THE REVERE ADVOCATE – THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2020 Page 7 Loyal customers fondly reminisce their favorite Chinese restaurant China Roma By Tara Vocino C ustomers became emotional as they picked up their last takeout order at China Roma Restaurant last Tuesday night. Family owned and operated for 65 years, many famous people have visited the Cantonese restaurant at 258 Broadway, including singer Barbra Streisand, wrestler Muhammed Ali and former President John Kennedy, who visited the dance fl oor upstairs (now an apartment building). China Roma plans to close in January, and – in agreement since June – Juan Jaramillo intends to open a Colombian/Peruvian restaurant at the location. Lifelong customer Karen Zajac, as she became emotional, said it was a custom for her to dine with her family at China Roma every New Year’s Eve. “We made memories we’ll never forget here,” Zajac said, wiping away tears, as she picked up takeout. “I was shocked when I heard they were closing.” Zajac said she remembers getAT YOUR SERVICE: China Roma Restaurant co-owner Paul Musto displays a pupu platter last Tuesday night. The restaurant will close in January. (Advocate photo by Tara Vocino) ting the sesame seed candy as a child there, adding that they have “the best tea in the world.” Other favorites of hers included lobster sauce, fried rice and the pupu platter. And she wasn’t alone. Fifty-year customer Peggy Halley, of Malden, said her immediate reaction when she learned of their closure was that she couldn’t believe it. “It’s a legend,” Halley said. “All good things must come to an end.” Halley said she understands why they’re closing, yet she is sad. “They had the best food and the best service, always making you feel at home,” she said; her favorite dish was beef chow yuk. Customer Deborah DeParna, of Revere, said she’s been dining at China Roma since her grandparents were alive. “I feel badly,” said DeParna, whose favorite appetizer is the crab Like us on Facebook advocate newspaper Facebook.com/Advocate.news.ma Rangoon. “The people are nice.” Saugus resident Paul Musto, who has owned the restaurant for 65 years, employing eight staff members, said it’s time to go. “I’m an old soldier fading away,” Musto said. “My secret has been to surround myself with great employees.” His wife and co-owner, RoseAnne, said their retirement plans are to relax and take it easy. Post-pandemic, they plan to visit Disney World with their grandchildren: Stephen, 21, Sophie, 19, Bella, 17, Nikky, 15, and Gianna, 12, and their children, Stephen and Lisa. She is looking forward to binge watching her favorite shows: “The Steve Harvey Morning Show,” “Let’s Make A Deal” and “Wheel of Fortune.” Lifelong customer and current Councillor-at-Large Steven Morabito said the egg rolls are to die for and his favorite in the city. Ward 6 Councillor Richard Serino will mail the Mustos a city citation. —Tara Vocino may be reached at printjournalist1@gmail.com. ANGELO’S FULL SERVICE "42 Years of Excellence!" 1978-2020 Regular Unleaded $2.039 MidUnleaded $2.399 Super $2.459 Diesel Fuel $2.439 KERO $4.359 Diesel $1.999 HEATING OIL 24-Hour Burner Service Call for Current Price! (125—gallon minimum) DEF Available Open an account and order online at: www.angelosoil.com (781) 231-3500 (781) 231-3003 367 LINCOLN A A DA CORPORATE & BUSINESS TAX PREPARATION RESPONSIVE CPA ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS * Financial Statement: Audit & Reviews * Payroll & Bookkeeping Services Call (617) 240-2905 / Email: Steven.divirgilio@cpa.com Website: WWW.STEVEDCPA.COM Gerry D’Ambrosio Attorney-at-Law Is Your Estate in Order? Do you have an update Will, Health Care Proxy or Power of Attorney? If Not, Please Call for a Free Consultation. 14 Proctor Avenue, Revere (781) 284-5657 Prices subject to change H Happy FLEET
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