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| - Less than a mile from our house, sometimes my wife and I like to have weekend date nights at DeBlasio's.
Our first time there, about six years ago, we unknowingly sat next to Marc-Andre Fleury and his date. This was long before I knew who he was or even cared about hockey, and I think our waiter was amused by how star struck we weren't.
It's a little dressier than a lot of places around here, where blue jeans and Steelers jerseys are a year-round affliction for the local bros ... and some women.
Our most recent trip was Valentine's Day 2014, and we've spent other occasions there as well. New Year's Eve a few years ago with a group of about 10 friends stands out, for example.
The food and service at DeBlasio's are both better than most of the Italian restaurants I've tried between NE Ohio and SW Pennsylvania. The decor makes me nostalgic for my grandparents house in Youngstown during the late 70s or early 80s, and the dining rooms are always kept clean, even on busy Friday and Saturday nights.
Thing is, for occasions like Valentines Day and New Year's Eve, the menu is (understandably, but disappointingly) limited. This helps the kitchen and waitstaff keep turning tables over -- I get it -- but DeBlasio's regular menu features a much greater variety of excellent fare.
Something I always try to order is the greens & beans with hot sausage appetizer. I can't really overstate how much I love it. I also recommend checking the board on the way in, because the daily features are often home to my favorites, like the Osso Bucco.
I'd really like to go on a weeknight sometime soon, maybe try a few different glasses of wine. Maybe get a steak. Buon appetito!
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