670 Golden Gate
San Francisco
In 1993 Vivande Restaurant opened a second, larger and moral formal restaurant at 670 Golden Gate Avenue. They wanted to recreate the front door of the famous house designed by Federico Zuccaro in 1591 just of the Spanish Steps in Rome.
Michael H. Casey, of course, put his own spin on the entryway, especially in the use of his own wild eyebrows.
The statement in the back behind Michael says “Quanto Basta” which means “enough”. Michael was studying Italian at the time and was proud of his command of the language.
He is shown here in front of the finished sculpture the night of its unveiling. Michael H. Casey Designs always held a large party when a sculpture was completed, but before it was cast, as they always looked their very best in clay.
The owner of Vivande, Carlo Middione sadly closed Vivande after sustaining injuries to his sense of taste and smell in an auto accident in Spring of 2007.
Michael’s drawing for the planned entryway
The building is now an insurance company. When the property managers realized that the restaurant was closing they called Michael to ask how hard it would be to remove the face. Michael said that it was simply made of plaster and would not be difficult, and that he would like to help to ensure that it was not damaged, as possibly it could go someplace else. The manager, said, no we LOVE the face, however, it might be inappropriate for some businesses, fortunately the insurance company loves it too.
I have left the post it note that Michael put on this article when he laid it on my desk. It truly shows his unique sense of humor. I do not know why the photo of the director was taken in front of the mouth, I must assume the interview took place at the restaurant because the article does not say.