3056 Perkins Rd.
225.387.9174
<no website>

by: Chad

As exciting and impressive as some new BR restaurants are, sometimes you just want to find a nice, quiet, cozy place where you can enjoy a simple meal.  That’s what Pinetta’s is all about.  Opened in 1962 by the Bubola family from Eastern Europe, this tiny inconspicuous bistro has been a favorite of many locals for many years. 

From the moment you walk through the door, you get the impression that nothing has been touched since that opening day some 47 years ago.  The atmosphere creates the feeling of another time and place, with old artwork adorning the walls, and a variety of beer steins and empty Chianti bottles hanging from the ceilings.  To say this place is romantic would be an understatement.  It has the classic “romantic Italian restaurant” theme down pat, complete with red checked tablecloths and candles on every table.  It’s definitely has the appeal of a date night spot but is also suitable for families and groups of friends.

The menu is an interesting one, featuring a mixture of dishes from Italy, Turkey, and Germany.  The majority of the items are Italian, and all the dishes are very simple and rustic.  The menu features two Turkish dishes which we did not sample, Musaca potatoes and the Shish-Ka-Bob.  The German selections are four;  Sauerbraten, Thuringen Bratwurst, Schnitzel Holstein, and Weiner Schnitzel.  Despite this being a very small selection, it’s the only German food you’ll find anywhere in this area.

We did order the Weiner Schnitzel, and it was okay.  The breaded veal was tender but dry, and not very flavorful.  The riced potatoes served as a side were over-seasoned and could not be finished.  However, on a positive note, the apples in the sauerkraut were an interesting touch, and added a good flavor and texture.  We tasted several of the Italian dishes, starting with the polenta appetizer.  This was a bit different than polenta I have had before, it being in a more solid form, cut into slices and served with their signature red sauce.  The entrée I sampled was the lasagna, also served with the same red sauce.  The sauce shares the same old world, rustic quality that the whole restaurant showcases.  It tastes like something your grandmother would make, very rich and hearty, with chunks of vegetables and a great flavor.

Undoubtedly the highlight of the meal was the dessert.  The chocolate tiramisu was not only the best tiramisu dish that I have had, but overall one of the best desserts period.  The portion was large, easily enough to share with at least two people, and the flavor and texture of it was just perfect.  Not overly sweet, and with a great chocolate taste that wasn’t overly bitter or chalky.

I would highly recommend Pinetta’s to someone looking for a romantic, quiet, intimate setting for a meal.  You won’t have the vast menu options of a larger restaurant, but you also won’t have the noise and chaos that often goes with it.  In fact, I’ll go a step further and say that unless you are looking for a nice, relaxed meal, you shouldn’t go there.  The service isn’t the fastest, and some would even say it borders on bad, but it’s part of the experience.  The idea here is that you are taking your time, and I think a waiter that is running back and forth from the kitchen would take away from the atmosphere and the experience.

Pinetta's Polenta appetizer

<

Pinetta's Chocolate Tiramisu