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I hate to hear that. What a sweetheart he was!

Franco was possibly the greatest “front of the room” guy around. He had a knack for making everyone who entered his restaurant feel like they were his most important customer — even those who’d never been there before. I mourned the loss of the Riviera when it closed, and I mourn his loss now.

Originally placed this on sidedish blog but don’t see it-so will repeat here. Yes Mr.Bertolasi will be sorely missed – what a restaurant icon he was for Dallas. Actually have a humorous story about Franco when I was a newby in the restaurant business several decades ago. I remember being in awe of all the glowing press the Riviera, Lori and David Holben, and Hector Garcias’ staff were constantly receiving at the time. I also remember making a point to begin saving all my spare pennies and go there as soon as possible. Months later, that day finally arrived and my then girlfriend and I nervously entered the hallowed doors of the Riviera one fine evening. And of course there he was – this silver-haired very handsome gentleman dapperly dressed and deeply tanned. He greeted us warmly and led us to the bar and poured us a taste of his favorite opened bottle of wine. Without missing a beat, he gracefully took my obviously smitten girlfriends hand and exclaimed to her “lets go down and see the wine cellar – this will be the most sensual evening of our lives!”. That was the last time I saw my girlfriend and this suave Marcello Mastroianni type Fellini character for quite some time. Finally, I worked up enough nerve to ask the bartender the whereabouts of the downstairs wine cellar as by now a really immoderate amount of time had elapsed. The bartender leans over to me and says “I’m sorry sir, but the Riviera has no downstairs wine cellar”.

I worked for Franco for six and half years. And to this day, he’s still my favorite boss. He was not only a gracious host, but behind the scenes, he was the kindest, most generous person I ever had the privilege to know. I remember one time, when I just started working there, we were up in the office going over Riviera business, and I knocked over a wine bottle. It shattered at my feet. I was mortified! I thought, oh no, he’s going to take this out of my paycheck! I told him I was so sorry, and I hoped it wasn’t too expensive. He realized my distress, without blinking an eye, he said, “Yes, it was expensive. Don’t hurt yourself on the glass. But isn’t the smell divine?” He put me at ease, and we went back to work. Later, I found out it was one of the most expensive wines we sold. Franco, the world may be sadder without you, but as I look at the stars tonight, I see one a little bit shinier than the others. Could that star be you? I will miss you, my friend. Ciao!