FORK & CORK: Pierro's Italian Bistro, Now That's Italian!

Enjoy a slice of Europe without leaving the states and dine al fresco on Pierro's Italian Bistro's gorgeous patio laden with rod iron, surrounded by lush topiaries, while listening to Frank Sinatra crooning in the background. Order your favorite vino from their extensive selection and relax. 

Pierro's has been a downtown staple since its early days of renovation six years ago, outlasting most eateries because they do it right, the Italian way. Most of the recipes originate from the owners grandfather, Leonardo Pierro, of Naples, Italy. Little touches are what make Pierro's a success, for instance, they make their own mozzarella cheese fresh daily in their kitchen. Pierro's has the perfect amount of European ambiance, a pleasant presentation and will satiate your fix for Italian fare. Though they can sear up a mean steak as well for the carnivore.

Sitting outside, I enjoyed a chardonnay while looking over the menu after ordering their award winning crab cakes for my appetizer. They've gotten raves and it proved to be a very good choice. Plump and full of fresh lump crab, shallots and fresh herbs, coated with crisp Panko bread crumbs, the plate arrived with two large cakes ample enough to share, surrounded by a beautiful roasted red pepper cream sauce. Some of the best I've had.

Pierro's 'Signature Honey Candied Walnut Salad' was the next course. The presentation was beautifully arranged and quite eye catching. Several tomato slices swirled to one side, cucumber slices swirled on another side and crisp pears slices swirled on the final side. The center was filled with a mound of honey candied walnuts and everything laid on top a bed of crisp yet tender, fresh baby greens. The crowning glory was their balsamic red raspberry vinaigrette followed by a light dusting of parmesan cheese. This was not salad - this was like staring at a beautiful painting. When the honey candied walnuts started to infuse with the dressing - that's what made it divine, almost a dessert like quality. I don't ever think I have enjoyed a salad quite like this and recommend it highly. 

The dinner course was a simple choice, I love seafood and pasta.Their 'Seafood Pierros' fit the bill. Beautiful black mussels, sweet tiger shrimp and tiny bay scallops in their traditional chardonnay butter reduction, served with fresh basil and garlic, laid over a bed of linguine pasta. Bravo to the the chef and bravo to the owners Daniel Fair and Mike Laurenceau for bringing together a diverse menu, all the way from Italy. Scrumptious.

As if that were not enough, take a look at their expansive 'Dolci' menu. You will have to indulge in one of their desserts. I recommend 'The Triple Layer Chocolate Mousse Cake'. Three sumptuous layers of creamy chocolate filling and a solid milk chocolate top. I savored every morsel and yes, had more than one bite!

Cheers!