If you're a longtime resident of North Bay you must remember, and possibly ate at Matilda's Roman Villa, located in the strip mall on the Lakeshore overpass from the 1970s to the 1990s.
Matilda’s as it was affectionately known, was owned and operated by the husband and wife team of Fred and Matilda Bevilacqua.
The couple immigrated from Italy following their marriage in 1960 and opened the restaurant in 1970. It began as a casual lunch spot for the local community and was a favourite hangout for announcers and reporters from CFCH/CKAT radio, including morning man Bob Wood and newsman Clancy MacDonald who often grabbed lunch or a coffee from a smiling Matilda.
Husband Fred was a dedicated member of the Ontario Northland Railway serving as a carman until 1985.
"Over the years, Matilda’s became known for serving authentic Italian cuisine from the Roman district of Italy serving amazing pizza, spaghetti, cannelloni, ravioli, meatballs and the famous meatball sandwiches and assorted submarines," says their daughter Paula Mann. "In 1980, the formal dining room was added to the restaurant at 725 Main Gate Plaza, which soon became the desired location to celebrate marriage engagements and the chosen location to celebrate special occasions with its warm and inviting atmosphere."
Fred loved chatting with his guests, often pouring glasses of liqueur.
Over the years Matilda’s developed as a special meeting place.
"Matilda and Fred made many warm and lasting friendships with a dedicated staff over the years and so many members of the North Bay community including fellow businesses in the Main Gate Plaza, the former CFCH and CKAT radio stations, the North Bay police, the ONR and countless loyal customers who became good friends. To this day, many members of the community recount their favourite dishes and fond memories of Matilda’s," added Mann.
Sadly Fred passed away of cancer in 1990 and Matilda passed away as a result of breast cancer in 1995. Although taken far too soon, their impact on the community remains unforgettable.
Now, 30 years later, The Block restaurant downtown has partnered with the Bevilacqua family and daughter, Paula, to recreate some of Matilda’s signature dishes for a unique four-course culinary experience tonight.
The event will feature a specially curated menu, available by reservation only for groups of four or more. The cost is $100 per person with $20 from each bill donated to the Gathering Place, continuing Matilda’s legacy of supporting the less fortunate in our community.
"The night is a heartfelt tribute to a local legend, combining nostalgia, community, and great food for a memorable evening. Come join us in celebrating Matilda and Fred, who gave so much, both in the kitchen and to those in need," explained Mann.
“We extend our heartfelt appreciation to Mark and Gina Sherry, Brannyn Hale, Chef Sam Gauthier and the entire Block Public House staff for reaching out with this wonderful idea to pay tribute to Matilda’s and by doing so honouring our parents, Matilda and Fred," shares Paula, David and Paul Bevilacqua, children of Matilda and Fred.
"It is truly heartwarming to our family that their legacy is being honoured through this beautiful tribute evening by a community that they loved and became like family for so many years. We look forward to an evening of reconnecting with many friends, exchanging many memories, enjoying amazing food and supporting our community.”
The special evening at the Block Public House honouring the legacy of Matilda’s Roman Villa is tonight (Thursday) and reservations can be made by calling 705) 478-8799.
Due to popular demand reservations may be limited for this evening.