SCHENECTADY – Dolce Vita translates from Italian as “sweet life.” The marriage between live music and good food makes for a sweet evening of entertainment.
Randy Loren’s Dolce Vita is a traditional Italian restaurant. Owner Randy Loren said he places his name on top of his restaurant because he wants patrons to know he stands by it. His attention to customer service is why his customers leave with the feeling of “warmth” and “satisfaction.”
“Me, as the owner, I’m right on top of everything,” said Loren. “If you were to come in and have dinner here, within several minutes I’m immediately at that table. I want to know. My name is out in front.”
Loren offers a Parmesan special every Tuesday and Wednesday, followed by a prime rib offering every Thursday.
“I’ve had people from everywhere — Saratoga, all surrounding regions, there’s nowhere with the atmosphere that we have. Our happy-hour is the most generous: from five to seven, Tuesday through Friday, $3 well drinks, $2.50 beers, $5 martinis or Manhattans) and $4 house wines. Then we have a $5, wonderful, generous bar menu,” Loren said.
The food is exquisitely prepared by chef Benjamin Brown, a self-taught talent whose introduction of the panko encrusted haddock has become a favorite among patrons. His secret for success is consistency.
“I want someone who came here last year, to come here tomorrow and be able to get the exact same thing,” said Brown. “So, they can remember they enjoyed it and can come back and ask for it, and get it. That’s something I take a lot of pride in.”
Dolce Vita is located at 1727 State St. in Schenectady. For more information, call 357-3324 or visit www.theprovensystem.com for details on its menu.
