Cafe Piola is at the corner of Mattison and Haskell and actually takes up the space of an old house, as well as its back yard. I'm not sure what the inside looks like, but the patio is terrific. Its a large open space, partially covered by a pergola. There is also a bar in the back and a fountain on one side. Among all of this, are tables spread out just enough to have some privacy but close enough to make the place look packed when people are there.
Mrs. FWHITW and I ventured over to Cafe Piola one night last month when we were fortunate enough to have a cool evening. We were unfortunately joined by a gang of bugs that initiated a war on our legs.
The restaurant is italian, but with a grown up menu. They have chicken parmigiana and a form of fettuccine but its all updated. The fettuccine has seafood and the chicken parmigiana no longer comes with a red solo cup (get it...? No? You're too old).
The wife got seafood fettuccine and said it was terrific. Fettuccine is one of her favorite dishes and she really enjoyed the twist. But then again, she likes me so there's no guarantee on her tastes.
I had the veal involtini on a recommendation of our waitress. The veal is wrapped around asparagus and mozzarella, cooked, and then served with a lemon type sauce. I was a bit skeptical about the mixture of lemon and veal because I watch a lot of top chef. But I was pleasantly surprised. The veal was a bit tougher than I expected but the flavors were delicious. Also, the wine told me I loved it.
We also had salads and they were good, but I don't remember much about them. I think there was some greenery and maybe a nut or crouton. They were good though.
This seems like a really good place to go with friends and have a glass of wine and some appetizers. It could also be good for taking out of towners, or dates. Don't take kids. Not because they wouldn't like it but because I wouldn't like them there. Just kidding. Sort of.
But seriously, the unique style of eating in a restaurant right in the middle of a residential area, that also has a great patio and great food is really cool. I'll go to Winslow's Wine Cafe soon and let you know which one you should go too.
If you've been, let me know what you think.
10 comments:
My GF and I have eaten at Piola's 3 times and loved the food each time. Grandma's lasagna and the chicken marsala are amazing and have a taste unique from other Italian food places. The only complaints I have is that there is no waiting area for a table and no bar. If you go...make a reservation. Also, the acoustics aren't good for someone like me who's a little hard of hearing when there's background noise. The sound seems to endlessly bounce off the walls. Other than that...fantastic date place.
I'm impressed you would order a dish with 'involtini' in the name. Sounds like a good name for a hair gel, or engine part - kind of different for something you are going to eat.
Sounds like a great place - will definitely add it to the wish list of places to go.
It sort of made me think of an involuntary puking. Like if a disgusting martini was thrown down your throat, causing you to puke.
It was the fact that it had veal in it that caused me to go for it. There are so few times when you get to eat the puppy of the wild west.
winslow's is so-so. too expensive for what you get.
Have you ever eaten at/reviewed Flying Fish on Montgomery? It's such a great place to go as you are, get abused by the great staff and enjoy some of the best fish around. Feels like it should have a sandy beach outside.
This just seems like it is definitely a place that should be on your radar and I thought maybe I missed something.
I really enjoy reading your reviews- thanks for sharing your humor with us.
hey hole in the wall, shoot me an e-mail at jtronche@gmail.com
I'll do a review on Flying Fish soon. I need to go back and remind myself what it is I like there. If only somebody (hint, hint) was willing to take me and pay...
John, check your email.
I am a huge fan of Piola. You can't make a mistake ordering one of their chicken entrees.
This blog is awesome, I just found it. I will be returning often. There's nothing I love more than Fort Worth and food. Looking forward to your posts!
Thanks for reading Lindsey.
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