Claudio Vigilante believes he was born to be a restaurateur and owning Hamilton's light and airy "Fresco's'' reflects one of his most passionate dreams.

Fresco's Restaurant and Wine Bar is located in Chancery Lane. Mr. Vigilante created Fresco's with the help of his partner, Deborah Gillett. They are a compatible business duo who share similar tastes in food, wine and art.

Ms. Gillett reports she assumes a more passive role in the business as the key administrator.

"Our first conversation was about chocolate at Ascots where we initially met,'' Ms. Gillett said smiling. Mr. Vigilante worked there as the restaurant manager for a few years and Ms. Gillett was a frequent customer.

Mr. Vigilante, born in Italy, grew up in a family owned Italian restaurant called, "Ristorante Maria,'' named after his mother. He worked in the family restaurant from an early age.

As a young boy of seven he recalls one of his first assignments: "It was my job to make the morning cappuccinos. I was so little that I could not reach the cappuccino machine and I had to stand on a box,'' he explained with a laugh.

"Fresco's'' lives up to its name. After coming through wrought iron gates you enter a lovely courtyard which is light and airy. Here you may dine alfresco or inside. The alfresco top is uniquely covered with a sturdy plexiglass so regardless of the weather you can sit outdoors.

The central outside focus is an impressive garden fresco painted by artist Nick Minugh. The word fresco means a picture painted on a wall or ceiling before the plaster is dry.

Fresh hanging flower baskets create a touch of natural beauty outdoors.

One of the special aspects of "Fresco's is the abundance of Old World charm.

You can close your eyes and imagine you are in Rome, Paris or New Orleans.

It is a place which appeals to the senses. Classical music softly plays. Water flows from the fountain. Everything is relaxed, gracious and beautiful.

Indoors, there is a grand private dining room to the right adorned with colourful works of interesting art.

This is a great place to host an executive luncheon. It is very conducive to entertaining corporate clients in a quiet atmosphere or it is a pleasant place to celebrate a special occasion. Reservations are encouraged.

It is a superb spot to go for a glass of wine. You can browse the art collection while sipping.

"When people come here we want them to feel relaxed and enjoy our ambience and art.'' explained Ms. Gillett. They have artwork from local artists displayed inside and it is all for sale.

"This is a cozy little restaurant and our food is excellent, the wine is fine. My perception is the clients do not feel rushed, yet the service is timely and friendly,'' said Mr. Vigilante.

Mr. Vigilante has been well groomed for his career in food and wine. In the family restaurant he eventually did everything. He enjoyed catering and the presentation of beautiful food.

He attended college on the Italian Riviera for three years where he specialised in hotel and restaurant management.

Monte Carlo was his home in 1980 and he worked in a restaurant frequented by Prince Rainier and Princess Grace of Monaco.

A few years later he worked in London for five years at "Legravroche,'' the only Michelin three star hotel in the UK. The Roux brothers at the Mayfair Hotel ran it In 1987 Mr. Vigilante came to Bermuda's Hamilton Princess. He said: "I thought it was a classy place to live and work. I loved it here and here I have stayed. We have a good tourist clientele.'' Fresco's food is Mediterranean with Bermudian flavours. They offer a daily souffle dujour for $7.50 and are open for lunch from noon until 2:30 pm and open for dinner from 6:15 until 10:30 pm. Desserts and coffee are served until late night at 11:30.

One of the most popular desserts is the "Warm chocolate mousse cake'' which is a delicate smooth cake served warm with fondant chocolate with jasmine tea.

It is served with a flavoured custard sauce and vanilla ice cream for $7.50.

It received the "Award of Best Dessert of Caribbean Competition'' 1998 in San Francisco.

They offer 10 wines by the glass varying from $5.50 to $10 a glass. Most restaurants do not have so many choices by the glass.

In the next few weeks they will be hosting wine tasting two or three nights per week. If you would like an education on wine, here is your chance. The bar closes nightly at 1 pm.

Mr. Vigilante believes in his staff. "Every single person is the best for the position and my staff are vital to our business. The superstars are our four chefs, one French, one Bermudian and two Asian. They blend together to offer a high standard of food.'' Kathy Williams, waitress, has worked in this spot for 12 years under four owners. She started in the business about 30 odd years ago as a waitress at the Penthouse.

"I love my work and enjoy dealing with people. Everybody is somebody and when they come here I treat them like somebody by being patient, pleasant and attentive. It is important to treat people well and be nice,'' she said.

Mr. Vigilante possesses an aura of harmony, is passionate about his work, and is a confident hands-on owner. He handles the restaurant matters and thrives on its activity.

"My mission in life is to be a restaurateur. If you are born to something, you do it with love and passion. You can't fake whatever drives you. I could not do anything but this,'' he concluded.

Happy team: Claudio Vigilante, centre, with co-owner Deborah Gillett on the left and waitress Kathy Williams on the right. Alfresco dining is a wonderful experience at Fresco's, located in Hamilton's Chancery Lane. The eclectic art is interesting.

Class act: Fresco's Restaurant and Wine Bar presents a charming and relaxed atmosphere.

BUSINESS BUC