Letter: A tribute to Mildred 'Millie' Balzano

Posted 5/5/15

Mildred "Millie" Balzano had experienced much in her 89 years, but nothing could compare to the untimely demise of her hard earned, 60-year-old restaurant business back in late November 2014. They say that all good things must end — and that was …

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Letter: A tribute to Mildred 'Millie' Balzano

Posted

Mildred "Millie" Balzano had experienced much in her 89 years, but nothing could compare to the untimely demise of her hard earned, 60-year-old restaurant business back in late November 2014. They say that all good things must end — and that was certainly true of "Tweet's," Balzano's Family Restaurant when it died a sudden, unceremonious, perhaps ignominious death.

The restaurant founded by Anthony "Tweet" Balzano, with Millie forever by his side, took years of blood, sweat and tears to evolve from a humble chicken coop to the thriving, iconic Italian and seafood restaurant known throughout Southeastern New England and beyond. With culinary passion, Millie and Tweet labored side by side, concocting tempting family recipes that would, over time, serve the famous, the infamous and everyday families who could eat plenty of great food without breaking the bank.

You're long in the tooth if you remember those days when throngs of eager customers lined Mt. Hope Avenue awaiting that cherished table to be "abused" by Tweet, loved by Millie, and presented with heaps of savory delights.

The 60s and 70s made "Tweet's" a household name, and always there was Millie at the door to warmly meet and greet her friends, her customers. She was defined by that restaurant, and she defined it. She was, always, with Tweet, the sole proprietor; and this was her home, her kitchen. And with a pleasant smile and open arms, you were always welcome.

Through the 80s and 90s, under the expert and careful management of Tweet and Millie, the restaurant continued to enjoy good times. Even a disastrous fire failed to dim the passions of Tweet and Millie. Though by now older and ailing, Tweet assumed the lead in rebuilding a new restaurant from the ashes of the old; his bulwark of support was, as always, Millie.

The death of Millie's life partner shortly thereafter failed to darken her spirit, her effervescence, her winning smile, and oh that greeting at the door!

These last few months have not been kind to Millie. She's lost her home, her business, her identity as sole proprietor of "Tweet's" — all that she has worked so hard for more than 60 years to achieve. In solitude, she will cry from time to time, but her spirit remains intact; she's still quick to smile and reach out her arms for a welcoming hug.

You'll see her — no longer at "Tweet's" — but you will see her. Perhaps at the market, or downtown on Hope Street, or at church on a Sunday morning. And when you do see her, let her know you remember those halcyon days when she'd greet you with a hug and a kiss at the door at "Tweet's," Balzano's Family Restaurant.

Jim Manchester

12 Turner Road

The writer is Mildred Balzano's son-in-law.

Tweet Balzano's

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