restaurant

I was honored to be invited to a “friends and family” dinner at Bistro 221. It’s the newest eatery in downtown Nevada City located at the old Lefty’s site.

Melissa, the owner, along with her wonderful staff and chef, Christian, presented a fabulous feast! They serve down home, comfort food…like your mother’s, only better! The staff is like one big happy family, most having worked together over the years at Cirinio’s.

We were generously served samples from their menu starting off with creamy Deviled Eggs, a delicious Clam Chowder in a warm bread bowl, a Wedge Salad and a Caesar Salad. Next up was Mac n Cheese with Chitlins, Spaghetti and Meatballs, Herbed Chicken with Mashed Potatoes, Short Ribs with Goat Cheese Polenta, and a Bacon Avocado Burger. My head was spinning from all the great taste sensations! Of course, dinner would not be complete without dessert which included a Lemon Curd Tart, Flourless Chocolate Ganache, Crème Brulee and German Apple Cake. Choosing a favorite would be impossible…maybe they should offer a dessert sampler on their menu!

Bistro 221 opens this Friday so be sure to drop in! You won’t be disappointed and you will most certainly leave with a warm heart and a full belly!

Yesterday, we went downtown to try out the newest restaurant in town, Pete’s Pizza. Their first restaurant was opened a few years ago in downtown Grass Valley and after great success, they have opened a second restaurant in Nevada City. We walked downtown and were at Pete’s in just a couple of minutes. We were going to get a small pizza, which is 12″ and just over $10. The owner talked us into getting just a slice a piece, which was the perfect size. The large slice was about $4 and we could add toppings, but opted for a simple slice of Margherita. Pete’s serves a thin, New York-style pizza with a homemade sauce and fresh toppings (they also have a Chicago deep-dish style per request). The Margherita had Roma tomatoes that were ripe and juicy with fresh basil. A slice took a little over 5 minutes and a whole pizza takes about 20 minutes. A pizza-by-the-slice place is perfect for tourists and locals alike, especially during street fairs and events. They have a whole list of toppings or you can choose from their specials, such as the Yuba or Mediterranean. If you aren’t in the mood for pizza, they have calzones (which are packed full and delicious!), salads, subs, and a list of appetizers including fish and chips, chicken tenders, garlic fries, and much more. Pete’s has yet to set hours, but for now they open at 11:30 a.m. and close late in the evening sometime. Pete’s Pizza is at 239 Commercial St. in Nevada City, CA and can be contacted by phone at 530.264.7004