Hasta La Pasta, 3 1/2 Years Later

Hard to believe the Bel Paese restaurant across from the Hawthorne train station has been closed for over 3 1/2 years–a victim of a brutal recession, and its own just-OK red-sauce fare.

In an interview with Trainjotting last fall, Town Supervisor Joan Maybury said an ideal use for the space would be a fruit stand with fresh vegetables and produce.

She also denied a rumor that Johnny Rockets was interested in the building.

Also last fall, Bel Paese floorboards felt the tip-tap of feet once again, serving as the campaign headquarters for Richard Gagliardi as he ran for town supervisor. Gagliardi lost, but his campaign placard still graces the Bel Paese marquee.

If the building still does not have a tenant by next fall, perhaps the Gagliardi camp can use it again for its headquarters; according to his website, Gagliardi will be in the race in November ’13.