Owners of Mama Luigi's (from left) James Talerico, his wife Victoria Talerico and their son, General Manager Dominic Talerico, with an award presented to them by the Bridgeview Chamber of Commerce acknowledging the restaurant's 75th Annviersary. (Photos by Carol McGowan)
Mama Luigi’s celebrates big on their 75th anniversary
By Carol McGowan
The spotlights to the skies directed folks into the parking lot of Mama Luigi’s restaurant at 75th and Harlem Avenue in Bridgeview on St. Patrick’s Day as the restaurant celebrated its 75th anniversary.
More than 175 guests, including family, village officials, and the public, were on hand to celebrate and take in food, drink, desserts, and entertainment from their list of regular performers that are there on the weekends and special events.
It may sound odd that a well-known Italian restaurant held their anniversary on March 17, but that’s the day the legendary restaurant opened 75 years ago.
Current owners, Jim and Victoria Talerico, and their son, Dominic, who is the general manger, explained why the day, and week of St. Patrick’s Day is special to them.
Jim’s parents, Lewis and Evelyn Talerico, lived in Bridgeview for 10 years before the restaurant opened and picked their anniversary, which was March 17, to open.
They are a family-owned restaurant for three generations, and have enjoyed being part of the community for more than 75 years.
Lewis and Evelyn cooked delicious food and catered weddings, and that’s how the idea came about to open a restaurant in 1948.
After the original restaurant space opened, the addition of a dining room was added in 1951. In 1969, a banquet area was added, and in 1974, a bigger kitchen and large banquet room were opened.
“Through the years, we have remodeled and added on,” said Jim Talerico. “You can tell where the different areas were added on by the ramp areas in our restaurant.”
The Talericos credit their longevity and success to the quality of their food, and the great employees that they have and have had over the decades.
“We take pride in our food, and constant work of improving our facility,” said Victoria Talerico. “We have a family atmosphere to dine in, and our staff goes through three generations as well.”
Not only do they have a wonderful dining atmosphere, they have a bar and gaming area, and host showers, corporate/group events, and have hosted generations of family weddings in their large banquet room.
From their many favorites, which of course is their savory lasagna, to Mama’s Sunday Gravy, sausage and peppers, pork chops, salmon, steak and ravioli, their appetizers and especially their complimentary bruschetta is second to none.
They take pride in the portions that are served.
“We see customers have the bruschetta and bread before dinner, then end up taking a great portion of their dinner home for lunch or dinner the next day,” said Victoria.
Going back to St. Patrick’s Day, the Talericos noted that during that week around the holiday every March, they go through 800 pounds of corned beef. It’s cooked to perfection and has become a yearly tradition for scores of customers.
Another favorite is their BBQ ribs. Jim says back in 2013 or 2014, they tried to take them off the menu, and for about six months, customers hounded them to bring them back as they are fall off the bone good.
They listened to their customers, and put them back on the menu where they have stayed and become a favorite to many more since then.
Their mouth-watering desserts include Victoria’s recipe for tiramisu which she has been making at the restaurant for 29 years. It’s a must try.
They also have cannoli, cheesecake, carrot cake, brownie ice cream sundae’s, gelato, sorbetto and more decadent treats.
One thing Victoria pointed out was that they have a gluten-free menu, that even includes appetizers like their calamari and wings.
They have top-notch entertainment on the weeks including singers, bands, karaoke and a DJ.
Mama Luigi’s is open seven days a week. Their hours are Monday through Thursday, from 3-9 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 3-10 p.m., and Sunday from noon-9 p.m.
They have banquet events earlier in the day as requested.
For more information, their menu, and information on their Royalty program, visit their website at mamaluigis.com, or check them out on Facebook.
1 Comment
Local News
Swanson scores, assists in Red Stars’ win over Reign
Spread the loveThe Red Stars improved to 3-1-1 by beating the Seattle Reign, 2-1, on the road on April 21. Mallory Swanson had an assist on an Ali Schlegel goal in the fourth minute and added a goal of her own in the 31st minute. Swanson missed last season after sustaining a knee injury on…
Red Stars’ Tatumn Milazzo has top Save of the Week
Spread the loveBy Jeff Vorva Correspondent Tatumn Milazzo called her achievement “funny.” The Chicago Red Stars defender and Orland Park native was awarded the NWSL’s Save of the Week after chasing down a ball in a loss to Angel City on April 13. The Save of the Week usually goes to a goalie. Milazzo laughed…
Men’s College Volleyball | Saint Xavier captures fifth straight conference tourney title
Spread the loveBy Jeff Vorva Correspondent The SXU men’s volleyball team won its fifth straight Chicagoland Christian Athletic Conference tournament championship after a 25-16, 25-17, 25-22 sweep of Calumet College of St. Joseph on April 20 at the Shannon Center. Jan Lopuch had 10 kills and nine digs for the Cougars. With the win, the…
College Baseball | Saint Xavier upsets Eastern Illinois
Spread the loveBy Jeff Vorva Correspondent The Saint Xavier baseball team picked up a win that its players are going to remember for a long time. The Cougars stunned Eastern Illinois, 4-2, on April 17 in Charleston. It was the Cougars’ first win over the Panthers, a Division I program, since 2005. Lyons grad Troy…
St. Laurence hoops teams top honor roll
Spread the loveBy Jeff Vorva Correspondent Area basketball teams proved to be strong on the court and in the classroom this season, and St. Laurence was the leader of the pack. The Illinois Basketball Coaches Association compiled a list of the top academic teams, and the area did well. In Division 3 girls, St. Laurence…
Chicago Bears recognize St. Rita senior with All-Star award
Spread the loveBy Jeff Vorva Correspondent Chances are good that few outside of St. Rita football circles know who David Lyle is. With good reason. Lyle missed his senior season for the Mustangs last fall after sustaining a serious knee injury. He even postponed having knee surgery so that he could take care of his…
Pols want 63rd St. armory for new police HQ
Spread the love. Porfirio, Guerrero-Cuellar push plan in Springfield . By Tim Hadac Any plans the Chicago Department of Aviation may have had for the vacant Army National Guard Midway Armory, 5400 W. 63rd St., may be grounded, at least for now. Several elected officials are eyeing the parcel as the headquarters of a new…
Her back against the wall, Stacy needs help
Spread the love. By Tim Hadac Editor Clear-Ridge Reporter & NewsHound (708)-496-0265 . Clearing and Garfield Ridge have earned a reputation as a place where people look out for each other—and that sometimes means caring for each other in times of need. Today, I want to talk about one such person, who sure could use…
It’s (pizza) party time at OLS
Spread the love. Third graders at Our Lady of the Snows School break into cheers as they learn they’ve won a pizza party for selling more raffle booklets than any other class. The recent Grand Raffle fundraiser brought in about $6,000. Parents looking for a grade school for their sons and daughters for 2024-25 are…
Neighbors
Countryside puts dog park on hold, will require leashes in two parks
Spread the loveBy Steve Metsch The city of Countryside has put on hold building a dog park, but canines and their owners are still in store for a treat. The city council has unanimously approved a plan to permit dogs in City Park and Countryside Park this year. Previously, they were not allowed in the…
Bridgeview approves auto repair shop
Spread the loveMoves up time for May 1 village board meeting By Steve Metsch Bridgeview is getting a new automotive repair shop. The village board at its April 17 matinee meeting approved a special use permit that will allow a repair shop at 9010 S. Beloit Ave. There was no discussion among trustees. The board…
Summit Fire Department blood drive draws a crowd
Spread the loveBy Carol McGowan The Summit Fire Department, along with the Village of Summit, and the Argo Summit Lions Club held a blood drive this past Saturday, and it drew a crowd that even impressed the American Red Cross. It took place from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. with non-stop donors walking through the…
Hodgkins toasts village businesses
Spread the loveBy Carol McGowan Hodgkins Mayor Ernest Millsap and the Board of Trustees celebrated the village’s businesses at its annual Business Appreciation Breakfast on April 10. Over 100 people gathered at the Hodgkins Administration Center for a hearty breakfast hosted by the village. Representatives from many businesses that are located in or that work…
Pickleball courts coming to Palos Park
Spread the loveBy Jeff Vorva There will finally be outdoor pickleball in Palos Park. In a process that went longer than anticipated, the Palos Park Village Council was able give the green light to get a pickleball project started on the Village Green. The council voted April 8 to award the contract to U.S. Tennis…
First Secure Bank to host American Eagle gold coin sale
Spread the loveFrom staff reports First Secure Bank & Trust of Palos Hills announced its annual May sale of 1-ounce and ¼-ounce American Eagle Gold Coins, produced by the U.S. Mint, will take place from 10 a.m.to noon on Saturdays, May 4, May 11, May 18 and May 25. The sale will take place at…
Donate teddy bears to our local police
Spread the love. Peggy Zabicki Your correspondent in West Lawn 3633 W. 60th Place • (773) 504-9327 . Have you ever seen the 1955 movie The Night of the Hunter? The children in this movie show such bravery and acceptance in what life has thrown at them. They have to deal with unimaginable events and sadness. …
Boy Scouts collecting tattered flags for disposal
Spread the love. By Mary Stanek Your correspondent in Archer Heights and West Elsdon 3808 W. 57th Place • (773) 517-7796 . Goodbye April, hello May. Our American Flag, the symbol of our country, should always be treated with respect. But after bearing Chicago’s brutal winters and hot blazing summers along with being in the…
Oak Lawn trustee says village needs state grocery tax
Spread the loveBy Joe Boyle An Oak Lawn trustee said that Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s proposal to eliminate the state’s grocery tax will be costly for the village. Trustee William “Bud” Stalker (5th), accompanied by Mayor Terry Vorderer, recently returned from a fact-finding trip to Springfield where they learned more about the governor’s proposal to eliminate…
hi, my name is rick goralski, im a retired chef. back in 1976 i was a cook at Mama’s. Worked there for couple years, had a great time. i remember the family well.
I was young, just getting started in the business, they taught me Professionalism, constincy in quality and HARD WORK. it paid off for everyone.
I am very grateful to the family for my early lessons in food and the right way to do things.
congratulations to Jim and the Family. Good job guys.
dont ever stop.
Rick, day cook