After failed deal, a twist of fate for restaurateur
Mohsen "Maurice" Lavasani and his wife Mahtab enter the home of their new restaurant in the Top of the Hill Plaza. Shundeez Persian is set to open on Sept. 15. (Photo by Scott Alloway)
by MICHAEL J. MISHAK
If good things come to those who wait, Mohsen “Maurice” Lavasani should have the next Striped Bass on his hands.
After nearly a year and a half of failed lease negotiations with Bowman Properties, the longtime Chestnut Hill merchant is set to open Shundeez Persian restaurant this month in the former home of Roller’s restaurant at the Top of the Hill.
Owner Paul Roller closed the eatery that has borne his name for more than two decades this week, opting to reopen his Flying Fish seafood restaurant full-time. Located at 8142 Germantown Ave., the space had been reserved for private parties and catering.
To his family, friends and the legions of local kids he coached, Tony Maletta was a true mentor who led by example.
Tony Maletta, right, among his first and second loves, family and sports: at a stadium with his wife Linda, son-in-law Brian Sannicandro and grandchildren Anthony and Angelina.
by TOM AMODIE
On July 18, the Chestnut Hill community — and especially the Water Tower Recreation Center — lost a true icon and friend when Tony Maletta, Water Tower staffer and youth sports coach for over 30 years, died.
Anthony Joseph Maletta was the son of first-generation immigrants, Ivo and Amelia Maletta, who brought their family to the United States in 1950. Born in Italy, Tony’s first local address was on Mechanic Street in Germantown. Tony and his brothers worked for the landscaping business that their father started. In 1957, the Maletta family moved to Sprague Street in Germantown and opened up a luncheonette, where his sister and mother worked. Finally in 1958, Tony’s parents sold the luncheonette and moved to Ardleigh Street in Chestnut Hill and Tony lived the rest of his life less than a block away from the Water Tower.
While two different segments of the Chestnut Hill community sparred recently over the fate of the Water Tower Recreation Center, all concerned agreed on one thing: the need for a new roof.
Last week, the city gave the go-ahead for that and more.
With the help of City Councilwoman Donna Reed Miller, the aging facility at Ardleigh Street and Hartwell Lane found its way onto a list of three city recreation centers scheduled to undergo major renovations this fall.
Tony Maletta, right, among his first and second loves, family and sports: at a stadium with his wife Linda, son-in-law Brian Sannicandro and grandchildren Anthony and Angelina.