Founders Alan Lazarus and Scott Bolin sell long time favorites Vespaio and Enoteca

I first met Chef Alan Lazarus in about 1987 in the kitchen at the iconic Basil’s on West 10th, where he and partner Marshall had established an almost legendary restaurant.

But Alan left a few years later to open Vespaio on South Congress with partner Scott Bolin. The upscale Italian cuisine at Vespaio was a hit out of the box and elevated the new restaurant to the pantheon of the Italian restaurant scene where it (and spinoff Enoteca) have stayed ever since.

So it’s with mixed emotions that I note the passing of the torch to the capable hands of long time chef Ryan Swanson. I trust Vespaio is in good hands, but I will miss the uber talented and passionate Lazarus. He and I have survived many adventures, including a food critic stopping by on wintry day and cracking his head by slipping on the ice on the deck behind the restaurant. 🙂

But best of luck to the new owners as well as the departing ones.