CARMELLA’S – BOARDMAN/POLAND
So I was coming out of my therapist’s office the other day and this guy was talking to the receptionist at the “sign your name” window. Oh this place is wonderful. Oh they are so friendly. Oh the Italian food is so good. Oh everything is homemade. I may have left their still nuts, but I now I was definitely hungry. And with only a $10.00 co-pay, I can afford to go out to eat and have good mental health.
That night I grabbed my wife and went to Carmella’s located in the plaza at the corner of South Avenue and Western Reserve Road. It hasn’t been there very long, only a couple of months. I wasn’t sure what to expect. Some of these places can be really good…others real dogs. Carmella’s is in the former.
This is another in a string of mid-priced Italian restaurants serving the Mahoning Valley. It serves Bistro type Italian food which is definitely not northern Italian. These offerings have substance to them. Nothing light here! The sauces are full bodied. More than a few of the dishes are served with peppers for some kick. This is hearty fare probably found mid-boot south.
Competition is fierce in the niche. But I think Carmella’s has a shot. I have only eaten there once, so I don’t want to judge especially since my personal taste goes to the lighter northern Italian cuisine. But the service is outstanding. The people are friendly. Whoever designed the interior deserve a bonus. For a small restaurant, it is an extremely attractive and sophisticated place. And it doesn’t hurt that the food, at least what my wife and I ordered, was good…a little spicy and heavy for me…but then again, that’s a matter of personal preference, not good or bad food.
If you want to try something new, give it a shot. The menu is very well planned. It has a full service bar, reasonably priced wine. I will be going back. Maybe I will see you there. Meatball award next time around.!!!!
CAFE AT THE FRICK – PITTSBURGH
From time to time I have used the term “boite” to describe a restaurant. It is a French word that means “box.” In restaurant parlance, it means the restaurant is a small, sophisticated space. Look up the term in the dictionary, and you will see a picture of the Cafe at the Frick. It is a boite in every sense of the word.
The Frick Museum is a small art museum located north of Squirrel Hill in Pittsburgh. It is located in a park like setting and includes the museum, the Frick mansion, and an absolutely stupendous luxury carriage and car collection...all of which are open to the public.
Also located on the premises is the Frick Cafe, which has become a destination restaurant in and of itself. It is located in a small out building in the middle of the Frick complex surrounded by windows on three sides. It is a picture book little jewel box that reminds you of a super mini Tavern on the Green in Central Park. And inside the food is sophisticated and extremely well prepared.
It is a lunch only place opened 11 – 5 Tuesday – Sunday. High tea is served after 2:30. The Cafe is just wonderful place to go for a well deserved afternoon respite from the work a day world. Most attractive to the “ladies who lunch” crowd (no wide screen televisions here), it is also a romantic place for guys to do something special for that certain girl.
While it has a standard menu, specials reflect whatever special exhibit is showing in the museum. When we were there, the special exhibit was a private collection of Faberge, so the menu has Russian specialties to supplement the main menu. Borscht anyone? The menu ranges from sandwiches to hearty soups and lovely salads, and decadent desserts. It also sport lots of champagne cocktails starting with the ever popular Mimosa and creatively taking off from there. What better way to spend an afternoon than sipping wonderful champagne cocktails while noshing on great food!!! It also offers well selected wine choices.
You can order a la carte. There is also a 3 course prix fixe menu priced in the $25.00 range. Although a little on the expensive side for lunch, it is a good value overall when taking into consideration quality, atmosphere, and really tasty food. This isn't a chow down as fast as you can to get back to work lunch place. You want two cheeseburgers for $2.00, go to McDonald's!
This Cafe is definitely popular. Reservations are almost a must, and can be made as late as the same day you wish to visit. Couldn’t afford to eat there every day, but on special occasions, this goes to top of the list.
No meatballs because of its limited service...but I suspect this would be a fiver.
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