The parking area of Ciatti's Ristorante was full, but a single space beckoned from the far end of the lot. Nearly running to beat the occupants of just-parked vehicles to what surely would be standing room only in the new restaurant, we were pleasantly surprised to be seated immediately by a friendly greeter. Even better, a table no where near the kitchen, which for some reason seems to be the first choice that comes to mind in our case, for greeters in fine restaurants everywhere.
Ciatti's motto includes genuine smiles; a casual, comfortable atmosphere; and made-from-scratch Italian-inspired dishes, and on this night, the eatery lived up to it's word. Service was prompt, and the wait staff knew the menu - and, er, correct pronunciation - intimately. All your Italian favorites were available, with prices very reasonable all things considered.
The most expensive entrées were the Filet of Beef with Marsala mushrooms, seasonal forest mushrooms, Marsala wine, and veal glace for $23.99 and the New York Strip with roasted tomato demi glace, veal glace, red wine, and marinated fire roasted tomatoes for $23.99, but the Chicken Parmigiana, Marsala, and Saltimbocca were all around $15.
An incredible variety of pasta dishes were priced from $11.99 - $16.99. There were also fish options (pesce) and, believe it or not, a couple of Italian-inspired burgers. You'll want to start your meal with a Little Red Dress Martini - delicious - and a bargain at $4.99 on special, as well as an appetizer like antipasto, flatbreads, pizza, or zuppe (soup.)
The food was very good, and portions were ample especially for the Mostaccioli (pasta baked with Italian sausage, mushroom, onion and marinara sauce and topped with a huge, melted, golden cap of cheese, for $13.99.) The sausage in this dish was note-worthy, just a hint of spiciness and richly flavored.
The Fettuccine Alfredo was the most affordable dish at only $11.99, not as costly as that of near-by Mi Famiglia Ristorante nor as creamy or delightful, but certainly full of Parmesan flavor. The texture of the sauce was a bit grainy, although not unpleasant.
All entrées came with a dressed salad, and warm, Italian herbed bread, and soft breadsticks. Accompanying the bread was a plate filled with aromatic olive oil, grated Parmesan, and freshly cracked pepper, for dipping.
The menu included an ample wine list, sure to satisfy any palate and budget. The house Chianti (Bella Sera - Italy) was smooth, full-bodied, and decidedly not dry - perfect. A good swirl around the glass revealed healthy legs and lovely aroma of berries. Food wine pairing suggestions were noted on the menu, and available from the well-versed server.
All in all, Ciatti's Ristorante is worth the trip. The menu is varied, includes gluten-free and kid-friendly options, and if it's your birthday the meal is free - up to $15. The service at Ciatti's is excellent, as is the bar,the ambiance, and lest we forget, the dessert. Try the Drunken Chocolate Cake with Frangelico cream for $7.99 and try not to gasp at the ridiculous size of this triple layer chocolate masterpiece.
From the chocolate cake to the chocolate mouse-like filling, to the solid chocolate layer encapsulating the Frangelico-infused layers, it's a chocolate dream; or coma - don't even think about trying to finish it all, even with a buddy.
If you like the food, sign up for Ciatti's cooking classes. $40 gets you a four-course cooking class presented by Ciatti's own Executive Chef Mark Marthaler in their intimate kitchen setting.
Read Examiner article.
Photo by Suat Eman, courtesy of http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/
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