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Ragazzi Arte Cafe
Ragazzi Arte Cafe, Italian food cafe was located in a little 100-year-old yellow house on Rogers Street. Quaint atmosphere. The inspiration was a house set in Sicily. With arches and white washed walls and old hardwood floors. Diners enjoy dinner by candlelight and soft music in the background. The restaurant regularly featured live singers and musicians. The last Saturday of every month Ragazzi Arte Cafe hosted the Accordion players from Chicago. Carol and Sharon have been playing 30 years together.
Thirty-five local artists' work could be seen on the walls. A special party was organized once a month for local artists to meet and to get to know each other. You could view times on the Ragazzi calendar once located on www.bloomingtononline.net.
Ragazzi's also had a singles club. It was called Creating Connections and it was located under the forum on www.bloomingtononline.net.
There were plans to show Italian cinema at Ragazzi's in the summer. The garden was to be planted with a variety of plants that would show a myriad of colors! Outdoor tables were to be available so customers could eat outdoors in summer.
Ragazzi's loved to participate in local politics and encouraged customers (Republicans, Democrats, and Libertarians) to engage in conversation, as well as encouraged others who have long since given up on politics to get involved once again.
Ragazzi's assisted local non-profits as much as possible. Ragazzi's had been involved with the Lotus Festival, Women Inspire, Stepping Stones, local museums, political organizations, and clubs.
If you were in the mood for some Italian vegetarian food, you could have tried the Gabriella. Fettucine, white wine, fresh lemon, capers, diced tomatoes, and artichokes smothered with homemade garlic butter, it melted in your mouth! For meat lovers the cafe offered t-bone steak, filet of sole, and other meats. A local favorite was the Caprese salad with ripe tomatoes, fresh basil and fresh mozzarella topped with Ragazzi's homemade balsamic virgin olive oil dressing. New specials were available every week.
The owner's husband is from Italy, the south of Italy, Calabria. His hometown is La Mezia Terme. The homemade tiramisu was one of the house's specialities. Adapted from Renato's mother's recipe. Lena always knew a way to make homemade Italian food delicious for her 8 children. The tiramisu was made with Mascapone cheese, ladyfingers, and sweet Marsala wine and Kahlua and a few special ingredients to make it Ragazzi's own. A great dessert in the summer!
The restaurant was open as late as 2010 but are closed today.
Contact Information
- Address
- 212 S. Rogers Street
- Bloomington, IN 47404
- Phone
- 812-323-9005
External Links
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