Michele Lavecchia and his wife Mariam

If You Can't go to Rome, go to Lupetti
Trattoria Lupetti, 65 Moraga Way, Orinda, 253-7662
Michele Lavecchia and his wife Mariam met some years ago when working together at Spiedini Restaurant in Walnut Creek; since then, they have been part of many ventures, including Michele's partnership in Amoroma. This time they are running their own restaurant, together. Pizzeria Amoroma has become Trattoria Lupetti. "It means 'baby wolves'," says Lavecchia, "it is of course a reference to the Roman she-wolf who fed Romulus and Remus, and we are dedicating the restaurant to our three children." Lavecchia confides that the transition from the former partnership was rough, but says the customers are coming back. "When you run your own business, you work very hard, seven days a week, but if you provide quality food and service to your constituency, you can make a success," says Lavecchia. The food offered is reminiscent of the original Amoroma in Moraga, which is not surprising since Michele was the Roman of that team, but pizzas are still baked in the wood-burning oven. New items are inspired by the region in which Michele was born and his family still lives. Menu additions include stewed artichokes with mint, parsley and garlic, and spaghetti with guanciale (unsmoked Italian bacon), egg and pecorino. Mariam adds her own touch, like her roasted chicken with lemon, garlic and rosemary. The menu varies seasonally. The Lavecchias get some of their ingredients from local manufacturers who work in the Italian tradition, such as some charcuterie and cheeses, while others are imported. For this couple, owning their first restaurant is only the beginning of the fun. During World Cup soccer, starting June 11th, the restaurant will open at 7:00 a.m. and customers can watch the day's games on a big screen TV. In the morning, continental breakfast will be served, and during the day, with Chef Joel Mundo, they will be offering a main dish celebrating the culture of a different team every day. "If you can't make it to South Africa, Trattoria Lupetti will be your 2010 World Cup Central," says Mariam.







New Neighbor for Trader Joe's
Lava Pit Hawaiian Grill
3647 Mount Diablo Boulevard, Lafayette, 385-0658
The Hawaiian-inspired barbecue restaurant had its soft opening mid-May and will celebrate its grand opening at the end of May. The first Lava Pit is located in Orinda, 2 Theatre Square, Suite 142. Look for more details in our next issue.

Olsen Team First Diamond Agent for MEF

MEF donors Ben, Sue and Lara Olsen
On May 20, real estate partners The Olsen Team gave a check of $10,000 to the Moraga Education Foundation (MEF). The team, composed of the mother Sue Olsen, the daughter Lara Olsen, and son Ben Olsen, have been consistent MEF top donors for years, but it is the first time they are able to reach that level. "We are excited to be the first Diamond Agents for MEF," said Ben Olson, "We hope that other local businesses, parents, and residents will join us in applauding and supporting the efforts of MEF. We all benefit from the excellent education that MEF enables for our students." MEF president Shari Simon thanked the team for its very generous contribution.

J. Rockcliff Realtors
announced that veteran real estate sales professionals Pete Sabine and Lori O'Brien of the Pete Sabine Team and the company's Lafayette office, have received an award from J. Rockcliff Realtors for their 2009 sales production. Sabine and O'Brien placed in the top 5% based on overall sales performance for 2009. J. Rockcliff Realtors Lafayette office is located at 3799 Mt. Diablo Boulevard and can be reached by calling 925-253-7000.

What Does it Take to be an Entrepreneur
A Panel Discussion at Saint Mary's College:
The Saint Mary's Graduate Business East Bay Alumni Council, in association with the Keiretsu Forum, presents "Exploring Entrepreneurship." Keiretsu Forum is the world's largest angel investor network, and is based in Lafayette. Entrepreneurs are people willing to take risks to pursue an opportunity, whether it is personal, professional, financial, or all of the above. "In this panel we will explore: What does it take to be an Entrepreneur?" says Keiretsu founder Randy Williams who will moderate the panel, "Come join a stimulating conversation with successful entrepreneurs from various industries on how to get your company started, now." Date: Wednesday, June 2, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Location: Soda Center at Saint Mary's College, Moraga - Cost: $15 for Saint Mary's alumni and Keiretsu Members; $20 for non-alumni; free for current SMC students. RSVP at www.smcbusinessalumni.com/exploring.

News from the three Chambers of Commerce
Lafayette
- Shop Lafayette Meeting on Tuesday, June 8, 12:30 p.m. in the
Chamber Conference Room.
- Chamber Mixer on Wednesday, June 9, 5:30 p.m. at Lafayette
Health Club, 85 Lafayette Circle.
- Ribbon Cutting on Thursday, June 10, 5:00 p.m. for Lafayette
Physical Therapy, 3468 Mt. Diablo Blvd. Suite #B110.
Moraga
- At its May 21st general meeting, the Chamber invited the members of the Town Council to come and discuss the town's affairs with the business community. Mayor Ken Chew, Council members Howard Harpham, Mike Metcalf and Dave Trotter attended. Chew had to leave to attend a LAFCO meeting in Martinez, but the three council members and Town Manager Mike Segrest participated in small group discussions. The business owners were anxious to hear if the recommendations of the Revenue Enhancement Committee would soon be implemented. They discussed with the town officials the Moraga sign ordinance that has not been reviewed yet; they praised the recent developments of the cooperation between Town and college that is pursued consistently by both the business community and the Town. Some fundamental issues were debated such as the necessity for Moraga to have, or not have, two shopping centers and the need to foster cooperation between property owners, business community, town, and college in order to achieve the development of the Specific Plan. "This was a very informative meeting," concluded Chamber president Edy Schwartz.
Orinda
- The Orinda Chamber organizes monthly "Brown Bag" lunchtime workshops. Non-chamber members are welcome to attend. On Tuesday, June 8, the subject will be "Blog for Business." Are you ready to start a blog to market your business? Join Marissa Berger of MB/I and learn how to produce branded business blogs or improve your own blog's optimization. All workshops run from noon to 1:00 p.m. and are held at Orinda City Hall, 22 Orinda Way, in the Sarge Littlehale Room.

Copyright Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA