Cozy culinary comfort at Maisano's Little Italian Kitchen; check out our choices

PLAIN TWP. – It's rare to have a dining experience that's so enjoyable you feel as though you're at a close friend's home.

That's exactly how my friend Nicole and I felt during our recent dinner at Maisano’s Little Italian Kitchen, at 7831 Cleveland Ave. NW.

Before the grand opening of Maisano’s, I had a lengthy conversation with Therese Maisano Schneider, who co-owns the establishment with her husband, Mike Schneider. At the couple's other spot, That Little Italian Kitchen in Jackson Township, Therese shared her vision.

"I want a place where girlfriends can get together, sit at a table, enjoy fantastic food and drinks, and have a good time. That's my goal with our new place. Cozy, but not too small."

Second location now open: Maisano's Little Italian Kitchen opens Feb. 7 in Plain Twp.

Arriving a few minutes early, I was warmly welcomed and seated by Mike Schneider. We started the evening with a glass of wine, and took a moment to peruse the extensive menu featuring everything from specialty pizzas and Stromboli to pasta dishes and salads.

Though tempted to immediately order our entrees, we began with a cup of Italian wedding soup ($4.50), a flawless combination of tiny meatballs, endive, veggies and pasta in a house-made stock. Regretfully, I didn't opt for the bowl ($5.95).

There are an abundance of salads on the menu ranging from an antipasto ($13.45) to a panzanella ($12.75), but we chose to share the honey ricotta appetizer ($8.75). The appetizer arrived with charred Italian bread slices and a cup of ricotta drizzled with honey, reduced balsamic and basil. We thoroughly enjoyed the unique spread.

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Signature pasta bakes are offered and range from a classic option of sauce over penne pasta and topped with melted cheese ($11.85) to choices of Italian sausage, chicken, meatball or shrimp, all at prices up to $15.35.

Our entrée choices were from the specialty pasta portion of the menu. Nicole chose the potato gnocchi ($12.80), old-school gnocchi sautéed and tossed with marinara. She added a meatball ($2.20). I decided on eggplant parmesan ($12.90) and was not disappointed. My side of pasta was angel hair instead of the usual spaghetti, and the eggplant arrived crispy and breaded with a blend of crumbs and parmesan, drizzled (but not drenched, thank you) with marinara. Melted cheese pulled the dish together perfectly.

Nicole enjoyed every bite of her gnocchi dish, but added, “I’m taking some home so I can save room for dessert. Did you see that gelato selection when you walked in?” I had, indeed.

Our server, Katie, told us she had worked at That Little Italian Kitchen “for quite some time,” and knew a lot of the regulars. She was enjoying the new location, seeing some of the regulars try out the newest place as well as meeting new patrons.

The Schneiders epitomize committed restaurateurs, with Mike playing host and managing phone reservations while Therese tended to tables and guests, consistently asking, "How is everything?" Seated in a snug corner, we shared laughter when Therese showed us a sign her daughter had gifted her. It reads "she believed she could so she did."

“I just have to find the right spot,” mused Maisano Schneider.

Back to gelato and dessert selections. I chose a cup of chocolate gelato ($3.75) and Nicole chose the same size, but strawberry. Indulgent and house-made, Katie told us that the flavors rotate. Just when I thought our meal was complete, we decided to try the tiramisu ($6) and a little cannoli ($1.95).

Rich and decadent, the individual size cup of tiramisu was portioned perfectly. My little cannoli was crisp and just the right size bite of sweetness to finish the meal.

Maisano’s provides a cozy environment for a delightful dining experience. Renovations to the building create a unique and charming setting, with glimpses of the original historic log cabin when you depart.

Reach Bev at [email protected] or 330-580-8318.

If you go

WHAT – Maisano’s Little Italian Kitchen

WHERE – 7831 Cleveland Ave. NW in Plain Township

PHONE – 330-409-7200

HOURS ? 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday.

NOTE ? Reservations are still required by calling 330-409-7200.

This article originally appeared on The Repository: Maisano's Little Italian Kitchen in Plain Twp. dazzles diners