(PHOTO PROVIDED VIA GOOGLE)
When walking into Pizzeria Bacio, it looks like your usual pizzeria although they have quite a few more tables than the average pizzeria. The first thing that popped to me was the framed photos throughout the restaurant. The colors are very vibrant and sharp, I couldn't take my eyes off of them. One photo captured the colosseum of Rome. There are photos the Italian buildings and waterways. There is even one of raw pasta and vegetables. Just beautiful. Like most pizzeria's, you can see the area where the pizza is made and you can watch the talented chefs crafting each pie.
The only thing I didn't like about the decor were the fake grape vines on the ceiling. It's not needed at all. It actually comes off as a little tacky. I would just take them down personally as I feel it takes away from the overall appearance of the restaurant.
THE FOOD
(LINGUINI CON VONGOLE IN WHITE SAUCE)
Unfortunately I was only able to take a photo of my dish. But everything looked amazing. My Linguini Con Vongole (pictured above) was delicious. Garlic, extra virgin olive oil, butter, chopped clams and of course little neck clams made this dish much to be desired. Clam sauce is usually my personal way of validating a restaurant. It's my measuring stick. If it's on the menu and it's no good, I don't try anything else and I don't go back. Pizzeria Bacio passed. This heaping bowl filled me up a little more than half way through it. But that did not stop me from finishing it. I even soaked some bread in the sauce at the end. Over stuffed is not the proper description for how I felt afterwards. Satisfied is though.
My father-in-law had the Veal Marsala with vegetables and a potato croquette. I'm looking to try this next time I go here. I hate that I did not get a photo of it but who am I to get in the way of a man and his veal.
My mother-in-law had a beautiful shrimp penne with mushrooms and tomatoes. It was a special and I do not have the name of it. The shrimp looked nicely cooked and the penne fresh just like my linguini. Another great looking dish I did not get to photograph.
Finally my wife had the Italiano Panini. This panini featured mortadella, prosciutto, soupresatta, provolone and fried peppers (hot or sweet). My wife was more than pleased with what she ordered as she kept thinking of it the entire evening.
THE SERVICE
Our server was very kind and hospitable. She was great with my daughter and handled our party with ease. She was there when we needed her and very attentive. She did a great job. You can feel that this restaurant is family owned and run. They care for what they serve and love is obviously the main ingredient.
LASTING IMPRESSIONS
I think it's obvious that I enjoyed myself while eating at Pizzeria Bacio. I give this restaurant a 4 out of 5 stars. Freshness is the key that Pizzeria Bacio has made evident. They show their passion in their food and it translates to their service. As businesses like this grow and succeed, sometimes they move to a different location or think too hard on how to grow more. Pizzeria Bacio should not do any of these two things. I don't know what made me think of this or why I'm stating it. I guess I just happened to care for the place after this first visit. Just keep up what you are doing and you have the ability to become a renowned destination in my opinion.
