| Just steps from the southern corner of 4th and North Elm in Pittsburg is the location of an old mill that has been converted into a family restaurant called Osteria Gran Sasso. Operated by two Italian brothers originally from Philadelphia, it mimics the ambiance found in an eatery from an ethnic neighborhood from the Northeast except that Chianti bottles don't dangle from the ceilings, and it's highly unlikely that a capo de tutti capo, will wind up face down in his spaghetti.
Bacchus by Michelangelo Caravaggio (1598)
The menu, prepared in part by a South American chef, offers a large selection of pasta as well as meat and fish dishes. The stuffed olives and antipasto that we tried for appetizers were quickly delivered to our table along with a basket of bread that had a delightful texture and taste.
From the adequate wine list we selected a rather pricey Pinot Grigio to honor the special occasion that brought us to dine out--a friend's birthday. Because of the occasion and having phoned in a reservation, we were a bit miffed over being ushered to a small table, shoulder to shoulder with another couple, but our complaint was quickly rectified and we were seated in a more quiet side room but still within earshot of the music of Frank Sinatra wafting through the air.
Our server presented the wine in a proper fashion but did neglect to put the open bottle in an ice bucket to keep it robust. Perhaps, she was accustomed more to putting a carafe of wine on the table; the house wines which included a paisano and a Chianti seemed to be the choice of most customers.
The meat and fish dishes that evening were being served with creamy mashed garlic potatoes and a vegetable medley which we, without hesitation, switched to a choice of pasta served with a well seasoned sauce. Unfortunately, we had to substitute for a choice of shrimp which we later were told usually was ordered in the 21-25 per pound size. We chose chicken Piccata and one of the specials of the day, thin sliced beef tenderloin mixed with a combination of mushrooms and pasta in a sauce that we appreciated--being closer in taste to one of the most missed restaurants, Mama Leone's in New York City, than to what is usually served locally. The Piccata with its subtle lemon butter sauce also was a delight to the palate. Ah, life is good, even if we were too stuffed to order the suggested dessert of the day, tiramisu.
The menu selection was inexpensive to moderate. Reservations, obviously, were not required. All in all, we definitely recommend a visit: Osteria Gran Sasso, 307 N. Elm, Pittsburg, KS (620)235-1200.
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