First on the Scene: Gianpiero and Karen Cangelosi opened Tarantella in 1992, inside a little barn on Saddle Club Road. They closed it in 2000 to become one of the first restaurants to open in the newly developed Weston Town Center, in November 2001. They’ve been serving the community there since.
Artistic Decor: The artwork throughout the restaurant—from the cerulean ceramic tiles sealed into tables to the hanging pottery—is courtesy of Italian artist Nino Parrucca. It was designed to look like a small Italian store, says manager John Can.
Keeping It Authentic: Gianpiero hails from Sicily, which serves as the inspiration for the vegetable-abundant menu. Common to the south of Italy, eggplant, zucchini and tomatoes are found most often, as well as fish dishes. Zuppa De Pesce—clams, mussels, shrimp and calamari sautéed with fresh tomatoes served over linguine—is a popular dish.
For Special Evenings: While Tarantella revels in its casual atmosphere, the Cangelosis’ second Italian restaurant, Capriccio in Pembroke Pines, is a more-upscale experience, complete with a pianist and antique bar.
Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood: “We have become part of Weston’s neighborhood,” Can says. “We’ve watched families grow up here. Kids go off to college and come here to eat when they visit. We’ve been part of special events, like bar and bat mitzvahs, communions and rehearsal dinners. Special memories were made here. It’s so special for us.”
Where: 1755 Bell Tower Lane, Weston
Phone: 954.349.3004
Website: tarantellas.net
