25 years ago, Joe Vicari had purchased his first restaurant, Andiamo. He was working hard to make it a success and he sought out the advice of legendary Chef, Aldo Ottaviani. Chef Aldo had recently retired from owning his own Italian restaurant - the renowned Aldo’s on Detroit’s East side. Joe and Aldo talked about the restaurant business and about preparing food the right way. After about an hour, Joe found himself asking, “Would you come and help me, Mr. Aldo?” He hadn’t intended to ask, but he saw that Chef Aldo had so much knowledge to share. After seeing his excitement, Joe felt maybe what Aldo needed was a new purpose, a return to the kitchen. His instincts were right, because Aldo agreed to work in the restaurant for three months… and only three months.

What started out as a commitment of a few months turned into 22 years. His presence was a god-send. Joe and Aldo spent years together as student and mentor. It was there that they proudly built the Andiamo brand. They created a hugely successful restaurant based on authentic Italian cuisine, with the finest ingredients, made to Chef Aldo’s specifications. All the soups and sauces are still made from scratch. Only the best ingredients are used and they still rely on hundreds of Aldo’s original recipes.

For those 22 years, “Mr. Aldo” (as he was affectionately refereed to) was part of the Andiamo family - he was also part of the Vicari family. Once Aldo’s wife Joanne was gone, he had no relatives nearby, so he began to celebrate the holidays at the Vicari household. Joe Vicari grew so close to Aldo he referred to him as his second father. A chapter came to a close when Mr. Aldo passed away on September 5, 2011, but his legacy lives on.

Joe & Aldo’s Italian Tavern is the result of Joe Vicari’s desire to share Aldo’s great culinary traditions at a place where families of all ages can enjoy. In true “Chef Aldo” fashion, our menu is fresh, made from scratch, and with the same quality standards that Mr. Aldo instilled in Joe. Things are done the right way, the traditional way. Just as Aldo liked. it.

Chef Aldo lives on in the hearts of Joe Vicari’s family. We know after a dining experience at Joe & Aldo’s Italian Tavern, he will live on with you and your family as well. Buon Appetito!