Lanterna Tuscan Bistro, Known for Its Authentic Italian Cuisine, Closes After Observing Its 14th Anniversary

Only a few days after celebrating its 14th anniversary, Lanterna Tuscan Bistro at 3 South Broadway in Nyack has closed. 

During its existence, the restaurant was known for frequent wine-paired, prix-fixe-dinner cooking demonstrations and serving authentic Italian food. 

Chef/owner Rossano Giannini often said his objective was to recreate and serve the flavors of Tuscany.

He was twice recognized by the James Beard Foundation (in 2004 and 2009) for his gastronomic achievements and invited to cook at the Beard House in New York City. 

He married an Irish lass and nurse named Maureen in 1999 (the unlikely romance had blossomed even though neither possessed any knowledge of the other's native language when they met). They did have one thing in common—admiration of the music of Andrea Bocelli. Bocelli's "The Prayer" was the theme at the wedding.

"We noticed that a restaurant had closed," Giannini said, "and learned that the space, kitchen equipment, and the tables and chairs were available."

A deal was closed on March 23, 2000, a fresh coat of paint was applied and Lanterna Tuscan Bistro opened less than four weeks later on April 19, 2000.

He was the founder of the Federation of Italian Chefs of America in October, 2000 and served as its first president. The organization became an affiliate of the International Federazione Italiana Cuochi, formed in 1960 to preserve and promote the authentic cooking of Italian food worldwide.