LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WHAS11) – In Louisville, restaurants and their owners become legends – that is, if they're any good.
The family names of the past weren't just good, they were amazing.
Lentini's Little Italy is arguably in the top 5 of Louisville's great legendary restaurants.
Gaspar "Sonny" Lentini died Sunday morning October 18 in Louisville. He and his wife Juanita opened the place in 1962 and it operated on Bardstown Road until 2000.
It was hit by the 1974 tornado and two fires and each time it came roaring back. My dad took my family there often. He loved the atmosphere and the food, we loved the lasagna and spaghetti.
Most importantly, to my dad though was Sonny Lentini would always be there.
He treated us, even the kiddos, like we were the most important people in the place. You became a Lentini when you sat down at their restaurant.
Lentini's sat across from the current Serviche restaurant. From the music, to the grape vines hanging from the ceiling, scores of people crowded in after the Derby, football games and special occasions. So did Tony Bennett; The Rolling Stones; Peter Paul & Mary and John Denver when they visited Louisville.
Lentini's was in the same atmosphere as Hasenour's; Casa Grisanti; Ferd Grisanti; Cunningham's; The Embassy Supper Club.
Visitation is being held at Ratterman's in St Matthews Thursday Oct. 22, from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. with the funeral Friday, Oct., 23 10:00a at St. Raphael Catholic Church located on 2141 Lancashire Avenue.
