It’s the difference between grabbing a bite to eat that fills you up, and having a dining experience, according to Peter Pizzurro, owner of Il Forno Italian Restaurant.
“Most places have pre-made dishes they heat up when you order,” said Peter. “Not us. When you place your order at Il Forno, we start creating your meal just for you. It’s not coming out of any freezer. Sit back, relax, and enjoy a drink and an appetizer while we prepare your selection to your order.
“In fact, during August, if you order two dinner entrées, we’ll give you a free bruschetta appetizer to enjoy while we do the cooking,” he continued. “It might sound corny, but we make our food with love. We cater to those who really enjoy exceptional food, and take the time to enjoy it.”
Not only does Il Forno not serve pre-made meals, they make almost everything fresh, from scratch, using the best quality ingredients, Peter proudly claimed. “We really care about your health and where your money goes,” he continued. “Take the time to appreciate the taste and quality of the amazing food we offer for the price. It might take a little longer to prepare, but it’s worth the wait.”
For instance, when you order lasagna, Peter assembles the plate right then, layering the cooked lasagna noodles with his homemade ricotta cheese, sautéed ground beef, homemade sauce and topped with his homemade fresh mozzarella. “But say you’re a vegetarian, and want it with just cheeses or roasted vegetables instead of the meat,” he said. “Just ask. We’ll do it your way.”
As often as three times a week, Peter makes his own mozzarella. He uses fresh curd, cooks it down, and seasons it as it melts. “That’s why our mozzarella has so much flavor and texture,” he stated. “We don’t buy it at the supermarket.”
His own homemade Italian sausage is a blend of his secret spices mixed with fresh ground cuts of pork, beef and veal. “It’s very low in fat,” Peter stated.
He mixes and rolls out his own ravioli dough, as well as making fresh pastas like fusilli, pappardelle and orecchiette. Each pasta dish comes with its own individually prepared sauces, like red wine and mushroom cacciatore style, or vodka pink sauce with smoked salmon.
If you’ve been to Italy, you’ve probably tried Limoncello, a lemon-flavored liqueur, popular as an after-dinner drink. Peter makes his own from fresh lemons, vodka, sugar and just a little cream. ”It goes great with our cannolis, homemade, of course,” Peter stated with pride.
Il Forno is small and intimate, but cozy and casual. No tuxedoed waiters here. Peter invites you to come into his restaurant. “Plan to stay awhile,” he said.
Il Forno is located on the west side of the Home Depot shopping center, at Power and McKellips roads. Hours are Tuesday through Thursday, from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and from 4 to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and from 4 to 10 p.m.; Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. For orders or information, call (480) 641-1000.