Gnocchi.  When I say that word, what comes to mind?  Some of you may think pasta.  Some of you may think Italian old world cooking.  Some of you may even think of your relatives or family gatherings.

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

First Night Memories

Thanks to everyone for making our premiere at First Night Akron the best. As promised, we have scanned the quilt blocks created by our visitors for you to enjoy. Revisit the fun you had at first night and read about the memories shared of living, working, and playing in Akron. What a great community! Let’s count our blessings and enjoy this New Year. Have an awesome 2010 everyone! Remember - Life is a lot like a quilt. Once all the pieces come together they produce a lovely work.

Andy January, of January Paint and Wallpaper, shared this memory with us on his radio show “My Beautiful Home”.

When I was a kid, our family subscribed to both The Akron Beacon Journal and The Cleveland Plain Dealer.

Back Then, the Beacon carrier would walk the neighborhood every afternoon with his bag slung over his shoulder, delivering news to Akron’s waiting citizens. And every Saturday morning he’d come by to collect that huge 55-cent weekly newspaper bill.

The Plain Dealer was different. The carrier worked his route by car so the only time we saw him was when he came around every 90 days to collect $7. This bothered my mom who preferred to pay in smaller increments. One day, she asked him why he came by so infrequently. He said there were so few subscribers in the area that it didn’t warrant a collection trip but once a quarter. She suggested that he get some kid in the neighborhood to do the collecting. He said no one would work for such a little bit of money. Her response to that was, “Hey, Andy, come here.” Thus began my career at the early age of 8 1/2.

I made about $2 per week. That was great money for a third-grader in 1954. It saved my mother my 30 cents weekly allowance, which was half the Beacon bill, and it laid a strong foundation for a business career. The secret to success, I learned, was to start early and be persistent. I also learned a valuable life lesson: I could get what I want by talking. I haven’t stopped since.

Andy’s show can be heard on 1590 WAKR Saturday mornings at 10 a.m. Thanks Andy for the wonderful memory!