Dining spots prep for NYE
The Allegro will feel different after November passing of longtime owner

Courtesy photo / In this undated photo, Dan Taddei, owner and head chef of The Allegro Restaurant, cooks in the restaurant’s kitchen. Taddei passed away Nov. 16 at the age of 78.
New Year’s Eve will look a little different this year at one of Altoona’s fine dining restaurants.
The longtime owner of The Allegro Restaurant, Daniel Taddei, passed away Nov. 16 at the age of 78.
The restaurant is now owned by his wife, Gloria, and children: Brenda Ajay, David Taddei and Cindy Saracoglu.
Ajay, the marketing manager for the restaurant, said the busiest night of the year must go on.
“It’s our Black Friday, but instead of being the start of the holiday season, it’s our grand finale. It’s always something we have to be well prepared for. This year without Danny, it will be a test for us emotionally as well. We need to show up, put our hearts into it, and continue Danny’s legacy. He built this place with such passion, and we know he would be proud to see us honoring that legacy on New Year’s Eve,” Ajay said.
Ajay admitted New Year’s Eve won’t be the same without her father. She said The Allegro was his “life’s passion” and the restaurant will look to celebrate him and his legacy as it rings in a new year.
Taddei’s memory will live on through his family, as well as through some other details that have been added to the restaurant since his passing. Ajay said his favorite drink was a Manhattan, and one of The Allegro’s loyal patrons suggested it be renamed as the “Danhattan” on the menu.
“His spirit inspires us every day,” Ajay said. “I know he would be proud that we’re honoring him by continuing his legacy and the dream he built for this restaurant. He poured his heart and soul into this place, and as a family, it’s our responsibility to carry that torch forward.”
In years gone by, The Allegro would serve about 500 people on New Year’s Eve and Ajay expects a big crowd again this year.
“We will serve as many as we possibly can. This year, just like every year, we’re thrilled to welcome and serve several hundred guests, but we’re also disappointed by the numbers we’re forced to turn away,” Ajay said.
For that reason, reservations are encouraged.
The menu will be limited to serve several hundred people within a four-hour window.
“Our menu will showcase a selection of Chef Danny’s signature dishes, including the legendary filet mignon, his signature dish, selections from his award-
winning veal menu, seafood, homemade pastas and Danny’s own New York-style cheesecake, featured among our many desserts,” Ajay said.
New Year’s Eve is also the biggest night of the year at Finelli’s Italian Villa and owner Frank Finelli is expecting a busy night.
“If it is anything like the rest of the year, it will be awesome. Since the election, people have been coming out and spending money. People like to find a nice quiet place to go out and eat,” Finelli said.
Reservations are required for New Year’s Eve.
“We start serving at 5 p.m. and it is over when it is over, we are not chasing anybody out. We will have a special New Year’s Eve menu. Weather is usually not a factor for New Year’s Eve, I don’t think it will be an issue,” Finelli said.
The Altoona Grand Hotel is expecting at least 175 people for its New Year’s Eve Masquerade Ball, said Laura McNally, director of sales
“We are also selling tickets on our website and at the door, we can sell up to 400,” McNally said.
A $40 ticket includes hot dogs, pork and sauerkraut at 11 p.m. and a midnight champagne toast, McNally said. Music will be provided by Shallow 9.
“Masquerade masks are encouraged but not required,” McNally said.
New Year’s Eve is one of the biggest holidays for people to eat out, according to the National Restaurant Association and many people enjoy takeout meals
“Off-premises dining — takeout, delivery, curbside — is about 3 out of every 4 orders for the overall industry all year, not just on New Year’s Eve. So, while many people will be going out to eat, many more will be ordering food from a restaurant for takeout or delivery,” said spokeswoman Vanessa Sink.
Mirror Staff Writer Walt Frank is at 814-946-7467.