Something Funny Is Going On Here
By Auburn Cecil

Appetizer 4
Dinner 5
Dessert 5
Drinks 5
Service 4
Décor 3
Atmosphere 3
Special Recommendation: Their marinara is to die for and you definitely don’t want to leave without a piece of their home-made Tiramisu.

     Maybe it’s that a six-year old is running the restaurant. Maybe it’s that Gabriella’s has been winning awards in both Roanoke and Lynchburg for their fine Italian, but they have yet to be recognized by many in their own area. Or, maybe it’s just the Thursday night Comedy lineup.
Since the Roanoke Comedy Club closed, many of us laughter junkies have been reduced to chuckling at the latest funny movie. But no more. Last year, Gabriella’s Italian Restaurant, Bar and Grill came to our rescue and we didn’t even know about it. That’s right. Just down the road, local and national comedians have been causing split seams, beer out the nose and spontaneous laughter.
     The idea started when Gianfranco, a long-time Bedford Restaurant owner, was approached to start a new restaurant beside the Days Inn in Bedford. While he had to gut the original restaurant and start over, he knew there would be nothing else like it in the area.
The location, just west of where Route 122 hits 460, once featured a German Restaurant named Gabriel’s. While he was already facing a lot of work to change the image of the restaurant, Gianfranco risked being associated with the previous establishment to name his place after his daughter, Gabriella. Once the sign went up with purple neon (her favorite color), Gabriella took to running the place. Anytime Gianfranco and the staff don’t listen to her she points outside and says, “Whose name is on the sign?”
     While Gabriella’s favorite part of the job is testing the home-made Tiramisu, she is also quite fond of using the spray cleaner when she wipes off the tables. She was only four when the restaurant opened in January 2003 but that didn’t stop her from learning every aspect of the business. She will even teach the new employees how to set the table and what specialties to recommend.
     That might seem like a lot for a little girl to remember, but restaurant work runs in her family. Her Grandma can always be found fixing something wonderful, and when growing up, Gianfranco worked at his uncle’s restaurant in New York. The experience shows in each of their incredible dishes.
     You can start your meal with an Antipasto (appetizer) of fried Zucchini, Mozzarella Sticks or the Classic Italian Antipasto plate full of meats, peppers, cheeses, pickles, and olives. Then choose Zuppa (soup) or Insalada (salad). Whether you go for Chef Michael’s Minestrone or the Neapolitan Peasant Salad, you won’t be disappointed. The hard part of eating at Gabriella’s is choosing from their delicious entrees. You can choose from one of their pastas in every sauce imaginable from Bolognese to Red and White Clam (Go ahead and add the meatballs or mild sweet Italian sausage). You can try out the grill with their Manza (Beef) selections. Or you can dine on their fine Pesce, Vitello or Pollo (Fish, Veal or Chicken) dishes. If you aren’t feeling like Italian, they have several great “American” choices on the menu. Whatever you decide on, leave room for dolci (dessert). While their comedy is definitely worth the drive, the food steals the show.
    With the help of Comedian Phil Hogan, Gabriella’s actually began doing the regular comedy shows in April. Gianfranco commented, “Running a restaurant means you never get to go out at night. I wanted a place with regular entertainment so I could enjoy it too.” Phil had originally done scheduling for the Roanoke Comedy Club, and had the right connections to bring in top talent. Gianfranco explained, “We do comedy on Thursday nights so we can catch top acts on their way to larger cities. They are happy for extra stop since they are already going through this area, and we get to showcase talent we ordinarily couldn’t attract.” The bar and stage room is the perfect size for getting up-close and personal with the performers. Of course, be careful about sitting too close because you might just become part of the show.
     Gabriella’s has been in business for a year now, but they still haven’t gained the following or recognition you would expect from a place that offers as much as they do. Gianfranco commented, “For some reason people assume that we’re high priced or they don’t realize that we are a new restaurant because the old place was Gabriel’s. But, 75% of the people who give us a try end up coming back.”
     On Fridays and Saturdays, Gabriella’s also features live bands performing Rock, Classic Rock, Modern Rock, Blues and a variety of original music. For more information or to hear about their schedule, call 540-586-6377. Gabriella’s is open Tuesday – Sunday from 4p.m. to 9p.m. Happy Hour and Early Bird Specials are available between 4p.m. and 6p.m. Gabriella’s is available for private parties and also provides catering. All shows start at 9:30p.m..

Comedy:
Thursday, Feb 12
Brad Reeder featuring Stewart Huff
Thursday, Feb 26
John King featuring Ray Pannetti
Thursday, March 11
Chris Wiles featuring Will Marfori
Thursday, March 25
Steve Sabo featuring Ralph Palmer