I was shocked and saddened to learn of the recent passing of Clara Spataro, who, along with her husband, Giovanni, owned and operated La Calabria Ristorante in Gilbert.
A memorial was held at the Italian restaurant on Sunday.
I first met Clara when I reviewed La Calabria in 2008. She was a wonderful woman who welcomed guests with a warm, friendly smile.
And although Giovanni is the chef, Clara made the restaurant’s fabulous ricotta cheesecake, one of my favorite East Valley desserts.
La Calabria lost the lease on its original location on the northwest corner of Val Vista and Ray in 2015, but reopened two years later on the southwest corner of Val Vista and Williams Field.
My deepest condolences to Giovanni and the rest of Clara’s family and friends. She will be missed.
