Greene County Daily World

Buon Appétit

Posted Monday, September 22, 2008, at 8:31 PM
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There are three standard foreign cuisines that regularly graces American tables. Chinese, Mexican, and Italian are served almost as often meatloaf and turkey manhattans. Thankfully we have all three locally, but this week I set my aim on Bloomfield's Italian Mecca. The Pepperoni Grill.

We started out the evening with a trio of appetizers. I ordered the breadsticks with Alfredo sauce and the mussels in a white wine sauce. The breadsticks were hot and chewy while the Alfredo sauce was excellent. The mussels were outstanding. They had the most delicious flavor that my wife and I wondered why we didn't order two. The owner brought out grilled green tomatoes. The salads came out and were fresh and crisp. Seeing that I generally do not care for salad dressing, I ordered mine dry. When it arrived at the table, I used the balsamic vinegar and olive oil to give my salad a little extra zing.

The entrees came out shortly after we finished our salads. The plates were hot to the touch and there was visible steam rising from our meals. I had the Ziti con Carne which is tube pasta in a spicy tomato and Alfredo sauce mix with meat. I loved it. The mixture of tomato and Alfredo sauce is perfect contrast to the spice. I even enjoy how he calls the pasta Ziti when it is obviously Penne. I do the same when I make it at home. I guess Ziti has a nicer ring to it. My wife had the Fettuccini Verona which was Alfredo sauce with honey ham and sweet peas. It was light, sweet, and tasted brilliant. I might have to try this recipe at home later.

When time came for dessert, we opted for the vanilla bean ice cream filled crepe. On the side were strawberry slices and whole blueberries in a super sweet sauce. Just make sure you have extra room and someone to share with because the portion was huge. The crepe was perfectly cooked and the ice cream was great with the tell-tale black specks denoting real vanilla bean ice cream. I even discovered that I didn't hate blueberries as much as I had previously thought.

The restaurant has a full bar and a wine list which is quite possibly the best in Greene county. An excellent restaurant for a date or a family meal, The Pepperoni Grill will satisfy everyone's appetite. Buon Appétit.

Comments
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I think it is time for the fish stew from the Pepperoni Grill and some chicken lasagna......I can't wait.

-- Posted by Sweet*Sassy on Thu, Oct 9, 2008, at 12:40 PM

I love the Pepperoni Grill! And I completely second the comment regarding Cinco de Mayo in Lyons. Best Mexican food around! And terrific service!!!

-- Posted by weimgirl on Mon, Oct 6, 2008, at 2:12 PM

Sea scallops lightly tossed in extra virgin oilve oil, a dash of salt and pepper, sauteed with fresh minced garlic, red chili pepper flakes, a pat of butter, add a generous handful of rigatoni, toss with a little more extra virgin olive oil till pasta thoroughly coated and hot, plate and garnish with fresh grated parmesan cheese...simple but oh so yummy. Had this dish last night at the Pepperoni Grill. There's a seat at the end of the bar where you can watch the cook whip out these amazing dishes.

-- Posted by hopeanddust on Wed, Oct 1, 2008, at 9:05 AM

Have you tried Sarge's in Dugger? I would recommend the pinto bean pie...

-- Posted by Rosie28 on Tue, Sep 30, 2008, at 11:33 PM

Well until Matt gets on the stick and starts cooking for us, I'll stick with the Pepperoni Grill and their Herb Encrusted Salmon Salad....and rolls.....of course a nice glass of wine.

-- Posted by Sweet*Sassy on Tue, Sep 30, 2008, at 2:15 PM

I like the idea of a yearly event like crawfish! That would be different, and it could maybe be a larger community event with other businesses doing sales and special events that weekend too!

-- Posted by The Raven on Fri, Sep 26, 2008, at 1:56 PM

You're menu rocks, you should totally buy it!

-- Posted by ad astra on Fri, Sep 26, 2008, at 9:41 AM

i think the thomas keller comment was a joke roundman, why are you being such a douche nozzle, on your friends blog, im sure he will be glad to see you.

-- Posted by midnightrambler on Fri, Sep 26, 2008, at 2:07 AM

If I bought The Old Bank I would leave the name the same. I would give it a new coat of paint. A nice lighter brighter shade.

As for the menu, I would dismantle and destroy it. There would be three steaks. Rib eye, porterhouse, and either a filet or strip. Three fish dishes. Fried shrimp and shrimp scampi or the likes. Two or three chicken dishes. Fettuccine or Penne with chicken or shrimp with marinara or Alfredo or both. A half dozen sandwich options. No more than 5-6 appetizers. Offer everything in regular and large portions. Easy menu for the chef. Plenty of options for the customers. Add more items as business grows. Have a craw fish boil once a year.

I would love to have a place where I could have a completely new menu every other week, but I don't think that would fly around here.

-- Posted by Matt Mason on Thu, Sep 25, 2008, at 8:38 PM

Minerfan, believe me, the thought has crossed my mind almost every day since the first time it was put up for sale. Now that it is closed, it crosses my mind even more. But alas, I do not have the financial means to even attempt such a feat. Oh well. I will always have my dreams.

-- Posted by Matt Mason on Thu, Sep 25, 2008, at 9:21 AM

Does anyone know why the Pepperoni Grill doesn't have Chicken Lasagna anymore and that great fish stew....I'm ready for both......

-- Posted by Sweet*Sassy on Thu, Sep 25, 2008, at 7:02 AM

Matt-

Maybe you should purchase the Old Bank?

I don't know how much longer I can go without their moz cheesesticks!

-- Posted by Minerfan on Thu, Sep 25, 2008, at 5:54 AM

I believe they are open from 6-2 on Saturday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, then on Thursday and Friday they are open from 6-5. Not 100% certain that is exactly right, but close.

-- Posted by MS on Wed, Sep 24, 2008, at 12:42 PM

hello garth, why would thomas keller come to the sportsmans pub? im pretty sure he is a master of french fare. i also doubt that he uses a grill!

-- Posted by roundman on Wed, Sep 24, 2008, at 10:55 AM

I love the way the Pepperoni Grill smells when you walk in and you can smell the bread being baked....it is awesome, it makes my mouth water as I think about it. Yum....

-- Posted by Sweet*Sassy on Wed, Sep 24, 2008, at 10:47 AM

The Cupcake Cafe' is located on Highway 45, immediately past Grip's pizza on the same side of the road. You are correct, it's about 8-10 minutes from the Monroe County line.

The latte's are great...I've had several and the raspberry scones...yum!

-- Posted by MS on Wed, Sep 24, 2008, at 9:37 AM

I fail to see what is wrong with the decor at the Pepperoni Grill. Compared to what that spot looked like when it was the Cardinal Cafe the difference is incredible.

-- Posted by EggMan on Wed, Sep 24, 2008, at 8:28 AM

The Pepperoni Grill has the best chocolate mousse I have ever tasted and like Matt said the crepe is delicious. I've tried it with chocolate kahlua sauce and ladies let me say......it was out of this world......the staff is friendly and the ambience of the restaurant has a "family feel" to it. I'm glad the Pepperoni Grill is here in Bloomfield, I would rather go there then to drive to Bloomington or elsewhere....thanks Pepperoni Grill!!! I love it.

-- Posted by Sweet*Sassy on Wed, Sep 24, 2008, at 7:34 AM

Matt,

I love reading this blog. Keep up the great work! I encourage you to try the Cupcake Cafe' in Eastern Greene County, located next to County Cuts salon. Excellent baked goods, coffees/lattes, sandwiches and the best biscuits and gravy in the area.

-- Posted by MS on Wed, Sep 24, 2008, at 6:41 AM

The Pepperoni Grill is a culinary oasis in Greene County.

Maybe roundman is waiting for Thomas Keller to grace the grill at Sportman's Pub.

-- Posted by GarthHudson on Tue, Sep 23, 2008, at 9:24 PM

minermama, maybe in 2009.

-- Posted by Matt Mason on Tue, Sep 23, 2008, at 6:52 PM

C'mon, we need more comments on here, so we can see Matt do his happy dance!

-- Posted by JimmyJoeJingle on Tue, Sep 23, 2008, at 2:51 PM

Best restaurant in Greene County.

-- Posted by EggMan on Tue, Sep 23, 2008, at 2:51 PM

Matt I love your blog because I too love to eat. The pepperoni grill is a great place to eat. My only complaint is the long wait for food and sometimes the service is a bit lax. I understand this happens, but when one has a little one that cannot wait for their food it gets a bit tiresome. If you want some excellent mexican food you should try the Cinco De Mayo in Lyons, the food there is excellent and service is second to none. If you like it spicy order the hot salsa and the Alfredo especial entree(not on the menu)

-- Posted by nutzz6934 on Tue, Sep 23, 2008, at 2:25 PM

I do.

-- Posted by Matt Mason on Tue, Sep 23, 2008, at 2:24 PM

dear hopeanddust: i am a former classmate of matts and i was trying to give him a hard time before our 10 year reunion this month, but since you wrote 3 paragrapghs of mere nouns and adjectives i thought you might inform me of where they get their fresh goat cheese and then ill go back to place ive never been in the first place.come on matt even u enjoyed that one see ya at the reunion.

-- Posted by roundman on Tue, Sep 23, 2008, at 2:03 PM

matt, carry on with your blog because i enjoy it as well. glad you started it and i look forward to more. perhaps a family dining experience in the future.

-- Posted by roundman on Tue, Sep 23, 2008, at 1:44 PM

You never stepped on my toes. Feel free to comment all you like. The more comments I have, mine included, the more accomplished I feel. It is a pathetic way to judge ones self, I know.

I even enjoy the alternative opinions. Since this is my blog, you have to allow me a rebuttle if someone disagrees.

I have known your true identity for two or three months now. You gave yourself away in another article.

-- Posted by Matt Mason on Tue, Sep 23, 2008, at 1:32 PM

Butternut squash ravioli with a light cream sauce served with a fresh spinach salad topped with walnuts,goat cheese,cherry tomatoes,thin sliced onion,fresh blueberries and strawberries dressed in Modena balsamic vinegar and extra virgin olive oil is a nice lunch-on-the-go meal for you.

Or, if you're really on-the-go, how about a 8 to 10 oz. fillet of beef grilled to your preference and then topped with goat cheese and a balsamic vinegar reduction sauce with sides of roasted red potatoes, buttered asparagus, fresh salad of romaine & iceberg lettuce, green olives, tomato, onion and 100% whole milk mozzarella cheese.

Maybe an 8oz.wild Keta salmon fillet lightly floured and sauteed in olive oil then baked to a finish with capers, roasted red peppers, and fresh garlic in a white wine butter sauce served with a side of spaghetti, fresh house salad, and all you can eat of those delicious homemade yeast rolls might better suit your fast paced life style?

I guess to each his or her own, but I personally love The Pepperoni Grill.

-- Posted by hopeanddust on Tue, Sep 23, 2008, at 1:27 PM

Mathew, Mathew, Mathew

I too would like to remain unbiased ;however, the thought of driving good distances under false pretense leaves me unsettled. Especially with the fuel crisis. My appologies, i thought one might welcome another opinion, but instead, i fear i have stepped on your toes. Historicaly speaking some of the readers have enjoyed my entries, but i will no longer write i guess unless i agree with you.

As far as the wine hot spot, it was sarcasm, there really is no hot spot for wine contissuers. Maybe im to critcal of local dining, but i confused this to be an open forum for opinions related to your entries. Also do i sense a bit of research into the Mr.Lee thing glad i could waste your time.

-- Posted by roundman on Tue, Sep 23, 2008, at 12:51 PM

great_googly_moogly, I have been to Janko's before and thought it was excellent, but overpriced. Like you, I pay for all of my meals and do not receive any restitution. I just enjoy food and thought the GCDW needed a blog about food.

roundman, I typically try to remain unbiased in my critiques. Every restaurant is different, and thankfully so. I shudder at the thought of every restaurant's food tasting the same like the fast food industry strives to do. But I digress, yes Mr. Lee, I am interested in your opinion of where the wine hot spots are in Greene county.

Thank you both for your comments.

-- Posted by Matt Mason on Tue, Sep 23, 2008, at 11:54 AM

Having read this blog i was forced to make the drive to the pepperoni grill. While expecting to indulge myself in some traditional and inovative italian cuisines i discovered that this establishment is better suited for the lunch crowd. They offered a wide selection of salads, first courses ,and entrees all of which are things typically for people on the go who do not have time to slow down after lunch.

When i think of fine italian cusine a beautiful picture of a hearty helping of pappa al pomodoro comes to mind. This is a delectable dish made with fresh tomatoes, basil, and day old bread that is superbly spiced. This should be followed by a nice "springtime salad" which is a platter of tomatoes, radicchio, mozzarella, thin slices of pecorino and bresaola (cured beef drizzled with oil and lemon juice).When prepared with the propper items the flavor will be very distinct and not run together.

Staying on track i wish the pepperoni grill all the success in the world, but i would have to disagree with matt on this one. Lunch on the go yes, a much anticipated taste of Florence no.

If anyone is interested in greene counties actual best wine hot spot let me know otherwise see you next time.

-- Posted by roundman on Tue, Sep 23, 2008, at 10:53 AM

I am pretty sure that the title read: "Bon Appetite" this morning. I could be wrong, but I think someone changed the title. Anyway, I love the Pepperoni Grill. And, I like the simple decor. Matt: go to Janko's in Bloomington and give us a review. I would love to hear your review of that place before I ever go there and spend that kind of money on a steak. Did not mean to offend anyone with the remark about the title. I enjoy your blogs and appreciate the insight. Possibly one of the most meaningful blogs on GCDW.

-- Posted by great_googly_moogly on Tue, Sep 23, 2008, at 10:41 AM

There's just something missing about the decor at the Pepperoni Grill.

-- Posted by per moenia urbis on Tue, Sep 23, 2008, at 10:26 AM

Matt is correct, "buon" is Italian, if it was French it would be "bon". It's not just a French phrase, people all over the world wish each other a good meal. Sounds like someone missed out on foreign language class somewhere! He's also right about the Pepperoni Grill, it's great. Try the steak with the goat cheese and balsamic reduction on top. To die for! I re-created it at home and it's my hubby's new favorite.

-- Posted by jb99 on Tue, Sep 23, 2008, at 9:57 AM

Looks Italian to me. But what do I know?

-- Posted by Matt Mason on Tue, Sep 23, 2008, at 9:06 AM

私はメキシコ料理のような

-- Posted by per moenia urbis on Tue, Sep 23, 2008, at 8:57 AM

Nice. A person that posts just to be a jerk. Nice touch.

And way overdone IMO.

Pepperoni Grill is a great place to eat in Greene County. It's always great and the owner is always there making sure everything is running smoothly.

-- Posted by MamaElle on Tue, Sep 23, 2008, at 8:46 AM

Nice. A French phrase used as a title for a blog that reviews an Italian Restaturant. Nice touch.

-- Posted by great_googly_moogly on Tue, Sep 23, 2008, at 7:29 AM