Fueled by an ambition to offer a fresh and distinct dining experience, the owner of Vito’s Italian Restaurant & Grill, Rosalino Taormina, has a new passion project: The Lion’s Den: 1837.

Since opening Vito’s in 2015, Taormina, known as “Rosie,” has made a name for himself as a cornerstone of the Lake Anna dining scene. Over nearly a decade, he’s fine-tuned Vito’s to focus on its “bread and butter” – authentic Italian cuisine. “We’ve always looked for ways to improve,” Rosie shared. “Vito’s isn’t perfect, but after a decade, I felt it was time to expand my passion and create something entirely new.”

Located at the former Tavern on the Rail restaurant, Rosie and his team are transforming the historic venue into an upscale steakhouse that honors its local roots while elevating the dining experience. “I didn’t want people to think this was another Vito’s. It’s a new building, a new location, and a completely different concept,” he emphasized.

Rosie’s vision for The Lion’s Den builds on the legacy of Tavern on the Rail, which served the community for over 20 years under the stewardship of Melody Bowers. “Everyone I spoke to about Tavern said the same thing – it was a local gem with great food and service,” Rosie said. “We kept what people loved and improved the things they didn’t. Melody’s legacy was incredible, and we’re honoring that while putting our own spin on it.”

While Bowers sold the restaurant to Rosie, the building behind the restaurant will remain as “Tavern on the Rail,” continuing as a local favorite venue for weddings and events.

The Lion’s Den pays tribute to Rosie’s family with its name and branding. Inspired by his family’s five generations of Leo zodiac signs, the restaurant’s logo features five lion paw prints, each symbolizing a generation. Rosie also found inspiration in a serendipitous sign – a lion statue inside Tavern on the Rail – which solidified his decision to pursue the project.

The “1837” in the name honors the original store established by Frederick Harris, Jr., during the construction of the Doswell-Fredericks Hall railroad line, surveyed in 1836 and completed in 1840.
Scheduled for a soft open in early to mid-February, The Lion’s Den promises to redefine fine dining in the Lake Anna area. Rosie has partnered with a local chef to craft a menu designed to astonish. “It’s a one-page menu, but every item will be amazing,” Rosie explained. From certified Angus beef steaks to hand-selected fish and scallops, every ingredient has been chosen for its exceptional quality.

Meats were hand-chosen at a specialty butcher after spending a day learning about cuts, quality, and tasting each one. “They may be subtle differences, but when the steak cuts like butter, it’s not necessarily the seasoning or the way it’s cooked,” Rosie explained. “We will only be using certified Angus Top Tier Beef.”

The steakhouse will cater to a variety of tastes and budgets, with menu items ranging from $25 to $85, and an equally thoughtful wine list. “Our goal is to provide the best you’ve ever had,” Rosie said. “When you leave, we want you to be astonished by everything – the atmosphere, the service, even the cutlery.”
Rosie plans to host an invite-only soft opening before welcoming the public just in time for Valentine’s Day. “We want to ensure everything is perfect from the second you arrive to the second you leave,” he said. “We’ll keep improving every day. It’s about striving for perfection and giving our guests the best.”
“When my son looks back one day, I want him to be proud of what we’ve built,” he shared.

Jen Bailey

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