THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, July 10, 1996 TAG: 9607090100
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: 03 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Close-Up
LENGTH: 66 lines
Anna Alaimo, who hails from Palermo, Sicily, says she likes the Beach because it reminds her of her seaside home. But Alaimo really is mostly at home at La Bella Italia - La Trattoria Caffe, her bakery, delicatessen and cafe on Laskin Road. That's because she's on the job from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. every day, baking beautiful cakes, cookies and pastries, and overseeing lunch and dinners in the restaurant.
The restaurant itself is a reminder of home. Patrons are apt to see family members around a table eating ``out'' too. A true family affair, son Andrew, 17, makes the fresh pasta among many jobs; daughter Victoria, 20, works there whenever she's home from school and little Marco, 6, is always around, sometimes greeting diners at the door and handing out menus.
Full name: Anna Alaimo.
Hometown: Palermo, Sicily.
What brought you to the Beach? When I visited from New York, I was reminded of my home in Sicily. The beach was my home in Italy and I wanted that for my family in the U.S.A.
Birthdate: Oct. 25, 1953 - I'm proud of my age. I worked hard to get this old.
Occupation: Mother, chef, proprietor of La Bella Italia, baker and I have to do just about everything else in the restaurant.
Marital status: Divorced and happy with the way things are now.
Nickname: Never had one.
Children: Three beautiful (bellissimi) children: Victoria, 20, Andrew, 17, and Marco, 6.
What is your idea of a perfect day off? I can't remember a perfect day off!
Last smart thing you did: I opened La Bella Italia - La Trattoria Caffe on Laskin Road in Virginia Beach.
Last dumb thing you did: I got a credit card.
Favorite meal: Fusilli con salsa di carciofi - this is a fabulous Italian dish made of pasta and fresh artichoke hearts, which we serve in the restaurant. And don't forget the vino!
Favorite movies: ``Moonstruck,'' ``Steel Magnolias'' and ``Il Postino.''
Favorite song: ``That's Amore'' and ``Come Back to Sorrento,'' which was the name of my restaurant at the Beach for five years before I opened La Bella Italia.
Last book read: I love to read, but I haven't the time to sit down with a book.
Hobbies: If I wasn't so busy, I'd be in the garden - both vegetables and flowers.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? I wouldn't work so hard and I would take more time for myself and my family.
Secret vice: Vino.
Favorite restaurant: Mine.
Your favorite night on the town: Working. If I leave, I get upset.
Favorite TV shows: No time for TV.
Favorite sport: Tennis.
Last vacation: I went back to Italy nine years ago.
Pets: I love dogs, but don't have any pets now.
Worst job: In a factory when I was 16, just after I came to the United States.
Of what achievements are you most proud? Opening my restaurant.
What would you like as your epitaph? She worked herself to death! ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by CHARLIE MEADS
Anna Alaimo tends the wood-burning brick pizza oven at her La Bella
Italia bakery and restaurant on Laskin Road. by CNB