Tony Bova Opens VIVO Partenza in Boca Raton Less Than a Month After Covertly Closing Bova Prime

Only in South Florida could this happen: Tona Bova, the man who allegedly left employees unpaid, recently filed for bankruptcy, foreclosed on his home, stiffed his landlord for over $30,000 in unpaid rent, and partnered with the biggest ponzi-schemer since Bernie Madoff is opening another restaurant. Less than a month after closing his last, no less.

VIVO Partenza opens next Wednesday in Boca Raton in the same exact spot once occupied by his Bova Ristorante. All three Bova restaurants (including planned locations in the old Jackson's Steakhouse and Casa Casuarina in Miami Beach) went bye-bye following the unraveling of Scott Rothstein, Bova's former partner.

The chutzpah it takes to open a place like this while still owing big debts all over South Florida is incredible. It even appears as if the Bovas are rubbing what they're doing in their creditor's faces. Just look at the VIVO logo for proof. It's nearly identical to the one used to promote the Bova chain. An email address on the website points questions towards [email protected]. The menu for VIVO is ridiculously similar to the old Bova one as well.

Guess it's back to business as usual. The wealthy diners of Boca Raton who don't care who they hand their cash to won't miss a beat.

After the jump: The media invite sent out for the opening, plus the official press release.

(Boca Raton, FL) June 12, 2010 ---- Celebrating

a new beginning, Tony and Laurie Bova have opened a new restaurant,

VIVO Partenza. The inspired name is both symbolic and sentimental. In

Italian, VIVO means "alive" and "lively" and partenza translates to "a

departure," specifically the constant departures one makes into new

phases of life.

"This

is an exciting time for our family," said Tony Bova. "We are truly

touched by the outpouring of support from our loyal patrons, friends

and community leaders. We feel, with VIVO, that we have created an

experience that encompasses a culinary journey of our past 28 years in

this industry and we are very proud of that accomplishment."

The

carefully crafted menu of VIVO showcases many of the signature dishes

that have built a legion of fans throughout South Florida, offering

such favorites as Chicken Scarpiello, Eggplant Pancakes, Grilled Veal

Chop, Prime Bone-In Rib Eye, Wild Scottish Salmon Piccata and many

more, along with their delicious pasta dishes, signature pizzas and

salads. And with a variety of price points, the selections allow for a

dining experience that caters to each patron's gastronomic mood and

budget.

This

compilation of the "best of the best" recipes was carefully decided

upon by Tony Bova, who has always been the creative mastermind behind

each dish, ever since the early days in 1982 when he began his first

restaurant in Boca Raton.

"For

me, it has always been about the food," he said. "And with VIVO, that

is the focus. I grew up watching my mother in the kitchen, and I always

knew this is what I wanted to do. Creating a place where people can

experience wonderful Italian cuisine and enjoy themselves with friends,

family and business associates, has always been my passion."

With

VIVO, the Bovas are looking forward to personally welcoming back their

loyal fans, while creating many new ones. "With this opening, we feel

like we are coming home," said Tony. "As a family, we are focusing on

the things that have always been most important to us, which is making

each and every guest feel they are part of our family every time they

dine with us."