That's amore!

If the mood is easy-going and the food is tasty, you’ll usually find Lakers gathered. At the Tuscan Tavern Pasta & Grill in Moneta, guests are treated to both. But the restaurant’s casual atmosphere, friendly staff and stomach-satiating dishes are just the beginning of why Tuscan Tavern has become a local favorite.
Since the Tavern’s opening in June 2009, customers have been keeping its lunch and dinner dining room full, indulging in authentic Italian cuisine.
    “We are always busy, especially on the weekends,” said owner Maria Palumbo. “The summertime is very busy, but the winter is not much slower.”
    The restaurant, located on Virginia 122 just north of Hales Ford Bridge, was established by Palumbo and her husband, Tony Hairston. Cooking Italian fare for a living runs in Palumbo’s family. Her father moved the family to Pennsylvania from Italy in 1980 and started a restaurant. Palumbo, who learned both the culinary and business aspect of being a restaurateur by working in the family business, said she puts her special touch on all of the tavern’s recipes.
    “All of the food made here is my recipe,” she said. “I also make most of the desserts, like tiramisu, cheesecake and lemon cake, and even birthday cakes if people request them.”
Tuscan Tavern is popular not only because of its delicious pizza, pasta and subs. The recently added bar and lounge area is spacious and relaxing, well suited for late evening conversation, watching sports on TV or private parties.
    “We open the bar between 4:30 and 5:30 p.m.,” said Palumbo. “It just depends on what time people want to get in there, which is different every day. The restaurant closes at 9 p.m., but customers can go over and hang out in the bar until later if they want to.”
    Bartender Harry Green has been serving up the spirits at Tuscan Tavern since the bar’s opening last March. He said the lounge area has become a popular gathering spot for Lakers.
    “It is casual, fun and has a very local clientele, a lot like [the TV show] ‘Cheers.’ Everybody knows everybody,” Green said. “They come because they love the pizza, they love the atmosphere. A lot of people like that there isn’t loud entertainment.”
    One of the bar’s patrons, Joy Jaeger, said there are many reasons she and her friends enjoy hanging out there.
    “A group of ladies and I have a girl’s night every couple weeks. We often go to the Tuscan Tavern because it has a wonderful atmosphere,” said Jaeger. “Plus, some of us are Pittsburgh Steelers fans and since Tony, the owner, is one, too, it’s sort of like our local Steelers pub.
    “Tony has such a sense of community. He does a great job making it just the kind of place the locals want it to be.”

THE SAMPLER
Pizza
Homemade crust and sauce with your choice of nearly 20 toppings. Or try a specialty pizza such as Hawaiian, Florentina or Tuscany. $6.95-$17.95

Parmigiana
Chicken or veal topped with mozzarella cheese and Palumbo’s homemade tomato sauce. Served with salad, bread and your choice of pasta or vegetable. $11.95 for chicken; $13.95 for veal

Seafood Delight
A combination of shrimp, mussels, clams, calamari and scallops in a fresh marinara sauce over pasta. Served with salad and bread. $17.95;

WANT TO GO?

Tuscan Tavern Pasta & Grill
Address 16483 Moneta Road, Moneta
Phone 540.297.8900
Hours Tuesday-Friday, 11 a.m.-
9 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday,
Noon-9 p.m.