South End Galleria To Shutter

The careers of Boston restaurateurs Rita D^RAngelo and Marisa Iocco (GALLERIA ITALIANA, LA BETTOLA) are rounding yet another curve as they prepare to close the doors of SOUTH END GALLERIA,the tiny Italian bistro they have owned and operated for the past three years.

Although they^Rve kept a low profile lately, D^RAngelo and Iocco, "the girls" as they are collectively known around town, have helped shape Boston^Rs culinary landscape since arriving here here from Orsogna, Italy more than a decade ago.

1990
Galleria Italiana opens in Boston^Rs theatre district, serving simple breakfasts and homestyle Abruzzi-style lunches on formica tables. 1994 Galleria expands to white tablecloth dinner service and wins a Best of Boston Award from Boston Magazine.

1995
Executive Chef Iocco hires a young chef named Barbara Lynch (NO. 9 PARK) who
is named Food & Wine^Rs "Best New Chef in America" within a year.

1997
Ron Suhanosky (SFOGLIA, NANTUCKET) hired to replace Lynch.

1997
La Bettola, "little neighborhood joint," opens with a bang. Exec Chef Iocco
is joined by newcomer Rene Michelena, whose robust fusion cooking is lauded
by Esquire and Food & Wine.

2000
Michelena moves on to other ventures, and La Bettola morphs into South End
Galleria, with Iocco, as always, at the helm.

2001
A victim of urban development, Galleria Italiana closes its doors.

2002
South End Galleria scheduled to close on September 1.

D^RAngelo and Iocco promise that, after an extended vacation in Italy, they^R
ll be back in Boston with an all-new concept. Meanwhile, a "Best of
Galleria" menu will be featured this summer, allowing "the girls" to say
goodbye to their loyal neighborhood following.

Sometime this fall, ROUGE, under Chef Andy Husbands of Tremont 647/Sister
Sorel fame, will bloom in the fertile soil of 480 Columbus Avenue.