Assaggio’s is simple Italian food, presented with exceptional customer service.  Dinner there is reminiscent of the food I ate in Italy:  simple, fabulously flavorful, and full of the best from the local garden (in this case, the Pike Place Market).  Owner Mauro Golmarvi will greet you at the door, offer a hug to familiar guests, and will then mingle among the tables throughout your meal to make sure you are enjoying it.  (Hint:  you will be!)

The restaurant is decorated with elaborate wall murals featuring the work of Michelangelo.   Take a look at the walls and see if you can spot the Creation of Adam, the Creation of Earth, the Ladies of Justice, and the Creation of Moon and Water (among others).  I’m not sure if it’s like dining in an Italian bistro or an art museum.

Since it’s been many months since I’ve been there, I can’t give a current review.  But I can share with you some of my favorites from the menu:  Insalata di Francesca (field greens, apples, pears, gorgonzola, nuts with a vinaigrette), Sautéed spinach (delicious with onions, lemon, pine nuts, and Dijon mustard), Osso Buco (classic veal shank with vegetables), and the Wild Boar Pasta. 

Assaggio is located at 2010 4th Avenue (downtown) in Seattle.  It’s open daily for lunch Monday – Friday, 11 am – 2 pm, and for dinner Monday – Saturday, 5 – 10 pm.  Reservations are recommended.

Photo credit:  personal collection

Post from: Fly Away Cafe

Nello’s Place is small family-owned Italian restaurant.

The restaurant was started in 1980, after Nello retired to Redding.  The family couldn’t find a good local Italian restaurant and so decided to open one of their own.  Having a long history in the restaurant business, this was just one more in a long line of successes.

If you’re driving in northern California, stop off for a bite to eat and a glass of wine.

Do you have a collection of matchbooks?  Or maybe you came across one in the bottom of a drawer?  Please share it with Flyaway Cafe readers by taking a photo and emailing it to me for use in an upcoming Matchbook Monday.

Image credit:  personal collection

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Post from: Fly Away Cafe