Eating Well for Over 40 Years!- Casa Perfetto Real Italian Restaurant
I think about history.
Old Photograph of Casa Mimi Italian Restaurant
I think about a family richly ensconced in the fabric of Akron’s community. I think of a restaurant founded in 1967 that for a brief moment in time during its beginning years was part garage, part pizza parlor.
The restaurant I am referring to is Casa Perfetto, formerly known as Casa Mimi, located on Manchester Road. The family, of course, is the Perfetto Family. The restaurant was founded by Frances and Antimo (Mimi) Perfetto along with brother and chef Giuseppe (Joe) Perfetto. In 1997, Joe acquired the restaurant along with his late wife Charlotte, and the Perfetto family continues to turn out crazy good homemade meatballs, marinara sauce, veal, and pasta dishes for multiple generations of patrons.
Then there is the gnocchi. Little tender dollops of goodness. The gnocchi is hand made every week by Giuseppe’s son Tony who takes painstaking care and pride in his craft. He also happens to be the best and fastest of the Perfettos in making the small jewels of dough. The gnocchi are mouthwatering, soft, filling, and the best of Italian comfort food this city has to offer.
So, on February 9th, our monthly executive/finance committee meeting was held in the dining room of the “House of Perfetto.” And as we regaled in the family stories and history as told by Giuseppe’s endearing and hospitable daughter Francesca, the family presented our group with a sampling of their divine cuisine. We heard of the family traveling from Naples, Italy, of their meeting their respective spouses, of creating the restaurant and the recipes that thrive, and of course the family celebrations that continue to take place to this day. With eyes and ears transfixed on Francesca, for a brief moment on a cold and blizzardly Tuesday night, we were all a part of the Perfetto family.
These and other stories of the people of Summit County are what are important for our community and our organization. As we go forward into 2010 and beyond, we will continue to tell you these incredible “historic” stories of our people. ~ Board President Rich Comstock, Spring 2010 Portage Trail Review
*The June 23rd Board meeting will be held at Casa Perfetto followed by an “Open House” at 6:00pm which includes a tasting of Casa Perfetto menu items. All society members are encouraged to attend.*
Excerpt from Casa Perfetto menu.
Not a member of SCHS? Membership forms are available here. They can be mailed to:
Summit County Historical Society
550 Copley Rd. Akron, OH 44320
