Donatello’s Italian Restaurant is calling its quits after more than a decade in operation in the heart of Carmel’s Arts & Design District, the owners announced Thursday on social media.
Patrick and Beth Aasen, who founded the restaurant at 9 W. Main St. in late 2010 with their son, Carmel City Council member Adam Aasen, said they plan to retire after 40 years in the restaurant business.
The elder Aasens said they were looking forward to traveling and spending time with their children and grandchildren. They said Adam Aasen had plenty to keep him busy, with his role on the city council, his freelance marketing work and a 2-year-old daughter.
Patrick Aasen started his career as a chef at the legendary Italian Village restaurant and went on to serve as head chef at several restaurants, including Rudy and Rosa’s. He also was chef and owner of Arturo’s Ristorante Italiano near Keystone Crossing.
His longtime business partner and wife, Beth, bakes all the cakes at Donatello’s, books parties, orders alcohol, waits tables and cooks, too.
“We’re proud of what we’ve done and it might seem like strange timing to close up shop now that people are getting vaccinated and weather is getting warmer, but it’s about more than that,” the couple wrote on Facebook. “The last year has been tiring physically and mentally, and all of us our looking forward to time to recharge. If this past year has taught us anything, it’s that life is too short.”
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I wish the Aasen family all the best. I’ll personally miss their outstanding culinary contribution to our community.
Congratulations on your retirement. Don’t have any extra dollars to pay on the loan you stiffed me on when you had Arturo’s.??? Be great if you would address that issue. John Nichols as In Nichols Financial Services.
Did Arturo stuff you as well?
Stiff.
We will miss them deeply, as they were one of a kind in the restaurant business. Great people, good food, superior service and like family to us. We have had many Family birthday and anniversary celebrations there, as well as the 2 of us dining almost weekly & Carry out during the major portion of the lock downs. Beth, bless her, even brought food to the house one time, when my wife was very ill without us even ordering. We will deeply miss them and will certainly help them wind up operations, by being there during the next couple of weeks. Blessings in your retirement, Beth and Pat. And Adam,. We hope to see and hear more abut your ongoing activities with the Carmel Council. Hopefully you will find time to keep us all informed of your ongoing community affairs. By the way folks best Salmon and Sea Bass you ever had, and their Manicotti was terrific. Wish they had it on the menu. Thanks to the Aasen Family for providing Carmel with an unforgettable and enjoyable Restaurant experience.
Jack and I have so many great lunches there, it ironically was our last meal out together (Feb 2020). Thanks for all of the fun and service. I already miss Adam!
Never had the opportunity of enjoying their menu, word has it they are wonderful people with a great customer base and I like good reports of the service sector. Best of good things to your future……..