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Central Newsmagazine is Central St. Louis County's
exclusive direct-mailed community newspaper. |
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Dining Spotlight |
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Guests Love To Linger At Massa’s In KirkwoodBy Betsy Zatkulak
 “When the moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie, that’s amore.”
Dean Martin’s infectious, sing-along lyrics somehow magically sweep away woes and replace them with a longing for good Italian food, leisure and pure celebration of life’s nice events. Come dinner time, that is exactly what Massa’s Italian Restaurant in Kirkwood promises to deliver. “People come into a restaurant to be happy and relaxed, to get away from the world,” said Jack Massa, co-owner of Massa’s restaurants. “When I talk to somebody and they say, ‘Oh, we loved it,’ it’s really a good feeling knowing you’ve made somebody happy.” Serving dinner Tuesday through Sunday, Massa’s features a cheerful bar and dining room filled with inviting warm colors, fresh flowers, art and blown glass. Guests also may dine al fresco in the large, aged-brick courtyard where a large deck and the fountain’s pleasant flow beckon them to sit and stay awhile. Often, guests stay for hours at a time. “People come from miles around just to come to our courtyard,” Massa said. “It’s a very unique place and people just love it.” A banquet/party room that seats 45 guests is available for large parties, business dinners and the like. Massa’s in Kirkwood serves appetizers, salads, pizza, pastas and a variety of dinner entrees, and guests do not go away hungry, Massa said. Cocktails and more than 125 wines also are offered. Appetizers include flash-fried calamari with horseradish dip, steamed mussels in white wine and garlic, toasted artichokes and, of course, toasted ravioli with homemade red sauce, a St. Louis tradition for nearly 50 years. The abundant house salad is a guest favorite with Massa’s own creamy Italian dressing - a recipe that is unchanged since its creation 33 years ago. The Caesar salad tossed with fresh-grated parmesan and homemade anchovy dressing is a hit, too. For pasta lovers, Massa’s is ready to please with many options, and Massa suggested two for the undecided. “Our cannelloni is the best you’ll ever taste. People that come from Italy say our cannelloni reminds them of being home again,” Massa said. The house-made cannelloni features two large noodles stuffed with meats, cheeses, mushrooms and spinach and baked in a meat sauce with cheese. He also recommended any of the fettuccini dishes. Other menu favorites are the Tutta Mare, a favorite of seafood lovers; Chicken Bianco, a 12 oz. boneless breast of chicken lightly breaded and served in a white wine and fresh mushroom sauce; and Beef Pepe, a 9 oz. choice filet with a creamy cracked pepper sauce. Whatever guests order, Massa hopes they will linger. “What I enjoy most is when guests are leaving and they say, ‘Thank you, we really had a great time,’” Massa said. “That’s a great feeling.” Massa’s Italian Restaurant:
Phone: (314) 965-8050 Address: 131 West Argonne Hours:
5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday Open for cocktails daily at 4 p.m.
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