Piero’s of Huntingdon Valley
By Linda Herman
It’s taken awhile, but Allen and I finally got over to Pierro’s of Huntingdon Valley. I had already enjoyed their catering service at a friend’s party, but had never sampled their restaurant menu. This was a weekday evening. Truth be told, I was really exhausted and the last thing I wanted to do was eat a “nice meal.” But Allen and I had made a date, and I didn’t want to break it. And I’m glad I didn’t!!
As we entered Piero’s I already started to relax to the calming music. I also noticed that the restaurant was unencumbered with a lot of decorative “stuff” so it felt open and crisp, and very approachable. It felt just right for my mood.
A friend met us there. The three of us were quickly seated and again, I could feel my “exhaustion” dissipate. We were greeted by a very solicitous waitress, Bella, who offered us some hot bread and oil for our table. What a treat! She first gave us a small dipping plate filled with dry, fragrant herbs and then proceeded to pour some olive oil over the dry herbs. Very yummy. I loved the presentation and the taste was much more poignant than otherwise. It’s definitely something I can bring to my own table.
The warm bread and wonderful dipping oil was gobbled up promptly. All the while we checked out the menu. Piero’s has a complete menu including appetizers, salads, entrees, wraps, burgers and pizzas. It took me a little too much time to make a selection. However once I “landed” on my choice all that was left was anticipation.
I suggested their Signature Salad for the table; we could share the large size. Including mesculine greens tossed with slivered Granny Smith apples, Feta cheese, walnuts and a raspberry vinaigrette, it was a delicious start to what our “anticipation” told us would be a delicious dinner. Piero’s offers many different salads, all which can be ordered small or large. A large salad could definitely serve as a meal, or as half a meal if you’re sharing an entree. I do that often with friends. My partners, the men, loved the salad. So did I!
For my entree I chose the Pasta Al Granchi. Delish! Capellini tossed with lump crab meat, shiitake mushrooms and asparagus in a brandy cream sauce, it was perfect. I especially enjoyed the crab meat. There was plenty of it. Allen enjoyed his Cosenza. As in many meals at Piero’s you can get whatever sauce you prefer on your selected meat.
He chose Sauteed Chicken Cosenza with roasted red peppers and fresh spinach in a marinara blush sauce served atop penne pasta with melted mozzarella. At the first bite he was smiling. I got a small taste, a VERY small taste, and decided I might order that on our next visit.
Our friend ordered the Roasted Vegetable Parmigiana. It was filled with fire-roasted zucchini, squash, eggplant, roasted pepper and portobello mushrooms, topped with marinara sauce and baked with mozzarella cheese. It was served with penne pasta. He was quite happy with it
While we enjoyed our meal and conversation, Bella was very attentive; refilling our bread basket and our water glasses……making sure everything was just right. It was. This dinner at Piero’s certainly didn’t feel like a typical weekday dinner. And my nerves had definitely calmed down by now. What a shame I hadn’t brought a bottle of wine to this BYOB. That would have finished me for good!
So what would a delicious meal be without a delicious dessert? Let me DEFINITELY recommend this DELICIOUS dessert at Piero’s. Their Molten Chocolate Cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and drizzled chocolate is so decadent. Order one for the table and share. it is too good to miss. It was the perfect size for three and would even do for four…….. if you’re satisfied with just a few little bites. Of course, you could always order a second after the first is finished!!
You don’t have to go to Piero’s for a big meal. They offer delicious wraps and gourmet sandwiches, all served with a choice of fries or a salad. Their pizza wraps come with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. And this family friendly restaurant has a kids menu for the ten and under, with meals costing $6.99. A scoop of ice cream is included.
I think our next trip will be for Sunday breakfast. While their omelettes are special, I’m partial to Belgium Waffles. (P.S. You can get them with ice cream!) They offer a full complement of egg specialties including, Eggs Benedict, Crab Cake & Poached Egg and Grilled Ham Steak & Eggs. Just remember….. breakfast is served only on Sundays till 1pm.
So we had a great time at Piero’s. What started out as an “obligatory” evening turned into one that was quite festive and relaxing. It was just what I needed. Good food. Enjoyable surroundings. And good company. I recommend it…… weekday, any day, they’re sure to make your day!
Piero’s Family Italian Restaurant of Huntingdon Valley
3500 Reading Way
Huntingdon Valley, PA 19006
215-947-3650
www.pierosofhv.com
