Faithful readers of this column know that from time to time I like to talk about one of my favorite subjects: good Italian food. In past columns I’ve mentioned some wonderful Scottsdale spots where one can indulge, such as Pasta Brioni, Pane e Vino, and the now (sadly) defunct Il Poggio.
But occasionally one finds it necessary to venture outside Scottsdale, such as when one wants to meet up with a friend from the west side. Or get cheaper gas.
And that’s not a problem because there are two places west of Scottsdale Road where the food is belissimo!
The first is a little strip mall mom-and-pop gem called Roma Garden. Located on the southwest corner of 40th Street and Thunderbird, this place rocks Italian fare. From the moment one enters the lovely, softly lit lounge and dining room and is greeted by accommodating but by-no-means-stuffy servers, this dining experience is a true pleasure. The bread is crusty and piping hot, and the prices are too. Here finally is a place where one can get quality veal for under $22, and the perfect pasta dishes are in the mid-teens price range.
On a recent visit, we sampled a cold antipasto plate featuring cheese and cured meat all of top of the line quality, including fresh mozzarella that was as tender as a Mafioso is tough.
And my hubby thought the red sauce on his pasta was about as good as anything he’s had since we left New Jersey. (I am assuming he meant in a restaurant and not including my own, but I didn’t ask him to clarify.)
Roma Garden follows in that awesome Arizona tradition of pouring free drinks after dinner, in this case Amaretto on the rocks-my favorite! We also ordered a cannoli for dessert and thank goodness we shared. They say size doesn’t matter but this thing was about the largest cannoli I’ve ever seen and definitely enough for two. AND scrumptious.
We enjoyed our after dinner drink and dessert at the bar where we were able to see the owner in action-hard at work, overseeing all, and greeting the regulars who came and went, some for food to go. We hope to become one of those regulars.
Roma Garden is open for dinner seven nights a week, and for lunch Monday through Friday. The also offer early bird specials and Happy Hour.
This has been a banner month for new discoveries as I experienced another well-kept restaurant secret. Well, at least well-kept from me, although it’s been open since 1985. (Evidently I don’t get out much.) Michelina’s on Shea Boulevard and the 51 is another great reason to venture over to this part of town. It’s run by Michelina DiSibio herself, who still does all of the cooking and considers her restaurant an extension of her home. In fact, family photos of Michelina with her children and grandchildren adorn many of the walls.
The restaurant’s namesake was born in the Naples area of Italy, much like my own ancestors were. No wonder I loved it so much! She grew up on a farm, cooking alongside her mother. She still grows her own herbs and many vegetables used by the restaurant, and has shared her love of cooking by offering cooking classes.
The first thing you notice as you enter the dining room is the abundance of beautiful fresh flowers, so many that they warrant six to seven hours weekly to arrange. Again, Michelina keeps them on hand to remind diners that they are guests in her “home”. But once the food’s served, the flowers are forgotten as patrons are too busy burying their faces in the enticing meals.
Speaking of the patrons, on a recent visit there I was accompanied by my friend Carol, another Italian Jersey girl. And we both felt right at home as diner after diner passed by looking like the kind of good old Jersey boys we haven’t seen in a long time. Where have guys like these been hiding? Well...at Michelina's obviously.
And, as at Roma Garden, the veal is delicate and all the food is authentic and reasonably priced. AND there are more free drinks poured after dinner! This time an unusual combo of refreshing flavors reminiscent of a limoncello.
The restaurant is open for dinner Tuesday through Saturday.
So next time you’re smack dab in the center of the Valley, bring your appetite and mangia!
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