With Fire, Fratelli is Reborn

If you've strolled down East Ridgewood Avenue lately, you may have noticed the familiar red facade of Fratelli Trattoria is conspicuously absent. That's by design, according to owner Sara Riva.

After 17 years operating as , the Italian restaurant closed for renovations this spring.

Now it's reopened with a new look and more importantly, a new banner: Osteria La Fiamma ("Tavern of the Flame" in Italian).

"We actually have been planning to do this for a while. Basically the reason we wanted to change is because it was time to give ourselves a new look," Riva told Patch Monday afternoon. "The space needed to be remodelled so we thought it's a good opportunity to change our look and recreate ourselves."

The plan was to renovate after January 1 but her husband Oscar became ill and passed away in February, delaying plans.

There are some changes to the menu but the largest focal point is the incorporation of a wood-fire rotisserie.

"We were the first in the area with a wood fire oven. But we also wanted a wood fire rotisserie," which she said will add a new, flavorful element to chicken, lamb, pig and even prime rib.

"We'll be expanding on that," she said of those stable meats. "The open fire is a healthier way of eating so those are the kinds of things we took into consideration [when renovating]."

Many of the old favorites remain, like the pasta rosa sauce made from high-quality tomatoes, the seafood and meats. But it may not be exactly as you remember it; or, more accurately, your wallet.

"We've made our price point very reasonable," Riva said. "There are no entrees over $20 on our menu. We want to be affordable enough for people to come frequently while keeping our feel warm and inviting so it's special enough to celebrate an occasion."

The lunch menu will likely be unveiled July 5 but diners can stop by for supper every day of the week.