Getting To Know...

June 15, 2006

Fairfax-area residents know Joe Ricciardi through his restaurants: Dolce Vita, which he co-owns with Riccardo Bellucci, and Sfizi Cafe, which he co-owns with Lino Ricciardi. After coming to Fairfax County from New York City on a bet, Joe Ricciardi has become an active member of the local community. He is this week's People Profile.
Number of years in the community: 22. Family: Spouse Sharon Ricciardi, daughters Diana, 15, and Nicole, 14. Education: Graduate of C.W. Post of Long Island University.

Current job/primary occupation?  General manager/co-owner/chef of Dolce Vita and Sfizi Cafe. Achievements: I have been a successful restaurateur both here and in New York City. My N.Y. restaurants received excellent reviews from Mimi Sheraton in The New Yorker. Here, Dolce Vita has enjoyed good reviews in the Washingtonian and Fairfax papers as well as making Zagat's list of Top Italian Restaurants in America every year for the last six years.

Activities/interests/hobbies? I enjoy race cars, playing golf and watching my daughters play soccer. I am very interested avionics and the development of hydrogen fuels. Favorite local restaurant or place in the community? Besides Dolce Vita and Sfizi, of course! I especially enjoy the sushi at Arigato here in Fairfax.

What are some ideas you have on ways to improve your community? I live and work in Fairfax County. I am a member of the board of the Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce as well as the Fairfax Boulevard Partnership Board of Directors. I want to participate in the Fairfax City masterplan to facilitate zoning and permits for business and property owners.

What brought you here? Actually, I came here on a bet. A friend of mine, Mike Stanco, challenged me to open a restaurant in Fairfax County within six months. Since I had experience in New York, I figured I could do it. Mike, you still owe me $100!

What community "hidden treasure" do you think more people should know about? Two years ago, my partner, Riccardo Bellucci, and I bought the little building next door to Dolce Vita. We call it the Cantina, and it's a charming little room which seats about 32 people. We use it on busy nights when Dolce Vita is filled, but it is also available for private parties. We don't charge a rental fee for it on week nights; we do on weekends. It's a great space for small parties or meetings and, I think, a hidden gem.

When you were younger, what did you want to be when you "grew up?" I always wanted to be an inventor. Even now, I would love to dedicate my energy to developing products which would benefit humanity. I'm especially interested in finding new ways to clean up the environment.

Where do you see yourself in five years? Well, I see still see myself in the restaurant business, and hopefully, opening more restaurants. I also want to spend more time with my wife and kids.

Personal goals? I would like to continue to experiment with new ingredients and come up with more new and exciting recipes for the restaurants. I would like to perfect a source of renewable energy for use in cars, so they could run on infinite solar and hydrogen energy. And, I want to see my kids be happy and have families of their own.