Nick and Elena's Restaurante

3007 Woodson Rd

Overland, MO

314-427-6566

Some of you will remember John Romano, our good friend who came to the rescue when we had our personal flood a few weeks ago. What you don't know from that story is that John is also a great cook and comes from a long line of really fine Italian chefs. John knows a lot about food, eating it and preparing it. He has tried most every St. Louis pizza in town and his favorite is at Nick and Elena's Restaurant in Overland, MO.

Bill and I needed to be near the airport last night, a perfect evening to visit Nick and Elena's. Two great things have happened since we were there few years ago. They've expanded into the space next door giving them lots of room for private parties and special occasions. We were also happy to find the restaurant has become smoke free. We knew to expect great food but what a delightful surprise to find the Cabin Fever String Band was playing. They were very good and we hope to go back next month when they play again.

But let's talk about the food. I love St. Louis' pizza! It must have provel cheese, be cut into squares, and the thinner the crust the better!

I also believe the pizza can't really be fully enjoyed without a great Italian Salad to go with it.

So with these two favorites this Italian experience was sure to be outstanding.

Lest we get into a rut, we added a house specialty to the mix, arancini.

It is really neat, like a rice ball filled with cheesy meat and peas and served with their great red sauce.

Very Siciliano!!

so Amelia explained to me.

Isn't she beautiful? Amelia was our waitress and gave us a great history of

Nick and Elena's Restaurante.

They began the business 25 years ago in this same location. It is the quintessential family restaurant. Amelia is married to Nick and Elena's son, her childhood sweetheart. And now they have a son who is 8 years old. She has worked with the family since she was just a kid, about 15 years.

But this isn't just any family restaurant, it is an *Italian* family restaurant. And this sign reminds us what that means!

Sorry about the flash but I think you get a sense of their seriousness about food and their sense of humor.

When you go to Nick and Elena's you feel kind of like you've been invited home to share dinner with a real Sicilian family.