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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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Nicoletti’s Is A Neighborhood FavoriteBy Sheila Frayne Rhoades
Every neighborhood needs a gathering place, and in one area of West County, that place is Nicoletti’s. For the past 21 years, regular patrons, their children and grandchildren have been gathering there, returning time and again for a taste of its is traditional Italian fare and the truly friendly atmosphere. Proprietors Michael and Cheryl Nicoletti exude genuine warmth as they welcome diners at the door, just as they would at their own home. “We do a lot of repeat business,” Michael Nicoletti said. “About 80 percent of our customers come in from around the neighborhood at least once a week. We’ve enjoyed making so many friends.” Nicoletti knows the restaurant business well. He began work as a busboy at age 15, later became a waiter and was maitre d’ for numerous St. Louis restaurants. He also spent two years working in Las Vegas at the historic Sands, the Dunes and at the Riviera, where he developed a love for all things Rat Pack. Now, a whimsical corner of Nicoletti’s displays Sinatra, Dino and Sammy memorabilia, and mini lights strung about the restaurant add more Vegas flair. “Vegas was built on lights,” Nicoletti noted. “It’s fun and it really makes people smile when they come in here.” Nicoletti’s wife, Cheryl, originally is from South Philly and she brings with her that extra bit of Italian flair. Together, the couple has created a perfect place to blend and enjoy good food and friendship. Son-in-law Billy Meyers is head chef, and a daughter, two nephews and two granddaughters work in the restaurant as well. The attentive staff looks after two dining rooms, seating about 140, and is determined to make customers feel comfortable. “If our guests are not happy, we’ll make them happy,” Nicoletti said. Good family recipes make up the majority of menu items, and there are plenty of options. Customer favorites include the No. 1 seller, Steak Modiga (a breaded & broiled strip filet with a white wine, lemon & garlic sauce); lunch and dinner pastas like the Tutto Mare (seafood in white sauce); the halibut special; assorted veal dishes and the Chicken Bianca (topped white sauce with at least a half dozen marinated artichoke hearts). Antipastos, sandwiches, pizzas, Italian salads, and Italian desserts also are served. A special children’s menu contributes to the family-friendly atmosphere, as do high chairs for the bambinos. On Tuesdays and Wednesdays, kids ages 10 and younger can eat for free, and Mondays are “all you can eat” pasta nights. Nicoletti’s has nicely furnished banquet room that accommodates up to 50 guests for wedding parties, rehearsal dinners, anniversaries, business meetings or other events. Catering for all occasions and carryouts also are offered. Nicoletti’s
1366 Big Bend Road (Highway 141 & Big Bend Road), Twin Oaks (636) 225-4222
Lunch hours: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Friday
Dinner hours: 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday; 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday |
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