that, there is not much I can do. I know there are two weeks they have not been paid for. I personally can’t pay them right now. I plan to pay them ... that is something that I want to take care of,” Salerno added. “I give my word they will get paid. I will live up to my word.”

87 comment(s)

tiredofcomplainingnapkins wrote on Sep 30, 2009 4:41 PM:

" Its to bad piccolinos closed, They had great happy hours, and on wednesday nights they would offer all you can eat Free Pizza, I'm surprised in this down economy people didnt show up for the free pizza they offered. That shopping plaza lost another great business. Joe is a great guy and upstanding human being, i'm sure he will pay his employees. "

Jr38 wrote on Sep 30, 2009 4:41 PM:

" No one was as shocked as me yesterday. It's kind of like losing a family member. Joe ran an honest business for thirteen years, and should have gotten rewarded for his efforts. I for one hope he comes back. "

Cowboy wrote on Sep 30, 2009 4:44 PM:

" Just another fiasco for downtown Napa. The list is getting to be quite long, isn't it. "

cordell wrote on Sep 30, 2009 4:59 PM:

" OK. NOW can we change Chef's Market back to Friday where it belongs? Good luck Joe. You had a really nice restaurant. "

clonapa wrote on Sep 30, 2009 5:04 PM:

" Wow. This is so sad. "

city resident wrote on Sep 30, 2009 5:19 PM:

" Joe,
Very unfortunate about you restaurant.
How soon do you plan on making your employees whole on the wages you owe them?...Just curious...I would hope you do the right thing "

jmo wrote on Sep 30, 2009 5:20 PM:

" It is always sad to hear of a business closing downtown and 28 people losing there jobs...But; the food, to be kind, wasn't up to par. We and most of our friends avoided it.

We were amazed that it was still open all these years. "

napascot wrote on Sep 30, 2009 5:22 PM:

" Terrible news. So sad to see a good guy and a good business go down the tubes due to factors outside of his control. "

napaisburning wrote on Sep 30, 2009 5:23 PM:

" Salerno, whom I met years ago at Walmart, of all places, was a standup guy. This looks like a case of unintended circimstances. Due to the fact of Avia's construction, Picccolino's had to be sacrificed. Imagine how many folk from that new hotel would have enjoyed the fine cuisine at Salerno's old eatery. Home Skillet was such a supporter of downtown improvement prophetically, to a fault. Good luck Joe!!!! JWPeay "

drtymick75 wrote on Sep 30, 2009 5:27 PM:

" Gee.. Whats wrong with chefs market on THURSDAY? This town is going downhill quick.
Sorry to hear about Piccolinos closing.. Never got a chance to eat there..
But hey.. look at the ad on this page.. you can always go to Val's for Italian food... ugh. "

tripnote wrote on Sep 30, 2009 5:40 PM:

" downtown association needs to answer for this, they moved chefs in part b/c Greg Cole said it would be better for restaurants? "

winecolife wrote on Sep 30, 2009 5:43 PM:

" Can't park in Napa, so don't eat out in Napa. Sorry. but with the one-way streets, it's just impossible. Sonoma has a much better downtown feel. "

napamouth wrote on Sep 30, 2009 5:47 PM:

" No big loss. I ate there once years ago with my young daughter, Staff wasn't too kind or receptive, food was overpriced and not up to par. Ate there once more last Valentines Day...Staff again, not kind or friendly, menu on V Day was very limited, overpriced and not worth mentioning. Note to other eating establishments...have your staff put smiles on their faces at least and treat your patrons like they're special...may get you return customers. "

not a tourist wrote on Sep 30, 2009 5:47 PM:

" were sacrificing local bussinesses for tourism, sad. "

AThought wrote on Sep 30, 2009 6:10 PM:

" I was shocked when I was this headline! That is so sad to hear! What would be great is if things pick up and turn around and they could open up their restaurant again.... great food and I had my wedding rehearsal dinner there- great service, great food, great atmosphere. So sad to see them go! "

skiph wrote on Sep 30, 2009 6:14 PM:

" I thought Chefs Market was moved to Thursdays because the downtown restaurants were complaining about Friday nights hurting their business. "

local yokel wrote on Sep 30, 2009 7:27 PM:

" Well Darn!
We don't splurge on eating out a lot, but Piccolinos was a place we would stop by for a quick lunch or supper. I will miss the warm bread and olive oil and the wonderful clam chowder. Had some great pasta dishes too. I am very sad to see an affordable local restaurant forced to close. Parking is a real problem in this town unless you know your way around.
Thank you Joe for all those good lunches and suppers at your restaurant, it will be missed. "

Mr. Feasor wrote on Sep 30, 2009 8:10 PM:

" For awhile, Piccolino's was the only Italian place downtown. And that's about all it had going for it...

I do feel bad for the employees. I hope they get their wages soon. It's also in Salerno's best interests, considering how quickly the penalties accrue.

And drtymick75, when it comes to Italian food, the minestrone that comes out of Val's is about 500 times more legit than anything served at Piccolino's. "

fourmaplesoutback wrote on Sep 30, 2009 8:12 PM:

" Thank you, Joe and staff, for many great meals. We ate at Piccolinos frequently, and are sad to see it go. If you start up another venture, we'll be there! "

tomtom wrote on Sep 30, 2009 8:21 PM:

" Sorry to hear about the business closing. I hate to add salt to the wounds, but I've eaten there twice, and both times were very disappointing. Food looked like it had been sitting under heat lamp for ages. Also, employees did seem over-worked and 'short' with customers.

Hopefully some new and innovative restaurants will replace the old ones.

It's always bad to hear about business closing and people losing their jobs. "

jeeper16 wrote on Sep 30, 2009 8:26 PM:

" Don't worry, Mr. Altamura will buy it!!!! "

rosalee3@sbcglobal.net wrote on Sep 30, 2009 8:44 PM:

" Such nice people, such bad food "

abouttime wrote on Sep 30, 2009 8:58 PM:

" Anyone who thinks parking is a problem in downtown doesn't get out much. Parking in Napa, compared to so many cities, is very easy. Unless you're someone whose life experience is very limited, you would not be complaining. Piccolinos was a nice restaurant. Nothing very special, a mediocre Italian restaurant in a town with great Italian restaurants. But it survived because people liked Joe. He is a great guy. He made a mistake in trying to make downtown his private domain and waiting time trying to takeover the downtown association. He was in over his head. Unfortunately in a tough economy being a nice guy wasn't enough. "

napat wrote on Sep 30, 2009 9:00 PM:

" Sorry about Piccolinos. I've an observation: what woman wants to drop off elderly or handicapped passengers, then try to navigate to one of those parking garages? Not I! Lunches are OK, but not dinner downtown. Business people....think about parking for those of us who are no longer spring chickens. "

C-Groom wrote on Sep 30, 2009 9:27 PM:

" In the 13 years, never ate there. Pizza Azzurro is my place. "

fedupinnapa wrote on Sep 30, 2009 9:29 PM:

" No matter what anyone thinks of the food. Joe is a great guy and i am confident he will do right by his employees. I wish him the best going forward and i hope his team finds a new opportunity soon. "

shgirl wrote on Sep 30, 2009 9:35 PM:

" i am genuinely sad to hear about any hardworking person going out of business. but to say that the move of chef's market had THAT much of an impact on their business is completely ridiculous! the bottom line here is that we are in a recession (if not depression). everyone i know (from every pay scale) is on a budget...and the first thing that goes is eating out. so please, don't make this about chef's market...make this about our current economic times and what is going on in this world. "

CommentConnie wrote on Sep 30, 2009 9:36 PM:

" So sad! We ate there often, always had good service with friendly servers. What amazed me most about the Salerno's is their incredible generosity. I use to work for another downtown establishment and at Christmas time, the Salernos purchased $50 gift certificates from us for everyone - EVERY ONE - of their employees. This happened for several years at the beginning of their business. I have no doubt they will take care of their employees with the wages owed. I am sure he is heartbroken now more over his employees being out of work than losing the business. He is just that kind of great human being. All the best to you Joe! "

jackie wrote on Sep 30, 2009 9:42 PM:

" wow.. sometimes I am shocked at the comments posted here - where is everyones genuine care for each other? People can't fix what they don't know about - positive change comes from positive feedback.... "

martini wrote on Sep 30, 2009 10:06 PM:

" NAPAMOUTH, your all class. Kick people when their down. People lost their job and you complain now. Man up and complain when it happens. Let me guess 7% tip before taxes. "

Little Lord Fauntleroy wrote on Sep 30, 2009 10:31 PM:

" Another sad victim of the Bush recession. Hopefully the workers will be able to find jobs. "

random name here wrote on Sep 30, 2009 10:38 PM:

" Interesting thing about human nature: When we fail we rarely blame ourselves. It's always everyone else's fault. "

JMB wrote on Sep 30, 2009 10:52 PM:

" This just shocks me. I don't know the owner, but I know what it's like to own a restaurant. I've always had a good experience at his place. Better than others downtown. If I had more capital anymore, I'd want Mr. Salerno to stay in business and help. We'll miss it a lot, I don't know why people are saying it's sub-par. "

109823 wrote on Sep 30, 2009 10:59 PM:

" We ate there a couple times when Chefs' Market was on Fridays. We haven't been back since it changed to Thursday. "

NAPAdocumentor wrote on Sep 30, 2009 11:53 PM:

" This is very sad indeed. I don't know Mr. Salerno, but I have heard of his tremendous generosity. I hope his luck turns around soon! As far as parking downtown, I've never really had too much of a problem with it. Compared to San Francisco with the parking meters everywhere, restricted parking and competition for open spaces, I'd say downtown Napa is a walk in the park. The parking lot behind the Goodman library always seems to have spots open. Even with all of the construction, I'm always amazed to find parking in that lot on busy days.

--Seth Herbey "

make napa better wrote on Oct 1, 2009 12:44 AM:

" drtymick75 wrote on Sep 30, 2009 5:27 PM:

"Sorry to hear about Piccolinos closing.. Never got a chance to eat there..
But hey.. look at the ad on this page.. you can always go to Val's for Italian food... ugh. "

Come on PH!
Val's has some of the best italian food around! The Depot Revisited! "

southnapareader wrote on Oct 1, 2009 1:40 AM:

" I believe Joe Salerno, owner of Piccolino's, and (former?) head of the Downtown Merchant's Association, was responsible for the decision to move Chef's Market from Friday's to Thursdays. Ironic(?) and sad that in part, that was to blame for him losing his restaurant. "

ambonizay wrote on Oct 1, 2009 4:07 AM:

" I am glad Joe is closed down. It is a crime to not pay the workers, and to be honest, Joe's word they will be paid does not pay the workers bills. The food was lousy for the price you paid. Good riddens. "

JustAnotherManicMonday wrote on Oct 1, 2009 7:47 AM:

" I also didn't eat there very often, hard to get parking, and the food wasn't that remarkable for the pricing. Atmosphere was more for tourists. Just wasn't a local hang out. I enjoy going to Pizza Azurro, or Filippis, or Genova's Deli. But those all have parking, and unique food. Sad that the employees have lost their jobs. But maybe he should have closed up earlier when he was able to pay the employees? And why did their Friday night business go down? I thought moving the Chef's Market to Thursday night was supposed to improve their Friday night sales? He seems like a nice guy, with good intentions. But with an Italian family background, why was the food there so ordinary? "

good people wrote on Oct 1, 2009 8:17 AM:

" Good comments, especially shgirl. We are in one heck of a recession and, as evidenced by business closings such as Elements and Accents Napa Valley before Piccolino's, its not going to get any better anytime soon. Tourism, after this month, will almost go totally away. And with the recession forcing most people to cut back, locals will not be out spending either. I feel bad for those left in business in downtown. At least those who have closed have ended their suffering. But please, parking? If you've been downtown lately parking places are a dime a dozen! "

JustMyyOpinion wrote on Oct 1, 2009 8:56 AM:

" cityresident, Joe said he was going to do the right thing and pay his employees just as soon as he's able. Give the guy a break. He just lost his business and I'm sure is hurting in more ways than one.

Picolinno's did have good food and the wait staff was always friendly and professional. I'll miss knowing it's there.

I also agree Chef's Market should be moved back to Friday nights. It just makes more sense! "

reddawg wrote on Oct 1, 2009 9:03 AM:

" While I am sorry to see another locally owned business close. I do find it interesting that Joe complained about the moving of Chef's Market. As a vendor at this year's market, I looked for somewhere to eat each week at closing. Everytime I went to Piccolino's I was told the kitchen was closed. So we ate at Ristorante Allegria several times which almost always had every table full, as well as a hopping bar. I would have been happy to share the wealth but they made the poor decision to close early. "

reddawg wrote on Oct 1, 2009 9:12 AM:

" If I hear one more person complain about parking in downtown Napa I will scream...Oh I am already screaming!! I have NEVER, even on the busiest Chef's Market day or event day had trouble finding parking in Napa. Of course I do not have to park at the door of the establishment I am going to. I am willing to walk a block or, GOD FORBID, two whole blocks to get to my destination! Try San Jose sometime - I literally spent an HOUR looking for parking in San Jose , 15 minutes of that driving around in a parking structure that said it had parking, then got to pay $25 for 4 hours!. Napa Is a DREAM! "

Wine nurse wrote on Oct 1, 2009 9:24 AM:

" wow, some rude posts present. "

magnum wrote on Oct 1, 2009 9:36 AM:

" Another example of poor planning by the city of Napa. "

surfdogge69 wrote on Oct 1, 2009 9:41 AM:

" Sorry to hear about this. I've heard wonderful things about Mr Salerno. Most of us do not know about what goes on in conversations before meetings and what agreements are made. Piccolino's was not one of my personal favorites for the same reasons as stated by Napamouth above. So so service, overpriced food, but that is the norm in Napa. Any closing downtown especially a long term owner is bad, but something will come along to take their place. Martini and Cordell, I personally prefer Thursday nights for the Chef's Market. I have other things to do on a Friday night and like Silos and downtown resturaunts on Fri nights. I hadn't been to the Chef's for 4 years until they changed this year to Thurs and spent over $2000 to vendors this past summer, and have been to more Resturaunts downtown on Fri nights because of the change. I am a native Napkin, not a tourist and like the way downtown is shaping up finally. "

valleylocal wrote on Oct 1, 2009 10:18 AM:

" One night does not make or break a business. Don't blame Chef's market. They had good soup but the last couple of times I was disappointed so haven't been back in quite a while. Sorry to see it close though. "

johndstewart wrote on Oct 1, 2009 10:23 AM:

" Joe Salerno is an upstanding and honest guy! He has been a real friend to Napa and those of us who know him. He worked many a charitable event to help raise money for important causes in this town. In the end, Napa has lost another local business, his employees have lost their jobs, his landlord has lost the rent income and the tax collector has lost the taxes from Joe's revenue. We all lose when one of our own loses his business - regardless of the reasons. Joe, along with lots and lots of Napans, we will miss Piccolino's and all you did for us. Thanks for everything! Good luck to you and Cathy! "

JustAnotherManicMonday wrote on Oct 1, 2009 10:39 AM:

" Parking two blocks away for mediocre food? No thanks! "

Napa_Citizen wrote on Oct 1, 2009 11:01 AM:

" JustAnotherManicMonday wrote on Oct 1, 2009 10:39 AM:

" Parking two blocks away for mediocre food? No thanks! "

Walking is good for the body! :0) "

napamouth wrote on Oct 1, 2009 11:16 AM:

" To "martini". If you read the posts, I am not alone in my comment. You must be one of the ex employees. It is what it is and that wasn't much. We all lose jobs, it's part of life and life goes on. Regarding tips...it's a gratuity, it has to be earned. If great service, 15-20% is justifiable, if not, they get nada! You, my friend, need to lighten up....have a martini! "

horton1998 wrote on Oct 1, 2009 11:38 AM:

" There is plenty of parking downtown just because you can't park right outside of a restaurant doesn't mean there is no parking downtown for god sakes! As for Mr. Salerno's restaurant closing I am very sorry to see another loss of a business downtown but the last time my husband and I were in there they were advertising a local special and the food wasn't that great and we still spent over $50 when we could have gone down to the Oxbow and had better food and spent less. Plus we didn't get the "local special" because they stopped serving it at 7 pm. "

woody wrote on Oct 1, 2009 11:48 AM:

" One would really have to make an effort to eat at Piccolinos during the construction period this last year. I know because I tried. The parking lot was blocked off due to the construction of the hotel and there was very little parking on the street. It had to be tough to stay open. I wonder why the property owner did not stand behind and help his tenant during this trying time. Thirteen years is a long time to be paying rent and to be let go on deaf ears. Joe Salerno is a wonderful person and I have eaten at his restaurant many times. The food was always good and the service top notch. Joe himself would always come out to greet his guests. Joe worked hard to improve our downtown area. He always asked his patrons how they felt about downtown issues so he could be better informed. The town of Napa is the real looser here. Thank you Joe and staff for all the wonderful meals, we will miss you.

Richard Wood "

livinggood wrote on Oct 1, 2009 11:48 AM:

" Not a big loss for Napa.. We have many great Italian Restaurants in Napa, don't need mediocre Italian restaurants...
Joe, it had nothing to do with Chefs Market...if you lost business on Friday, they you should have gained business on Thursday. If you can not fill up your restaurant on a friday night and everyone else does, then maybe you should think about the quality of your food.. "

Bogabutsmom wrote on Oct 1, 2009 11:49 AM:

" Again. NapaMouth is not a local supporter of the businesses that try to bring good food and support of the community. You need to not be named NapaMouth because you are not the voice of the town. "

twocentsguy wrote on Oct 1, 2009 12:23 PM:

" Napamouth...totally agree with you. Ignore those that can't take criticism. "

sailorgirl wrote on Oct 1, 2009 12:25 PM:

" Bogabutsmom? and your name would mean?
As for the restraunt, I have not eaten there, but I also have had no problem parking down town. I hate seeing a long time business leaving dt because there is already nothing there to go see or do. I have been gone for 15yrs. The first time I went to the farmers market, I said to myself "That's it?" I went late to the library it was closed and town was closed down. That was a Friday night. "

Bogabutsmom wrote on Oct 1, 2009 12:26 PM:

" Livinggood needs to learn about the tourism arrivals/departures....it is a destination that has the Friday-Sunday pattern. And locals have shown the non-supportive behavior of downtown restaurants "

manxkat wrote on Oct 1, 2009 2:04 PM:

" Another Napa County business goes away and takes more jobs. Lost because of city insensitivity to ongoing businesses, impossible downtown parking, poor city planning, huge city fees, escalating costs for water, trash and sewer, ridiculous green requirements and on and on... If you ever want a job you had better ask yourself what you have done to get elected officials to back off the attack on businesses. "

JustAnotherManicMonday wrote on Oct 1, 2009 2:17 PM:

" I'd rather go and eat at Pasta Prego. If a lady is dressed up to go out and eat, and wearing heels, she does not want to walk two blocks! Pasta Prego has great chicken and fettuccini, great calamari, a fish special, bread, olive oil, pizza. Also go to Firewood - I can order a glass of wine, and sit outside with my dog, and it's kid friendly. I don't want to walk two blocks after eating a plate full of pasta. "

cheezcakemaker wrote on Oct 1, 2009 2:28 PM:

" Sorry to hear that they closed. I had never been in for a meal.

I drove by 'Elements' today and seen a 'for lease' sign.

Not the first and not the last. I hope the employees are able to find work. "

nogrooveinsolano wrote on Oct 1, 2009 2:49 PM:

" Oh Joe, I remember you very, very well when I seen you at Excertec (circa 1996) as a gym member, yet I was a custodian there. You were truly an earthy soul, but it is sad to see your restaruant close.
Here's my "hug" to you. You will get your groove back soon. "

wined0wnnapa wrote on Oct 1, 2009 2:52 PM:

" manic monday, im with you! Heaven forbid I have to walk 25 yards in order to gorge on chicken, pasta, calamari, fish, bread, olive oil, wine. Seriously what type of distance runners do these city planners think we are? gotta go, firedepartment is here to cut me out of my house so I can go get hosed down. "

707jng wrote on Oct 1, 2009 2:59 PM:

" They had great food and the staff was always awesome! I'm really going to miss that place. "

commenter wrote on Oct 1, 2009 4:16 PM:

" Mr. Salerno,

I understand things happen, but sticking employees by having them work when there was nothing to pay them with is top of the list for "here's your sign" award day.

If you did not know the place was broke, then natural consequences took care of that right quick, and the EDD will be teaching you the rest soon.

If you knew and went on anyway, then shame on you. "

twocentsguy wrote on Oct 1, 2009 4:18 PM:

" WinedOwnnapa....Good one! "

Shorty94558 wrote on Oct 1, 2009 5:12 PM:

" I took my wife to Pic's once, and we had a great time. Unfortunately, it is a sign of the times when a business closes their doors. I'll miss ya Joe!

"Yes, Virginia. There is a RECESSION." "

OU812dc wrote on Oct 1, 2009 5:18 PM:

" I see no parking problem with downtown Napa, if you think that there is a problem you are just lazy. I am sorry Joe you are a great guy, I just think if you concentrated on better quality food you could have done alright. I cant wait for the new Italian place to open in the new Napa Square! "

napaoldguy wrote on Oct 1, 2009 5:19 PM:

" I'm sure the people complaininmg about walking two blocks are the same people that will spend hours in a mall, WALKING. I have as full size truck and have never had a hard time finding a place to park downtown. The food was good and the servers were friendly. The chef's market went down hill rapidly I will never attend it again "

justnana wrote on Oct 1, 2009 5:29 PM:

" It's amazing how we all percieve things differently. I personally have walked out of the restaurant after being ignored for five minues by employees who just walk past without any acknowledgement. Not a fan of their food either. Plenty of better, similarly priced meals to be had by locals. Granted, the construction, and bad planning/excessive fees by the city had a negative impact, but if the food was good and reasonably priced, and the service friendly, I think they would have had a much larger clientel. "

livinggood wrote on Oct 1, 2009 5:42 PM:

" bogabutsmom, i do know the business, thanks though..... that is why i made my statement... besides, bad food in restaurants in Napa, just won't survive... some great restaurants don't survive either, i know, but.... piccolino sold frozen food... unexceptable!!!! "

lookout wrote on Oct 1, 2009 6:40 PM:

" I have only lived in Napa now for a little over a year, however I still am unable to understand the mentality of the posts on here. First, people complain about parking? I eat out 4-5 times a week downtown and never have I had to walk more then a half a block, even on a Friday or Saturday night. Second, people constantly complain about the tourist. Hello, that is the income of this town. The last time I looked, Napa does not have a thriving industrial base or huge employers, other then the wine/tourist industry. Downtown is vacant! You complain about the recession, however could you imagine what Napa would look like if you took the tourist away. downtown any city, Michigan is what you would end up with. Don't bite the hand that feeds you! "

HiQue wrote on Oct 1, 2009 8:58 PM:

" "lookout" very well said. We are in the hospitality business but locals resent it. They don't call this Whine country for nothing!

More locals should check out downtown Petaluma or Sonoma to see the kind of environment we need to create to have a vibrant Napa for both locals and tourists "

HiQue wrote on Oct 1, 2009 9:33 PM:

pizzamom wrote on Oct 1, 2009 10:52 PM:

" I'm sorry to see Piccalino's go as well. I have to comment on the recent article about the two "Food Network" well known chef's that are coming to town. The article stated that the owner of the property didn't want a mediocre restaurant on his property. It's unfortunate that the businesses that once made DT Napa a great place were the mom & pop mediocre shops and restaurants. I can't help but believe that all of these types of shops that are gratefully still in business will soon suffer because of these well known chefs. I hope that the locals will still go to the mediocre restaurants that are still downtown. Good luck to DT Joe's, Celedon, Coles, Taqueria Rosita, Don Perico, The Border and all the other family run "mediocre" restaurants downtown. Yeah, these newcomers might be a great tourist draw, but what about something for the locals? I would hope to find the money to go to these new restaurants. If not, you can find me at Taqueria Rosita! "

Firewater wrote on Oct 2, 2009 9:03 AM:

" All these comments good or bad..The bottom line is: This gentleman tried for 13 yrs to have a restaurant and apparently didn't do too bad..Now he is losing it to economic times and u bash or rave about his food..
I take my hat off to a man that tried and also has stated he hasn't paid his employees Which is hard to publicly admit, but will do so when he can. To me that says alot of this man's character. So Joe wherever you go Good Luck.. "

JustAnotherManicMonday wrote on Oct 2, 2009 9:34 AM:

" Firewater, you're right, I wasn't seeing the main picture. Piccolino's did do well for 13 years, and also contributed to local charities, and the owners tried to help out the local downtown business community. 13 years is a long time for a restaurant. He is trying to pay his employees, to make the effort to pay up. I think it's not in his character to skip out on bills. "

HiQue wrote on Oct 2, 2009 4:55 PM:

city resident wrote on Oct 2, 2009 7:40 PM:

" FYI,
Joe told his employees to meet him at the restaurant @ 10:00am on Thursday morning and he would settle up with them…Joe never showed! I do feel for him on loosing his business, however outright deception is wrong. Put yourself in the employee’s position. "

bimgroup wrote on Oct 4, 2009 8:46 PM:

" Oh well!!! Some make it some don't. Thats life folks.

The food was marginable and the atmosphere felt like a cafeteria with carpet. How about expanding Gillwoods!! "

pollycracker wrote on Oct 5, 2009 9:00 AM:

" I am sorry to hear about Piccolina's closing. When I lived in Napa & went to the Chef's Market on Fridays, I ate there or at Gillwood's. Both had excellent food, it just depended on what I felt like eating. "

urte wrote on Oct 5, 2009 2:28 PM:

" I can't believe the comments...although I do not recall ever having visited the establishment...it is sad to see any place close downtown...but to blame it on Bush...??? A bit far fetched don't you think...? "

surfdogge69 wrote on Oct 5, 2009 6:02 PM:

" Viva Malfatti. Try a couple blocks over.
I grew up with the Depot, my Grandparents were friends with Clemente, I hadn't seen him in 25 years and he remembered me when I walked into Val's Liquors to order take out. Get your food from them, take it home and enjoy a great "Outing" at home with your family. Some wine, candles, heater on your deck, Malibu lighting, and heavens over Napa Valley. Now THAT, my Napkin friends, is a true Napa experience............. "

dommale wrote on Oct 5, 2009 7:54 PM:

" Sorry for him, It's not easy to lose a buissness. But perhaps next time you will put out real Italian food. This town has no italian since the the Depot closed. "

ao1982 wrote on Oct 6, 2009 8:47 PM:

" This restaurant was not good at all. Its about time it closed. I never enjoyed the food, expecially after Joe decided to fire his opening Chef. He shouldve saved some money but cutting out all of that cheap advertising, and saved some hope by expecting a corporate hotel to help him out. Do you really think AVIA, WESTIN, MARRIOTT, EMBASSY SUITES, HILTON, and so on really care about the local businesses? Nope. They only care about themselves Joe. This is why their intrusion didnt help you. Support the Locals people, not the Loco's.

Now we have space for something REAL good to come in. Hmmm, I wonder what it will be.... please no more Italian cusine.... please , please no! "

ap1fan wrote on Oct 7, 2009 5:00 AM:

" dommale wrote on Oct 5, 2009 7:54 PM:
" Sorry for him, It's not easy to lose a buissness. But perhaps next time you will put out real Italian food. This town has no italian since the the Depot closed. "

Wow, The Depot served possibly the worst food I have ever eaten in a restaurant. With absolutely no exaggeration, I couldnt tell the difference between whatever faux-italian food they claimed to serve and something out of a can to the likes of Chef Boyardee. Piccolino's was better Italian food but not by much. For real Italian food, try Botega in Yountville. If someone had no idea what Italian food was and ate at both restaurants, I'd bet good money you'd never be able to convince them they were eating the same regional cuisine. Regardless, as many have stated, Joe was a very kind man, to me personally, even and I am sad on a personal level to see this happen to him. "

Mr. Feasor wrote on Oct 7, 2009 10:54 PM:

" ap1fan -

You want real Italian food? Go eat at Joe's of Westlake. And the Depot-turned-Clemente's-at-Val's is about as close as you can get here (foodwise). Not the same, but about as close as this valley has. Which is kind of strange, considering Napa's residential demographics.

As to Botega, Chiarello is a talented chef, don't get me wrong. But I prefer more than three raviolis on a plate. Especially if it costs a decent chunk of change for said raviolis.

I prefer institutions that sell their food, not just the ambiance or location. And I like my food tasty, in decent quantity, and reasonably priced. Call me old school.

After leaving this town for awhile, I immediately realized that Piccolino's had none of the above-stated qualities. None.

So let's not compare Chiarello to Salerno, nor Clemente to Chef Boyardee. Such false dichotomies only serve to mislead the NVR readers/bloggers (in my humble opinion). "

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