The Quagliata family is acclaimed as owners and operators of some of the area’s finest restaurants. The continental awards-winning Giovanni’s Ristorante in Beachwood, Alfredo’s at Holiday Inn Mayfield, Crostatas in Highland Heights, and, soon, the made-over Fisher’s Tavern on Som Center Rd. in Mayfield Village demonstrate the solid success of the Quagliata family. The string of Four Diamonds, AAA Ohio Motorists and Wine Spectator awards began in 1967 at the White House-lookalike restaurant and cocktail lounge on Mentor Ave. in Mentor, OH with Angelo and his wife, Dora, and their sons, Carl, John and Fritz.

The White House, with its tiled entranceway, wall to wall carpeting, rich velvet wallpaper, trimmings, and pristine white ceiling interior highlighted Tre Scalini - the “three little steps” gourmet room which featured a specialty menu of Italian dishes. The Tre Scalini complemented the main room and gave an outdoor atmosphere look with water fountains and vines throughout. 

On Friday nights, the House specialty was a seafood platter of lobster, scampies, mussel, and King crab garnished with potatoes for under $6. Tableside featured John’s dessert magic, namely his Spun Sugar; caramelizing sugar into sweet golden strings and topping the spectacular plate with slices of peaches, lemons and oranges doused with Grand Marnier and Courvoisier cognac. The crowning glory was the maraschino cherry on top of the goblet. The price was a bit on the high end, but well worth it. It was wise to make weekend reservations if patrons wanted to enjoy the Quagliata’s White House cuisine.