Legacy Restaurant, Capri, Adds New Flavors

People entering Capri restaurant Wednesday, May 29, 2024, who weren’t aware of the special night were startled to discover the main King Richard room was full with a long wait time. Those seated had booked reservations to welcome back Carmen Talarico, guest host for the evening.

“It was delightful to see so many familiar along with new faces at the Capri restaurant this past week, all enjoying the return of Carmen Talarico, host extraordinaire. Lots of kissy face going on,” Yvonne Knowles, longtime patron, said later. For now, Talarico will be hosting about once a month, with June 11th as the next date, and he’s happy to help spread the word.

“The Capri restaurant has new owners. The Capri side is open for lunch for Mexican food. The King Richard Room at 4:00; Early Bird starts then. After working at Capri for thirty-four-and a-half years, it feels great to be back after eleven-and-a-half years absent – the best of luck to the new owners.”

In the way time often passes more quickly than realized, the Cruz family acquired the restaurant almost a year ago, and were closed briefly for a few necessary changes. The Capri, established in 1958 by Richard Accursio, holds special meaning for the community and as Dora Valella explains, “We owe thanks to Jimmy and Patty for waiting for the right family.” There were primary elements included in the arrangement. Keeping Capri in the hands of a family and retaining the well-known staff were two.

“I think they’ll do really well, they’re experienced restaurant people, they’re hard-working,” said Accursio. “They’ve already been successful in the Mexican restaurant, and they have relatives that work in Italian restaurants in California, so they understand what needs to be done,” Accursio said the existing workers at the Capri are also going to be taken care of as well.

“We were able to assure that all of the current employees that we had working for us had jobs at the same position that they had with me,” said Accursio, “and that was a priority too because a lot of these people have been working with us for years” (Capri Restaurant’s Second Course – Local Eatery Updated, By Kevin Lewis, Jul 7, 2023).

The Cruz family, whose MayaMex restaurant in Homestead has been open since 2004, did redecorate the formerly known “Capri side” with an eye-catching mural and it opens at 11:00 a.m., Tues-Sat for lunch. Although the menu features authentic Mexican dishes, there is also pasta and creative salads. If choosing the chicken mole, Enedina Ramos will be using the recipe handed down for four generations. The aroma of roasted garlic, freshly baked rolls, and pizza crust still wafts through the kitchens. From classic spaghetti and meatballs, chicken parmigiana, fresh grilled yellowtail, and all the “old Capri favorites” recipes were sold as part of the deal.

On the other hand, if someone is in the mood for sizzling fajitas, those are on the menu, too. Chef Ricardo Ramos has many years of experience with both cuisines. Special diets can be accommodated if the ingredients are available. And speaking of food, the one dessert that requires extra time to prepare is the chocolate souffle. It is worth the wait. “We are keeping Capri as a tradition in bringing the past and future together,” Oscar Vivevos, the young manager, assured everyone.

With the one-year anniversary of the Cruz family ownership and the sixty-sixth year for Capri soon coinciding, he’s busy putting together the specials they will be offering. For organizations that remember weekly or monthly luncheon meetings in the Gallery Room, that option is also available. There is a set price of $20 per person that includes a selection from a menu of seven items, a beverage, tax, and a service fee. Arrangements can be made with Vivevos. The Capri is located at 935 Krome Ave, Florida City, (305) 247-1542; Follow them on Facebook for the latest specials.