Casa Macaluso Italian Restaurant, a Taste of Palermo

Hubby and I decided to try this new little restaurant a few blocks from where we live. The block is less than inviting but the place is small and charming. We weren't expecting anything but a nice Italian meal. Well, we were bowled over to say the least.

My husband is an excellent cook and we enjoy good food. We watch all the cooking shows on television and try many of the recipes. I'm spoiled because hubby cooks so well. So, when we began our meal here it was one fantastic taste treat after another.

We were greeted at the door by Antonio . He seated us at the window. There are banguettes at the sides of the room and tables in the center. I would guess the place holds 50 people full. You can look into the kitchen and watch the chef through a window at the far end of the room. The restaurant is nicely decorated. It does have two flat screen televisions on the wall showing old black and white Italian movies. I'm not sure if this is a good thing but it was different.

Antonio came over and began to describe the different specials as well as the other items offeres. He talked about pine nuts, organic lemons and more. It all sounded divine. He brought over a plate of tiniy stuffed peppers no bigger than your thmb. Along with that were two slices of thick Sicilian style breads/pizzas. It was a sampling tray. A large wheel of Parmesiano Reggiano was brought out and chunks were taken out with a small knife like object and they were put along side these other items. Then a thick, syrupy Balsamic Vinegar was put on the plate. That alone was absolutely divine.

He then came back and listed the specials after we had read the large, thick menu. I chose Penne a la Norma with eggplant. This was served with Mascarpone on the top and little frisees of some sort of vegetable. Under the Penne were chunks of eggplant. The taste was incredible. This was $12.95. Hubby got the Veal Chop with Roasted Potatoes, Asparagus and a half a lemon that had been glazed. It had a hard crackle finish on it. The lemon alone was delightful. The asparagus were as thick as your finger . His meal was $43.75. Quite expensive but he ordered without asking the price. He also had two Chianti for $12.95. We both agreed that although this was high end price wise because of the Veal it would have been basically inexpensive considering the quality if he'd ordered off the menu.

For dessert they offer Cannoli (they were out of this),Tiramisu and a Vanilla pudding with fruit. We shared the Tiramisu at $6.00. This was a very large glass bowl with huge shards of dark chocolate 75% Cocoa we were told, standing in the dish. It was fabulous. I do want to try the Cannoli next time.

After all this we were given two little glasses of Lemoncello (Vodka, lemons, sugar, water , sits for over 5 months). This is made on premises from Antonio's grandfather's recipe. It's made with organic lemons. It was thick , sweet, syrupy and must have been 100 proof. That was given to us as a courtesy.

Macaluso's is open 6 days a week but will be open this Sunday for Valentine's Day. Parking is on the side between this restaurant and some small unattractive stores. It's tight and fills up fast. There is a lovely little white picket fence outside but you are right on a busy road so I don't know if there is actually seating there. The service was spotless. The wait staff is extremely attentive and they serve with great flair.

I owuld highly recommend going to Macaluso's for a taste experience you won't forget.