Looks go only so far, as we all know what really matters is what’s inside that counts. I discovered this on my latest dining experience.
I have driven past DeGennaro’s on Broad Street many times, but I was always wary because from the outside it seemed like a small-town dive bar. A friend told me that they have great homemade Italian dishes, and finally convinced me that I should try it out.
By Faith Simmons,
Staff Writer
Looks go only so far, as we all know what really matters is what’s inside that counts. I discovered this on my latest dining experience.
I have driven past DeGennaro’s on Broad Street many times, but I was always wary because from the outside it seemed like a small-town dive bar. A friend told me that they have great homemade Italian dishes, and finally convinced me that I should try it out.
Being the Italian lover that I am, I decided to give it a shot, putting all preconceptions aside. Walking into the restaurant, I was not surprised by the meager d�cor or the friendly staff. It seemed that the staff makes it a point to get to know their customers, for even my dining companion, who had only been there twice before, was greeted by name.
We sat ourselves in the dining room and the server was quick to greet us with menus and to take our drink order. As she walked awa,y I began to look over the menu, which was indeed full of delicious homemade Italian food.
The prices were fair and the selections were vast. My eyes wandered to the pizza section where I was entranced by their Sicilian classic: pizza dough topped with pepperoni, capicola, salami, onions, black olives, roasted red peppers, sun dried tomatoes, and asiago cheese.
I had to give it a try, but there was also another dish that I had my eyes set on: Jeanine’s Homemade Braciole. Students don’tbe misled, this is the real deal, not to be confused with the cafeteria-style braciole.
This dish was eight ounces of tender sirloin steak stuffed with garlic, fresh flat leaf parsley, Romano, mozzarella, provolone, and cheddar cheeses, baked for four mouth-watering hours and topped with homemade spaghetti sauce.
The main course was not the only thing that had me at hello-the side dishes were also beyond expectations. Now I know this may sound a bit strange to some of you, but believe me when you try their sweet potato fries dusted with cinnamon and nutmeg, you will love them. This side sounded to good to pass up, even though it is not the traditional Italian side dish.
This next side dish, was a perfect complement to the homemade braciole: fresh green beans saut�ed in olive oil with garlic, mushrooms, and sweet onions.
I know you are all thinking that this a lot of food for one Griffin reporter but don’tworry, DeGennaro’s encourages takeout as well as dining in, so if you can’tfinish your meal then they�ll pack it up for you. Besides leftover pizza is the college student’s gas line for those late night cram sessions.
I highly recommend you all take a trip to South Greensburg and make yourselves known to this quaint but full-flavored Italian restaurant.
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