Como's - CLOSED
Como's - CLOSED
Written by Kara Vaught Friday, 07 December 2007
Comos chef serves family recipes, big portions
Como’s menu comes straight from the kitchen of chef Ralph Davis’ Italian family, and from the size of the portions, it is obvious they ate well.
The first item out of the kitchen was buttered garlic bread and an olive oil dip, which contained fresh crushed garlic.
Next were our side salads, composed of iceberg lettuce, mozzarella cheese, fresh tomato wedges and a pepper.
The four-piece Meatball Lover appetizer ($4.68) also comes in a two meatball variation ($2.99). Never a fan of meatballs before, I was pleased with these, which were composed of finely ground beef seasoned with garlic and oregano amid a tomato sauce that combined just a hint of sweetness with its spice. No crust or bread crumbs marred the texture of the meat, which was cooked well without seeming dry.
My Tortellini with Meat Sauce ($10.99) was enough food for two meals, the second of which I had to protect from jealous co-workers. Again, I appreciated the finely ground meat rather than chunks.
The Cheese Lover Dream ($15.99) is appropriately named. The manicotti, tortellini and stuffed shells come filled with parmesean and ricotta cheeses topped with as much fresh ground parmesan as the diner desires. The pasta favorites are set in either a meat or tomato sauce.
For those who enjoy a spicy dish, the Rigatoni Mommy ($13.99) will please the palate. The pasta is tossed with a tomato sauce including scallions, jalapenos, garlic cheese and mushrooms. My mouth tingled after each bite.
The menu is diverse, including a Buffalo Wings appetizer and party pack, pizza is by the pie or by the slice, parmesans in chicken, shrimp, veal or eggplant, fettuccine, spaghettis with a variety of toppings and hot and cold sandwiches. Daily lunch specials and a children’s menu are also available.
Dessert was a challenge because we couldn’t choose among the Turtle Pie, Mud Pie, N.Y. Style Cheesecake, Fudge Roll Cake and Tiramisu Cake (all $5.99).
The cheesecake was a large slice of yummy goodness with several choices of toppings, including white chocolate, key lime, apricot and cranberry.
The Fudge Roll cake was a slice of rich, moist chocolate cake, creamy fudge and vanilla ice cream surrounded by a fudge frosting. Save room for dessert, because it is a shame to leave any bite of these choices on the plate.
Chef Davis came to our table at the end of the meal to chat a bit about the food. He uses his fathers recipes in Comos dishes and prepares them with pride.
The next day, we all had leftovers for lunch.
Namesake
Como’s is named after Lake Como in Italy. A popular tourist resort destination since the days of the Roman Empire, it is known for sparkling blue waters and fabulous villas. The village of Como, beside the lake, produces 80 percent of Europe’s silk, attracting shoppers as well as sunbathers to the shores.
Comos, 901 Crystal Falls Parkway, 260-8383 • www.comosrestaurant.com, Sunday-Thursday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday-Saturday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
A painting of Lake Como in Comos
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