Tony Bennett Dines at Michael's Trattoria Before Oakdale Show

Tony Bennett with restaurant owner, Michael Tiscia (photo supplied by Michael Tiscia)

Monday evening (last night, June 29th, 2015) was very busy in downtown Wallingford.  There was a special customer who came to Michael's Trattoria Restaurant last night on  Center Street.  Tony Bennett was in town to sing with Lady Gaga (see video at end of article) at the Oakdale Theatre. Before that though, he came to dinner to eat at Michael's Trattoria. 

This isn't the first time that Tony Bennett has come to Michael's Trattoria, according to owner Michael Tiscia.  Tony Bennett has been there before, as seen in two photos that hang over the mirror on the bar.  Interestingly, the beautiful wood bar in Michael's Trattoria was originally in the Oakdale Tavern (originally on the grounds before the present Oakdale was built).    The bar at Michael's Trattoria continues to keep its connection with the Oakdale Theatre.

photo of Oakdale Tavern (photo from John Schappert displayed at American Steamed Cheeseburgers in Wallingford).

 From what has been said by many people on Facebook and Twitter in town, as well by Michael Tiscia himself, Tony Bennett is a very nice man with a warm personality.  It could be that the warmth and charm of Michael Tiscia and staff, as well as the atmosphere (and great food) of the restaurant might be what draws Tony Bennett to the restaurant (going from my own experiences at the restaurant).

The crooner ate his meal in the room on the right side of the restaurant. Tony Bennett is said to have been very friendly while inside as he walked around, but also outside as he left the restaurant waving to people and briefly chatting before heading to the Oakdale.

Tony Bennett ate his meal in this room seen through the windows.

Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga made a duet album "Cheek to Cheek" in  2014.  Their performance at the Oakdale Theatre is part of that tour.  (See "Don't Mean A Thing" video at end of article.).

If you saw Tony Bennett at Michael's Trattoria or performing at the Oakdale with Lady Gaga, please tell us about your experiences in the comments section below the article!

Michael's Trattoria
(203) 269-5303
344 Center Street
Wallingford, CT 06492

Michael's Trattoria website                          website link

Article from the Meriden Record Journal  article link

Tony Bennett's official website                    website link

Lady Gaga's official website                          website link

Toyota Oakdale Theatre                                 website link

Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga duet video

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