FOR MOTHER’S Day this year, I went to dinner with my youngest daughter at Piezan Pizzeria Italiano, located on the square in downtown Winchester. I wasn’t going for pizza, though. I wanted to be different and try something I wouldn’t think to order any other day. I’m the person who can find one dish and stick with it for a long time, so this was going to be an adventure! We walked in and loved the new seating arrangements. The aroma of freshly baked pizza ebbed and flowed throughout. Several dishes on the menu sounded delicious, but two caught my eye, and I couldn’t decide. I opted to get both the Mussels Pomodoro and the Napolean Eggplant. We ordered the antipasto salad for an appetizer and caught up with life while we waited for our entrees.
When they brought out the antipasto salad, it was beautifully arranged with different cuts of salami, prosciutto, mozzarella, tomatoes, fresh basil, sliced olives, banana peppers, balsamic vinegar, and I’m sure I forgot something. It was so light and fresh. It made me think of what it would be like if I were ever to visit Italy one day.
Next came the actual entrees. The Mussels Pomodoro was huge! I thought it would have a few mussels. Boy, was I wrong. The entire plate was decorated with them. There was easily enough for three people. I took my first bite and was instantly transported to Italy, sitting on the patio overlooking the gondola’s passing in the Grand Canal. The mussels were sauteed in garlic and fresh basil. The al dente spaghetti had just enough sauce.
My next bite was from the Napolean Eggplant. This was an entirely different experience. The crispy eggplant was layered with ricotta cheese on a bed of spinach. The heartiness of the eggplant when you bite down, along with the flavor of the breading, paired with the ricotta and spinach, gives your tastebuds a trip to the Rome Colosseum. Classic, hearty, robust.
I may just have to keep ordering different. GN
