After 20 years, it’s clear that Casanova knows how to cominciamo a divertirci...
 What
does it take to stay in the restaurant business on Maui for 20 years?
Ask Giovanni “Steven” Cappelli, the owner of Casanova Italian
Restaurant & Deli in Makawao.
According to Cappelli, he and his former partners had been operating
their Italian deli next door to a paniolo (cowboy) bar—known as
Partners—for three years. They came to work one morning in 1989, and
the bar’s doors were open, and the place was empty. The proprietors had
abandoned the former USO nightclub in one of the oldest buildings in
Makawao. Thus began the 20-year saga of Casanova.
From the start, the owners knew several things: They wanted an
affordable, family style, neighborhood place with the best food,
prepared with the freshest local ingredients. In order to provide an
authentic Italian experience, they imported a real Italian brick oven
from Naples so they could bake their own pizza and bread. Capelli
laughs when he tells about the difficulty the fire inspectors had with
the brick oven. Apparently they had to make up a code specifically for
Casanova. In 20 years, that oven has never been cool.
Fresh, from-scratch preparation has always been the hallmark of
Casanova. Besides the pizza and bread, Casanova also makes all of its
own pasta and mozzarella. During the first three years of business they
had the only pasta machine on the island, and Cappelli fondly remembers
making more than 400 pounds of pasta per week.
Casanova is unique in so many ways, but one of the most amazing things
about the restaurant is that in their 20 years, they have had only five
chefs. Deli chef Rishi Sarto has been there since it opened in 1986.
Restaurant chef David Gamberling has been with Casanova for seven years.
 Besides
excellent food, Casanova is known for great entertainment. Artists such
as Los Lobos, Richie Havens, Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson, Dave
Mason, Sam Kinison, Taj Mahal, Kool & the Gang, and War, among many
others, have performed at Casanova. The “Ladies Night” on Wednesdays is
legendary, and Cappelli is proud to say that many love affairs and
marriages have resulted from Casanova’s romantic atmosphere. “Better
than eHarmony,” he says, with a twinkle in his eye.
Casanova’s new chapter begins this summer, when Bistro Casanova opens
in Kahului. It will be Italian fusion, serving Mediterranean food such
as tapas. After 20 years, it’s clear that Casanova knows how to
cominciamo a divertirci—let the good times roll!
For details and updates on events celebrating Casanova’s 20th anniversary, visit www.casanovamaui.com.
|
