Introduction to Ray Capitanini
In the 1980s, Ray Capitanini increased the number of wine offerings at The Italian Village, his family’s Loop restaurant, from about two dozen to nearly 4,000 wines. “He really treated wine like an investment and put us on the map for a different segment of the population who came in from across the country to dine here because of the wine,” his nephew Al Capitanini said.
Early Life and Career
Mr. Capitanini died April 10 from respiratory issues after heart surgery. He was 89. Along with his brother, Frank, and sister, Ave, he was part of the second generation of their family to run the restaurant — Chicago’s oldest Italian restaurant — at 71 W. Monroe St. Their Italian immigrant parents, Alfredo and Ada Capitanini, started the business in 1927.
Notable Moments and Interactions
Mr. Capitanini, the youngest of the three siblings, was the restaurant’s table-hopping maitre d’ . He’d mingle with patrons who included many well-known names over the years, among them Barbra Streisand, Frank Sinatra and Luciano Pavarotti.
Personal Life and Legacy
Mr. Capitanini loved being around people, according to his family. He’d be the first on the dance floor at weddings and the last off, occasionally firing off a few sets of pushups in between. In 1961, Mr. Capitanini oversaw the opening of the upscale Florentine Room inside the tri-level building that houses the Italian Village.
Later Life and Achievements
In 1992, Chicago Sun-Times restaurant critic Pat Bruno wrote of Vivere, the restaurant that replaced the Florentine Room: “I would be remiss not to mention the outstanding selection and collection of Italian wines that has put Italian Village on the wine map.
Conclusion
Ray Capitanini was a man who left a lasting impact on those around him, through his love of wine, his dedication to his family’s restaurant, and his passion for life. His legacy will continue to be felt through the Italian Village, which remains a beloved institution in Chicago.
FAQs
Q: What was Ray Capitanini’s role at the Italian Village?
A: Ray Capitanini was the wine maestro and maitre d’ at the
