Authentic Sicilian restaurant, 133 Lafayette Square, Haverhill. (Courtesy photograph.)
Authentic Sicilian, Lafayette Square, plans to be open Tuesday through Saturday. (Courtesy photograph.)
The aroma of Sicily will soon be filling the air in Lafayette Square when Authentic Sicilian opens its doors later this week.
Sicilian rice balls are a specialty of the house, Alessandro “Alex” Lomagno told WHAV. While he is the owner of the 133 Lafayette Square shop, his mother Carmela is the calling the shots in the kitchen.
“My mother does everything in her own sauce,” he explained. “People cherish every bite.” Her rice balls have been featured at Butcher Boy Market in North Andover, where she once served as a private cook for the owners. Don’t ask for the recipe, though. Lomagno said it is a closely guarded secret. Besides rice balls, Sicilian pizza, calzones, spinach and meat pies are on the menu. There’s even a special dessert—Nutella pizza. He explains its consists of a fried dough-like pizza, with Nutella spread, almonds and strawberries on top. It is served hot.
The family is from Catania, Sicily, calling the province Adrano their hometown. Lomagno emigrated to the U.S. in 1982—first in Lawrence and then in Methuen. Three years ago, Lomagno, now 41, made his home in Haverhill. His sister Sabrina and sister-in-law Lindsay also work in the family business.
Last week, Authentic Sicilian tested reactions with a soft opening takeout menu. Lomagno reports great reactions. The restaurant is expected to open Thursday morning at 11. Standard summer hours will be 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday.