The perfect beginning to a lovely birthday dinner.
Greens and beans. “Escarole, Northern Beans, Garlic, Shallots, White Wine, & Parmesan”
My friend V and I shared this delicious appetizer. You might have seen it from our last visit to this restaurant on the Southside, Cucina Vitale. Know it’s cash only, BYOB and reservations are necessary for dinner.
Bon Appetit article
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We finally made it for Saturday night dinner on the South Side. We’d been meaning to go eat at Cucina Vitale ever since Vincie discovered this dining gem in a Post-Gazette article by Dan Gigler in late January.
White tablecloths, cut red roses in glass vases, excellent service, delicious food cooked to perfection and served expertly.
Our Antipasti started with black and green olives, Roasted red pepper hummus-like spread and garlic infused olive oil in which to dip the crusty bread. Every bite was delicious. A dish of Greens and creamy Beans was shared. There are no words! What other descriptor can I use besides DELICIOUS?
Followed by the soup of the day which was Tomato Bisque with Basil (Traditional Wedding Soup is always on the menu)
The specials were Chilean Sea Bass and Lump Crabmeat with a Lemon Caper Compound Butter with sides of Broccoli Rabe and Roasted New Potatoes.
And I ordered the Cheese Ravioli topped with Medallions in Gorgonzola Sauce with a drizzle of Balsamic.
Tempting house made desserts of Cannoli, Lemon Cheesecake, Chocolate Cake, Burnt Almond Torte or Tiramisu were offered but we hadn’t left enough room.There are a few things to know if you plan to go-
Reservations are essential. BYOB if you desire and it’s Cash Only.
GREENS & BEANS Escarole, Northern Beans, Garlic, Shallots, White Wine, & Parmesan
The Chilean Sea Bass with Lump Crabmeat and Lemon Caper Compound Butter
The Tomato Basil Soup with a touch of Parmesan
Chef Frank Vitale learned to cook from his Grandmother, in the photo on the restaurant wall.
Shot from across the street as we got into the car.
My DIL and I went to lunch while the kids were at two different day camps today.
I photographed the food with my iPhone. Used available light.
We started with these delicious Parmesan Crusted Baked Onions. So soft and the tang and salt of the Parmesan offset the sweetness.
Regular white onions. I asked. Baked four times.
Erika was able to order from their gluten free menu. I ate the Goat Cheese Ravioli with Cabbage, Pancetta and Mushrooms on top.
On the right is the Chopped House Salad.
Oh yes, the restaurant? Marcella’s in Polaris. They have another location in Short North.
Butternut squash and leek risotto for the main course. Ordered the house salad first and excellent dressing arrived in the cruet. Delicious and not too crusty bread. We didn’t have a reservation but you can call Piccolo-Forno . We were lucky we got a table right away. No wait. It was bustling. Only drawback the surfaces reflect the din so it’s a bit loud. Food and service very good. To read a review click here.
very good!
Rigatoni alla Vodka Spaghetti alla Rucola (Arugula) Tagliatelle Zucchini When we arrived Anna had bruschetta made on grilled bread, a plate of verdi and Kalamata olives and two cheeses for appetizer placed on a table waiting for us. She poured a glass of wine for each of us, red or white. A bottle of water, too. She demonstrated all three dishes and then each of us got to choose and make one by ourselves. The four of us made the Rigatoni with the Vodka Sauce. Watching all the work behind the scenes in the restaurant kitchen was impressive. When Anna prepared each dish it looked effortless. The combination of the ingredients makes each dish taste perfect! She had the recipes printed and tied together so we could add more recipes from another class. We ate AND took home leftovers. Delicious. We learned a lot about different olives, cheeses, pastas, olive oil, how to dice an onion without crying. All the classes are held 12:30 so we were finished in time for them to get ready for the evening service. What a satisfying way to spend a winter afternoon.
Next class February 27th. La Cucina Flegrea 2114 Murray Ave Pittsburgh, PA 15217 (412)521-2082
