By Denise Ortuno
It’s the kind of place where you feel comfortable popping in for a glass of wine and a delish bite on the fly. I know this because I have done so on many occasions. It has a sort of neighborhood vibe, with warm tones encompassing wood and stone, creating the coziness of the restaurant which establishes the allure of Piero’s PizzaVino.
Personally, I like to sit in the intimate bar space which is dotted with high tops, and has a slightly curved bar that clings to the action behind it, where attentive bartenders spin their cocktail concoctions with superb and comforting customer care. There is also of course a pleasant dining room, as well as outdoor patio seating that enables patrons to check out the scenery and sidewalk traffic along famed El Paseo.
There is no doubt that the authentic Neapolitan pizza at Piero’s PizzaVino is the main attraction with so many to choose from in two categories, Pizza Bianche (white sauce) and Pizza Rosa (red sauce). Innovative pizza creations include the Quattro Fomaggi with gorgonzola, parmesan, mozzarella, taleggio cheeses, drizzled with raw honey, the Bubba Bubba with Piero’s white sauce, mozzarella, crumbled Italian sausage, caramelized onions, and mushrooms, the classic Margherita with house tomato sauce, mozzarella and basil, and the Calabrese with Calabrese salame, tomato sauce , mozzarella and Pecorino Romano, plus many more.
In my experience, I am drawn to my favorites such as the vibrant Ahi Tartare appetizer with capers, lemon, onions, chili olive oil, the Bruschetta with diced tomatoes, basil, garlic and mozzarella cheese, and the absolutely incredible Lasagna Bolognese, with an added house made sausage. Oh my goodness, this dish is so good! I am totally craving it right now with each key that I type about it. It was recommended by the bartender on my recent visit, and she was so right (it really does pay to trust your server’s advice). The dish comes in a piping hot cast iron skillet, bubbling with oozing cheese, with the sausage (if you add it) glistening alongside riding shotgun. Yummers!
To tie up any meal at Piero’s PizzaVino, to not have the decadent Tiramisu would almost be criminal. It is presented in a bowl allowing for the user of the spoon to take a deep dive into the creamy goodness, with shards of dark chocolate erupting from the center.
As if it couldn’t get any better at Piero’s PizzaVino, they also have a very enticing and generous Happy Hour all day from Sunday through Thursday, and from open to 4 pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
So if you find yourself strolling down El Paseo, pop on into Piero’s PizzaVino for some vino, and a memorable morsel, all delivered with inviting service.
Piero’s PizzaVino is located at 73-722 El Paseo #1, Palm Desert Ca, 92260, 760-568-2525
Check out www.pizzavinotogo.com for extended information.
