I remember the day I had heard that Solevo had opened their doors. Right there in town, with many already established traditional Italian restaurants just blocks away. “Do we really have room for THIS much Italian?” was my first thought. And I’m sure I wasn’t the only Saratogian thinking this. To my surprise, Solevo quickly made its way to the top of many people’s list. The amazing authentic family recipes are surely the reason that both locals and tourists fill up the reservation book. But equally as exciting as enjoying Solevo’s food is enjoying co-owner Giovannina Solevo’s (a.k.a. “Gi”) OOTD (Outfit of the Day). Something that I, and I’m sure many others, thoroughly appreciate when visiting Solevo.
NOT YOUR TYPICAL SARATOGA “STYLE”
I have always been one to over dress for my nights out in our casual Saratoga Springs. Often raising eyebrows, I’ll happily sit bare-legged in mid-winter at a local pub in a full-on dress and heels. So seeing a young woman doing whatever it takes to keep the front-end running smoothly, while dressing for even the slowest of days with an outfit fit for NYE, brings me so much happiness. I’d even go so far as to say it transports me out of Saratoga for the night, and some place a bit more metro. (No offense to Toga.)
Gi’s infatuation with fashion started years before she chose to attend LIM College of Fashion in New York, where she earned her Bachelors in Fashion Management and minor in Fashion Styling. She pursued her love of style by working for Vogue Germany in NYC’s Condé Nast building, as a stylist’s assistant . And although she is a self-proclaimed shopping addict, her local “go-to” for fun pieces is Violet’s of Saratoga. Often seen sharing her latest and greatest finds through an Instagram mirrored selfie. And happily re-shared by Violet’s, thrilled to have such a fashionable local influence representing their looks.
A FAMILY AFFAIR
Gi and brother Chef Ronnie are fourth generation restaurant owners. But Gi and Ronnie aren’t the only ones hard at work at Solevo. Their brother Joey, restaurant manager, is also a well known face in the front of the house. Growing up immersed in southern Italian cooking and working at their parent’s restaurant in CT, it’s no surprise that they find themselves here in Saratoga. Owning and operating an Italian restaurant, in the same very town they vacationed each summer of their childhood.
And as with most Italian families I know… it’s also no surprise that their parents had their back every step of the way. Now also residents of Saratoga, they are on standby, ready to take the questions. What better way to use your well-earned expertise than for the benefit of your children?
Since Solevo brought their family recipes to us in 2018, they’ve been doing a killer business. As with most local restaurants, take-out got them through the toughest times of the pandemic. Reminding the community that they may be the new kids (literally) on the block, but they’re here to stay. My hubs always anxiously awaits the traditional bolognese dish. And me… I ALWAYS look forward to the Polpo (char grilled octopus). And of course, to what Gi’s wearing that evening.