Donnie James Lifts a Glass to di Fratelli

A new owner, a new menu and that same friendly, fun atmosphere! Donnie James is taking Ristorante di Fratelli to a new level at 211 Broadway in downtown Paducah — and we like it! We like it A LOT!

New on the appetizer list: baked portabella mushrooms stuffed with snails and bay scallops topped with herb and garlic compound butter and bread crumbs. Um? YUM!

Also, smoked salmon bruschetta with mascarpone and cream cheese topped with capers. Double Yum!

There’s plenty of great salads, pastas, steaks — including a grilled filet topped with a special melted horseradish and gorgonzola blend — chicken and tuna.

And, one of Donnie’s favorites: Marsala Chicken Pot Pie — fresh homemade biscuits layered with a special filling of shredded chicken, marsala, button mushrooms, pearl onions and peas and drizzled with a marsala reduction.

Chef Ken White still leads the kitchen and, since Donnie has taken over, is whipping dishes he’s been wanting to serve for quite some time. Ken is a graduate of the Orlando Culinary Academy LeCordon Bleu, Magna Cum Laude, and has 16 years of experience including stints at Max’s and Cynthia’s.

Desserts are one of his specialties. Here’s a big hint: Maple Crème Brulee.

OK, so the food is fab, the bar is stocked with every refreshment you can imagine, and darling front-of-the-house manager Nina Cron still welcomes everyone with that million-dollar smile of hers.

So here’s the real question: Why would Donnie, an-already-successful businessman who could certainly enjoy the rest of his days on a tropical beach sipping Mai Tais, want to invest in a restaurant — one of the toughest businesses ever?

His answer is simple:

“I always liked di Fratelli and I wanted to see it continue to grow and continue to be a fine dining experience in downtown Paducah,” he says.

“We’re offering the best food you can buy, and if you just want to come to the bar, watch a game and be with your friends, we have some new appetizers that you’ll like, too,” Donnie adds. “Plus, we’re refurbishing the doors and windows, we’ve painted inside — the restaurant looks brand new again. Everyone seems really happy with what we’ve done.

We’ll (eat and) drink to that, Donnie!