Emanuele Leonforte came to Canada a few years ago after working in New York, but has only been in North America for five years; he has worked in a few other local Italian restaurants.

His wife is the reason that he decided to set up a restaurant in Stittsville. Angela Leonforte said she met her husband when vacationing in Italy in 2001 and the couple now live in the Timbermere in Stittsville with their three children. Both of Angela’s parents have been giving a helping hand in the new business, the first to open in the new Jackson Trails Plaza on the Hazeldean Road at Stittsville Main Street. The official ribbon-cutting was held Saturday, November 24 and also featured a casual open house for residents to sample the Poco Pazzo atmosphere and cuisine.

Chef and owner Emaunele is not just offering his cooking for people to enjoy once in a while, either; he is also providing the opportiunity for people to learn his secrets.

Poco Pazzo’s will be hosting cooking lessons a couple times a week for whom ever is interested. Angela said that her husband will entertain during the class as he sings and dances while he cooks.

“Poco Pazzo means ‘a little crazy’, which he is,” she said with a laugh. “He’s trained in Sicily, and seasoned in New York.” The restaurant is not just for formal dining, either take out and catering services are available.

Angela said the restaurant is very contemporary and has a comforterable atmosphere while providing taste straight from Italy. “Our prices, they stand out,” she added.