Papa J's

Last weekend, SP's family gathered on Saturday evening for a belated birthday/day early Father's Day dinner for his dad. His dad chose Papa J's in Carnegie. I had never dined there before but when I lived down the street, I had take out a few times. Mostly I remember the time I ate a spinach ravioli dish that was very garlicky and I had my usual horrible garlic reaction. This time, I was careful to avoid garlic.

I thought the entrance was on East Main Street/the corner, but it's actually on the side, on Broadway. When you walk in (there's one step to get in but they have a ramp they'll put out if you need it), you're confronted by a deli counter of breads and desserts (which I think are made by Mediterra). I thought we were again trying to enter the wrong way! But, no, the hostess area is around the corner. There is a dining area up a step in a bright room overlooking Broadway and a dining area through a doorway into a large area. There were several large tables set up, so it seems that Papa J's can easily accommodate large groups. I think of Papa J's as old school, white tablecloth Italian.

SP & I chose Fried Zucchini to start. I forgot to take a photo until the planks were gone. They were tasty. I didn't eat the marinara, just squeezed lemon over them, but sometimes I prefer that to marinara.

SP's dad ordered Fresh Black Mussels (steamed & tossed in garlic butter or marinara). He chose marinara. Everyone really liked these. They looked pretty garlicky to me. I didn't try any for that reason and because I don't like mussels.

For my entree, I chose Chicken Romano (dipped into fresh egg, pecorino & parsley, pan-fried, served with lemon). There were 3 pieces of thin chicken. I would have liked more pecorino flavor, but maybe I just don't understand what this dish should taste like. I've only made it once and that was years ago. I took half the chicken home for lunch. The veggies were a little too firm for me.

For his entree, SP chose Eggplant Rollatini (fried eggplant filled with herbed ricotta, baked). He said it was delicious. I tried a bit of the herbed ricotta and it was yummy.

For dessert we shared Cannoli. A nice crisp shell and creamy filling. I could have done without the chocolate sauce swirled on the plate.

Everyone enjoyed their food. While we ordered drinks, we were served baskets of Mediterra bread with an olive oil/balsamic dipping sauce. The kids ordered spaghetti & meatballs and ravioli. SP's dad ordered a special of the day, lobster and crab ravioli in a red pepper cream sauce. Papa J's also offers a whole wheat linguine and gluten free thin spaghetti. Our server was friendly enough. We'd go back.