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Milwaukee's Daily Magazine for Thursday, Sept. 9, 2010
In Dining
Libiamo bar and restaurant fills vacancy left by Brown Bottle Pub
By Julie Lawrence 
OnMilwaukee.com Staff Writer
E-mail author | Author bio
More articles by Julie Lawrence
OnMilwaukee.com Staff Writer
E-mail author | Author bio
More articles by Julie Lawrence
Published July 13, 2005 at 5:40 a.m.
Dean Cannestra, co-owner of Riverwest's much-loved Nessun Dorma, is at it again as his latest bar and restaurant takes shape in the cozy Schlitz Park space that until 2004 was home to the Brown Bottle Pub.
Cannestra is calling this one Libiamo, and like Nessun Dorma, (named after a Puccini aria that translates to "no one sleeps") it, too, was named after a song in an Italian opera.
"'Libiamo' is an aria from 'La Traviata' and references a toast," he says. "Loosely, it means 'Let's drink to ...'"
Libiamo, 221 W. Galena St., will be open for toasting and much more on July 20, says Cannestra, who co-owns it with his wife, Mary. The new establishment will feature a full bar and will specialize in an impressive wine selection. Starting with 50 to 60 varieties, Cannestra plans to expand his list to about 150 wines, offered by the glass, half carafe and bottle.
Much like Nessun Dorma, Libiamo's menu will consist of moderately priced Italian fare, including panini sandwiches, bruschetta and antipasti. To expand the menu, he's added panini burgers on ciabata bread, pasta dishes and various grilled seafood entrees.
The interior of the space will remain much as it was as the Brown Bottle Pub, with low light, historic photography and, of course, antler chandeliers. Being in such close proximity to a residential area, Cannestra hopes to immerse Libiamo into the community and make it a place that its neighbors want to frequent.
"I really like how Nessun Dorma has that casual neighborhood feel to it," he says. "I just want it to be comfortable, affordable and personable."
In addition to Nessun Dorma, Cannestra has been involved with his family's Italian restaurant Palermo Villa, where, years ago, after-hours drinks led to his befriending regular restaurant patron Joe Gilsdorf, who is now Nessun Dorma's co-owner.
When Cannestra and Gilsdorf decided to go into business together, no name seemed better fitting then one inspired by the music they commonly loved. Almost three years later, when it came time to name Libiamo, Cannestra admits that he's banking on the success he's had in the past.
"(Nessun Dorma) is kind of an awkward name, but it seemed to work out really well, so we thought we'd try our luck again with this one."
Libiamo will be open seven nights a week for dinner, starting at 5 p.m., and will serve until midnight on the weekends. Lunch will be served on weekdays from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m.
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27 comments about this article. Post a comment / write a review. |
Recent Talkbacks ...
Posted by OMCreader on Dec. 11, 2005 at 7:40 p.m. (report)
Melissa Cannestra said: My dad (Don Cannestra) is a friend of Dean's and my grandfather is his cousin so I know the Palermo Villa restaurant quite well and I cant wait to visit Libiamo for my birthday this year!
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Posted by OMCreader on Sept. 12, 2005 at 5:38 a.m. (report)
Dr. Mort said: Stopped into Libiamo on Friday evening to visit an old friend, Dean. Palermo Villa provided me with some of my most memorable evenings and that is, in no small part, because of the people. Although a bit more upscale, Libiamo has the same feel. There is exceptional food and drink as expected from an experienced staff and management. We sampled 7 items from the menu with another couple and enjoyed everything. The wine list is impressive. Dean has another winner here. Continued Success.
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Posted by OMCreader on Sept. 9, 2005 at 9:17 p.m. (report)
JT said: Very, very good and nice people. Try the meat loaf. Yum.
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Posted by OMCreader on Aug. 8, 2005 at 5:18 p.m. (report)
Brewer's Hill Worker said: Great addition to the neighborhood! I work within walking distance, and co-workers and I have all had good experiences w/ lunch at Libiamo. I love the chicken pesto pizza! Prices are moderate for lunch and the food's delish. Only thing that seems weird to me is the decor. LOVE the antlers--glad you kept them--but what's up with the weird gray walls? They seem too dark and cold for the space and the theme. The wall color won't keep me from coming back. Hope you do well.
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Posted by OMCreader on Aug. 7, 2005 at 1:23 p.m. (report)
Beth said: I stopped up last night with a friend to check out Dean's new place and have a drink. Wow, we were extremely impressed with the menu and the feeling of the place. We asked a couple, who came into the bar for a libation after they finished dinner, how their food was and they said the pizza they ordered was fantastic. We will be back soon to try out the food! Good luck, Dean, with your new endeavor! I'm so glad that the Brewer's Hill area has another quality restaurant!
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