{image1}Its been 10 years since Marc and Marta Bianchini opened the doors to Osteria del Mondo, and to celebrate a decade of success, the husband/wife business team decided to make a few upgrades.
"Osteria turned 10 in November, and we decided it was time to make a few changes and get ready for the next 10," says Marta Bianchini, the business manager and co-owner of Osteria, 1028 E. Juneau Ave.
This past summer the first phase of the renovation began with new patio furniture including granite tables and terra cotta planters to create an "Italian villa" feel. Interior renovations are now under way, with plans to knock down the wall between the private dining room and the bar area.
"There was always a bit of confusion where the entrance was," says Bianchini. "Now there wont be any confusion."
New iron doors will hang in place of the wall to create privacy in the dining area, but overall the space will be much more open than before.
Perhaps the biggest change of all is the women's bathroom. It now has a modern Italian look with a custom-made, granite-top vanity, a leather bench, mirrors and accessories all made by local artist, Kendall Polster. And -- get this -- the Kohler toilets are heated.
The Bianchinis, who have been together for 13 years, also own Cubanitas restaurant, 728 N. Milwaukee St., and recently started On the Marc, a business that oversees the two restaurants. They plan to open another Cubanitas by the end of the year or early next year in Madison or Chicago, and perhaps something completely new on Kinnickinnic Avenue.
"We recently bought a building on KK, and Marc has three or four concepts, but well just have to see," says Bianchini. "It depends on timing, on what feels right, on so many things."
Bianchini says she and her husband like to ease into their entrepreneurial endeavors.
"We like to take our time, and its always worth it. With Cubanitas, we looked at spaces for three years and we ended up with the perfect location," says Bianchini.
Cubanitas recently received a new facade - it now has the ability to be air fresco like other businesses on the block - and a new awning.
"Its been an incredible year," she says.
Molly Snyder started writing and publishing her work at the age 10, when her community newspaper printed her poem, "The Unicorn.” Since then, she's expanded beyond the subject of mythical creatures and written in many different mediums but, nearest and dearest to her heart, thousands of articles for OnMilwaukee.
Molly is a regular contributor to FOX6 News and numerous radio stations as well as the co-host of "Dandelions: A Podcast For Women.” She's received five Milwaukee Press Club Awards, served as the Pfister Narrator and is the Wisconsin State Fair’s Celebrity Cream Puff Eating Champion of 2019.
