Lorenzo was born and raised in an Italian populated area of East Haven, most of which were his family members. cooking has always been a memorable part of Lorenzo's life. His Nona had him helping make fresh pasta at 4 and his Poppy later taught him the art of making wine. By the time Lorenzo was 19 he had started his own catering company while attending college in Los Angeles.
Lorenzo returned to Connecticut to be with his family. He continued with his passion by cooking at restaurants in New Haven and catering private functions. Eventually, Lorenzo opened his first pizzeria on Crown and then a Trattoria on State Street in New Haven.
With his wife Jacqueline and two children (Jarrett and Alexina) he moved to the rural, artistic village of Chester. In 1999, expecting their third child (Sabrina) they ventured to open "La Vita Gustosa". In the beginning there were eight tables, Lorenzo, Jacqueline, his mother, and her brother. Eight years later, a fourth child (Nicolo), new building, 40 more employees, 150 more seats, wonderful reviews, cooking competition and wine making awards on the wall, we can't wait to see what will happen next!
Nicknames: "CJ", "Maddawg", "The Grey Whisper"
Position: Junior Bartender
La Vita History: CJ has been our son, Jett's, best friend since the 4th grade. When they were 15, Jett talked CJ into helping him with dishes, & CJ has been with La Vita ever since. Moving on, CJ became a silent streak of grey as he flew around the dining room as our fastest bus boy ever! Now CJ has taken that speed & agility, along with his sincerity & infectious smile, behind the bar - where you can find him 4 nights a week!
Nicknames:
"Grammy & Poppy", "Hub" and "The Shark"
La Vita
History:
Larry
and Laura are two of Lorenzo's biggest cooking influences. These days,
they are still making the meatballs, broccoli rabe, pasta fagioli and
Grammy's famous peanut butter pie and cheesecake (YUM!).
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Nicknames:
"A.W." The Prep Master
La Vita History:
KING of setting up a kitchen - too many years of experience to
discuss, Kirt has his routine down & nobody had better get in his
way! After repairing the damages done from the night before, Kirt
gets everything ready for the day to start all over again. Pasta's
boiling, soups made, dough in the proofer, Kirt has been known to
make the occassional morning visitor an awesome breakfast pizza pie -
even if we are not open... "You have to test the dough!"
If he's not watching NASCAR, Kirt likes to keep busy brewing his
own beer varietals "Belz boyz beer" - Just keep him away from the
tequila!!!
Nicknames: "Yo Nicky", "Spiderman", "N-Rod"
Motto: Just do it
Position: Floor Manager
La Vita
History: Nick has been with us since way back in the day of "Little La
Vita". I don't believe he ever washed a dish before that. Yet, there
he was through high school & one too many years of College, washing
dishes, floors, learning to prep food, make drinks, bus tables, serve
tables, handle scheduling issues, handle table issues - all the while
proving his love for his sister, Jacqueline.
Having given his notice years ago, Nick is the essence of the line
"Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in." Why work
anywhere else when you can work for family?
Nick is an avid reader and aspiring author. We are awaiting the
day that he & Lorenzo will finally have time to write the La
Vita cookbook!
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Nicknames: "Joeeeeey", "Bro-seph", "Joey Spoons" and "Guiseppe"
Position: Chef
La
Vita History: Joey started with us as a dishwasher when he was about 15
years old. When Joey expressed the desire to cook Chef Lorenzo started
teaching him the art of pizza. Joey then mastered the oven &
fryer. He also prepped, made salads and desserts. While attending the
culinary Institute Joe was also learning everything he could from Chef
Lorenzo. Joe has a definite talent in the kitchen. Joe is now running
the sautee line on our busiest nights AND he keeps his patented smile
all the while. His presence in the kitchen is undeniable and his love
for cooking and La Vita shows in the entrees he makes. Whether he is
"belting out a tune" or whipping up one of his awesome
soups, Joey always keeps it upbeat in the kitchen. Next time you come
in, listen for La Vita's singing chef- Joseph Spooner.
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Alice
Belcher Flanagan born June 28 1949 passed away peacefully at home
surrounded by her loving family on Jan 31 2009 after a short battle
with cancer. She was employed at Chesebrough Ponds from 1967-1997 in
various positions - her favorite having been managing the company
store. Since then she had started a career in real estate at Beazley
and then Prudential. Alice was a proud member of the Episcopal Church
of the Holy Advent where she served in many of the ministries. Alice
was instrumental in the formation of the Clinton soup Kitchen and was
the driving force behind the refugee resettlement project at Holy
Advent. Throughout her life Alice has also served as a member of the
Pricilla Club and on the boards of the Clinton Historical Society the Clinton Childcare Center and the Kelsey kindred.
She
is survived by her daughter Jamie Flanagan (fiancee Erich Lynch) of
Salem her son Ronald Gibson grandsons; LCpl Marc Gibson (stationed in North Carolina)
and Jacob Gibson her brother William K. Belcher (wife Anita) sister
Trudy Valenti (husband Michael) all of Clinton Sister Lynn Tendler
(husband David) of Guilford also eight nieces and nephews four great-nieces & nephews. Alice was predeceased by her parents Henry and Shirley Kelsey Belcher.
Alice
was an amazing woman whose life was about people & giving. She was
very proud to be a resident of Clinton and of all the friends she had
made throughout her life referring to them as her treasures.
In
lieu of Flowers please send donations to the Church of the Holy Advent
Clinton noting the refugee resettlement project. P.O. Box 536 Clinton
Ct. 06413. Family will receive friends at Swan Funeral Home in Clinton
(80 East Main St) on Friday Feb 6th from 4 pm to 7:30 pm. Funeral
Service will be held at the Church of the Holy Advent in Clinton (81
East Main St.). on Saturday Feb 7th @ 11 am with burial to follow at
Indian River Cemetery.
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