Ariel Fernandez
Founder & Editor
[email protected]
On March 15th, Miami-Dade County Commissioner Raquel Regalado presented the family of Caffe Abbracci owner, Nino Pernetti, a Proclamation on her behalf and that of the Miami-Dade County Commission.
Pernetti, a native of Lake Garda, Italy, founded Caffee Abbracci in Coral Gables in 1989. Over the last 33 years, the restaurant has become a staple of Coral Gables dining and a favorite of the who’s who in the City Beautiful. Pernetti is known to often say that, “owning Caffe Abbracci is the perfect job in the world for me.”
COVID-19 took a toll on restaurants around the world, and Caffe Abbracci was no exception. It was at Caffe Abbracci that the Coral Gables City Commission held its press conference to mark the phase one reopening of restaurants on May 20, 2020.
Unfortunately, COVID-19 would take a larger toll on Pernetti. On December 31, 2020, Parentti was informed by his doctor that he had tested positive for COVID-19. He was hospitalized a few days later and spent over six months at Jackson Memorial Hospital.
Pernetti was then transferred to a rehabilitation facility where he gained some of his lot weight back, he had lost over 50 pounds, and has had to re-learn to speak. His former wife, Marlén has been by his side throughout his recovery, with the help of their daughters Tatiana and Katerina.
Pernetti continues to work on his recovery today with the hopes of soon returning to his beloved restaurant soon.
Commissioner Regalado had heard of Pernetti’s road to recovery and wanted to “do something to cheer him up.” She coordinated with his family and the decision was made to present this Proclamation to his family at the restaurant he loves, while they called Nino over FaceTime.
“Nino has that Old World charm that makes everyone who walks through his door feel as if they’ve known him their entire lives and that he has prepared a meal especially for them. That’s why Cafe Abbracci has become such a who’s who over the years. People feel comfortable there. If those walls could talk, they would tell the history of how a lot of the important decisions were made in this town – over a great meal,” said Regalado.
Nino your simply the best!! You will be missed like you can’t imagine. You are the 305 of Miami Pitbull would agree.
Godspeed, Nino. We are praying for your recovery and can’t wait to see you again.
Mi hermanito del alma. We love you and missed you.
The Boschetti’s.
Hope to see you soon.
🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
Our dear and cherished Nino.
We were there the night you opened Abracci! We were honored!
Your warm heart and fabulous food are a large piece of our lives for all of these years.
Our prayers will be answered the evening that we can hug you and your gorgeous family at Abracci
Much love and strength
To Nino and family, we pray for your recovery, we miss you and want you back at the helm of Caffe Abbracci where you belong. Thank you to your Girls, Marlen & the restaurant Staff for continuing your life’s work alive & well. I remember when you first open Caffe Baci, keep fighting Nino, stay strong and come back soon!!
Thoughts and prayers for a unique restaurateur who has made his Italian restaurant the restaurant of Coral Gables for all residents and visitors. God bless and heal him. Amen.
We consider Abbracci the “Family Dinning Room”. Needles to say, one of the best kitchens , staff members and proprietor anywhere. We are blessed to have had Nino consider Miami home. We pray for his full recovery. We thank Loris. Edgardo and staff for their devotion to their friend Nino and to their clients. God bless you all!!!
We send our love and wish you the strength to continue healing.
I know everyone looks forward to your return to our beloved restaurant.
Miss you. Wishing you the best!🌹
Nino: Praying for your recovery. We want to see you soon at the restaurant.
Nino, continue to get better and I hope to see you soon. JC Sague
Prayers for a successful recovery and big thanks to Marlen who has been a warrior at his side!
Lovely tribute. Prayers for Nino’s full recovery soon.
Well done. Nino is a wonderful person and we continue to pray for his recovery.
So deserved to caffe Abbracci Staff and especially Nino and his family may his recovery continue and hoping he’s back where he belongs at Caffe Abbracci we love and miss you!