When Domenico and Cheryl Mobilio opened their Italian restaurant, Domenico's, at 5601 Hastings St. in Burnaby on Nov. 18, 2001, they had no idea what to expect.
Domenico had worked next door at Mackey's Bakery, and when the space next door came up for lease, the Mobilios jumped at the opportunity to open their own Italian eatery.
A decade later, the couple, along with kids Elena, Salvatore and Nicholas, run one of the most popular restaurants in the area.
"I still get a big satisfaction seeing the place packed and everybody having a good time," said Domenico. "And when the family's all together, it's even better."
The kids all have successful careers outside the restaurant, but they can still be found helping their parents out when asked.
Cheryl is the unsung hero of the business, doing the books, the ordering and the picking up of supplies, but don't discount her abilities in the kitchen, for she makes a pretty mean tiramisu.
"Best in the city," said Salvatore.
That's a tag that can go for many of the dishes on offer at Domenico's, as I was first recommended to the restaurant by none other than Rino Cioffi, the unofficial food mayor of the Heights.
Many months ago, Cioffi told me that he orders pizza for the family from Domenico's, and the Sicilian, featuring prosciutto, olives and mushrooms, is about as good a pizza as you'll find in the city.
Using an authentic brick forno, Domenico is able to make the authentic Italian thin-crust pizza.
The pizza may be great, but so is the pasta, as Domenico shows off his favourite dish, the seafood fettucine.
The pasta is nice, but the large Kiwi mussels are such a welcome distraction, as are the huge prawns.
"My wife and I both love this dish," said Domenico.
The kids, meanwhile, agree on what their favourite dish is.
"We love the spaghetti carbonara," said Sal. "I think because we've been eating it since we were kids, and now we can make it ourselves, that's why we still like it so much."
Salvatore and his siblings do have a point, as the pancetta goes quite well with the pasta.
The one thing Domenico is sure of is that he stands 100 per cent behind his food.
"If anybody tells me they don't like my food, I'd sit down and finish it for them right there," he said with a hearty laugh.
Domenico's is open for dinner from 5 p.m. Tuesday to Sunday, closed Monday. For more info, call 604-291-2262.
