POST TASTE: Pinocchio In Cucina

970 Monument St.
Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
(310) 454-0709
Pinocchioincucina.com
Prices: $$

The moment we stepped into Pinocchio we were transported back to Italy. The vast deli case filled with an array of prepared foods and displays of imported goods urged us to give-in to temptation.

Before we knew it, we were offered a warm welcome by proprietor and Chef, Guiseppe “Pino” Barravechia. Chef Pino’s specialties began to file out—Carciofi Salad with plump oven-roasted tomatoes, marinated artichoke hearts and buffalo mozzarella; Chopped Salad with salami, egg and gorgonzola cheese; and a piping-hot Pizza Autunno with a gluten-free crust.

This crust was unlike any other of its kind. The dusting of cornmeal gives it a bit of crunch and an Italian flair. A generous douse of tomato sauce, grilled zucchini, eggplant, fresh tomato, mozzarella, and sprinkling of oregano made this dish one of the stand-outs of the evening.

Unlike all the pizzas reviewed in our Dining Guide (November 7), Pinocchio’s pizzas are baked in a gas oven capable of handling large orders of up to 75 at a time—perfect if you’re hosting a party.

What could only be described as a “Carb-Lover’s Delight” arrived next—Orecchiette with chicken sausage, fresh tomato, mozzarella and my favorite vegetable, rapini.

After that, we sampled the seasonal Pumpkin Ravioli with brown butter and sage. These heavenly pillows were lovingly handcrafted with dough made fresh in Pino’s kitchen and stuffed with nutty pumpkin filling. A Risotto Al Profumo Di Tartufo, with four varieties of mushrooms, was lovingly cooked al dente, not as creamy as some risottos. A bowl of Farfalle al Salmon contained just the right amount of cream.

Pino then presented us with a roast chicken stuffed with garlic and rosemary accompanied by spinach polenta and long green beans.

Dessert came in the form of dense gluten-free brownies and biscotti begging for a dunk. As we sipped decaf cappuccinos, we wondered how Pino could offer such large portions at such affordable prices. Even better, kids eat free Monday through Wednesday with the purchase of an adult meal.

He is also happy to help out busy families by offering a Thanksgiving pre-order menu featuring turkey that has been marinating for two days. We left feeling happy to be members of Pino’s family, even if only for a couple hours.