A spontaneous stop for lunch finds another Dining Gem. Via Bologna in Clarkston, MI is a quaint Italian restaurant in a shopping plaza on Dixie Highway near Blockbuster. Don't let the exterior fool you. Inside is a beautiful and relaxing Italian eatery replete with the required Sinatra soundtrack.
According to their website at www.joebologna.com:
Established 1996. This restaurant specializes in traditional Italian pastas as well as veal, chicken and fish entrees. Good wine selection too. Known as a local gem, this location reminds customers of the cosy romantic atmosphere they may encounter dining in Europe. The snug dining room is also decorated with Italian photographs and landscapes from Italy. Relax and unwind. Enjoy a glass of wine or martini at the bar before you eat. Delicious temptations by Chef Mike Miller."
Our waitress recommended one of their signature salads with homemade dressings or either the hot chicken parm or eggplant sandwich or even a combination chicken and eggplant sandwich. Mrs. E opted for the chicken parmesan sandwich while I went out of my normal comfort zone and tried the individual 6 inch "Tuscan Pizza", a flatbread pizza topped with artichokes, blue cheese, prosciutto, tomatoes, and truffle oil. Being a tuesday, we missed the famous Wednesday lunch buffet. We'll be sure to come back and try it out and post an additional review here.
While we waited, our waitress brought out the usual bread and dipping oil you come to expect at an Italian restaurant. Via Bologna surprised us with a full size loaf of homemade crusty Italian bread that was perfect. Not too hard, great chewy interior. Their olive oil was blended with finely shredded (not grated) parmesan that was full of flavor.
Mrs. E described her sandwich as good but said she usually prefers her chicken parm sandwiches a little more "messy". My tuscan pizza was simply outstanding. Perfectly cooked. I felt a little like Remy in Ratatouille when he has flavor fireworks in his mouth.
Dining G
em Score: Emerald (4 star)Pros: Delicious food, large menu choices, excellent atmosphere.
Cons: A little pricey but well within reason for a casual lunch/dinner out.
www.joebologna.com
Thank you for the wonderful posting Mister E. As an avid food critic please let me know ways I can improve too. What other places do you go and really enjoy? why? Looking forward on meeting you on your next visit. Daniel Bologna, Owner operator Via Bologna.
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