All roads lead to Roma... a new home for a Northern Michigan Tradition

June 8, 2005

The home is new but the food is comfortably familiar at Roma Italian Restaurant. Located in the new Parkway Plaza across from the Bayshore Resort, the eatery features favorite Italian dishes in an open, airy dining room.
Roma has been a Traverse City staple since Ennio and Carmela Iadeluca  and Ennio’s brother Vinnie opened their tiny Italian restaurant near Northwestern  Michigan College in 1975.   A 10-year-old Phil Iadeluca began learning the family business when the doors first opened, and continued honing his skills on Roma’s loyal following for close to 30 years. 
Phil took over the reins from his parents eight years ago, and began dreaming of a move to larger quarters. His wish became reality on March 26 when the “new” Roma opened for business.  The new facility is three times the size as the original, with seating capacity at 110 seats in the window-filled dining room.  During the summer, patio seating will be available outdoors.  Most notably, the restaurant’s newly acquired liquor license made way for wine glasses on the tables and a comfortable bar filling one side of the space.

WORLD OF WINE
“We really wanted a liquor license,” Iadeluca said.  “Many of our customers wanted wine with dinner…now we’re able to do it.”
The full bar features a wine list with labels from California,  Italy, Orgeon and Chile.  Chateau Grand Traverse Late Harvest Riesling tops the list of local wines.  The bar remains open until midnight every night except Sundays, two hours after meal service ends.
Roma earned its reputation with
signature Italian dishes like baked mostaccioli, ravioli, spaghetti, gnocchi, cannelloni and manicotti.  Traditional favorites include chicken scaloppini, veal parmigiana and veal scaloppini.  All continue to be showcased on the new menu.  Pizzas are a signature item, with toppings ranging from traditional to unique, including options like artichokes, pineapple, spinach, feta and chicken strips.  Newer choices include several seafood entrees like tuna steak and linguine with shrimp and scallops.  Salads range from traditional antipasto, to cold pasta with Kalamata olive dressing and grilled salads of fresh romaine with grilled chicken, steak or shrimp.  Minestrone is served daily.

FAMILY FRIENDLY
Children are always welcome at Roma’s.  The children’s menu includes smaller portions of many Roma favorites like mostaccioli, ravioli and spaghetti.  Sunday brunch is also a local favorite.  
Iadeluca plans to introduce weekly specials and new entrees featuring fresh fish and seasonal specialties as the venue settles.  So far, he’s pleased with Roma’s first two months progress. 
“We took a chance,” he said.  “But it certainly feels good…and the response has been great.”


Roma Italian Restaurant is located at 830 East Front Street in Traverse  City.  Restaurant hours are 11 a.m.-10 p.m. on Mondays-Saturdays (bar stays open until midnight)  and 10:30 a.m.-9 p.m. on Sundays.  Reservations are requested for groups of eight or more.  Carryout is available.  231-946-6710.