Fast Italian Comfort Food

My fabulous friend Julie introduced me to Buon Giorno many years ago and I am so grateful to her for doing so! This little gem is tucked away off of Highway 13 in Lilydale. It's an Italian market that has a great pasta bar and also offers other Italian favorites such as lasagna, salads, and other goodies. You can also pick up frozen meals, including everything you need to make your own pizza at home. I tend to prefer their frozen lasagnas for occasions when I need to feed a lot of people. They also have quite a variety of cheeses. They even sell the Spicchi candies that the Highland Park Punch Pizza gives everyone at the end of their meal. And, if you don't want to make another stop at the liquor store for some wine, they even sell a few varieties of wine!

I almost always eat from their pasta bar and usually ask for it to go. It's super reasonable at only $9.95 per pasta meal (and the portions are so large I usually split it and it makes a great lunch for work the next day). There are a variety of options to customize as you go through the line. The first thing the chef will ask you is if you want salt, pepper and/or crushed red pepper in addition to garlic, green onion and/or onions. Next, they will ask which three ingredients you prefer. This is where the fun begins! I personally love the combination of chicken, sun-dried tomatoes and zucchini. They also have a variety of other meat options including sausage or meatballs. If you prefer seafood, they offer shrimp and scallops. They have a variety of other vegetables including mushrooms, peppers, olives and tomatoes. After your ingredients begin to cook, they will ask you for your sauce preference. You can choose from red, cream, pesto or any combination. I always choose pesto and cream. From there, you will choose your pasta from bowtie (farfalle), penne, tri-color cavatappi (my personal favorite) or spaghetti. Finally, they will finish off your dish with some grated Parmesan cheese, if you desire. When you check out, they will also ask you if you would like a piece of bread with butter (complimentary to your meal). If you have kids, they offer a kid's version including one ingredient and they are more than willing to make buttered noodles for your child (I believe the price is about $5.95 for the kid's version).

Tri-color cavatappi with chicken, sun-dried tomato, zucchini and pesto cream sauce

Penne pasta with sausage, mushrooms, sun-dried tomato and red sauce

If this isn't enough comfort food for one evening, they also have some delicious desserts. There is always at least one or more cheesecake offerings along with some delicious cookies and of course tiramisu. They typically have a few different cakes to choose from, one of which is usually chocolate.

Tiramisu

Plain cheesecake

I highly recommend bringing a few extra dollar bills so you can tip the chef. However, now they offer tipping at checkout so if you prefer this method, you can do so at the time of paying your bill. There are spots to sit if you prefer to dine there (and they have a nice little patio area for summertime). It's near several bike trails so it could be a great option for refueling during a long bike ride in the summer! They also offer the Belly app so you can earn points and rewards.

This is a great spot for when you would like some variety but don't want to wait a long time or want to be able to come home after a long day at work and enjoy some affordable comfort food. Please be advised they are only open until 8 pm and they are not open on Sundays. They are also linked with I Nonni so if you ever want to enjoy a nicer Italian meal, you can go next door to I Nonni.

Buon Giorno

Gem in the Southern Suburbs

I had the opportunity to dine at Masu Sushi & Robata in Apple Valley three different times in the past few months. Each time, I was met with a friendly greeting, attentive service and delicious food. I really enjoy having a variety of high-quality non-chain restaurants in the suburbs since they can be difficult to find. I really hope the community can support this wonderful restaurant so we are not subject to another failed non-chain restaurant due to lack of interest or not understanding the cuisine.

I absolutely love that they have a bento box option. I have always been a person who enjoys eating a little bit of a lot of different things. Thus, the bento box is a fabulous option - without feeling too gluttonous.

The first time I ordered a bento box I had the vegetable tempura. As I should have known, it was a bit too heavy for lunch time but I ate a small portion of it to satisfy my craving for fried food. Kevin chose to order the shrimp and vegetable tempura this last time so that is what is pictured below.

I began with their miso soup. It's not the best I have had but it was a good filler while waiting for the rest of the food.

Once the bento arrived, it gleamed with tasty options. I began with the spring greens with vinaigrette and was pleasantly surprised by the taste. I could have munched on an entire salad of this. Next, I moved on to the teriyaki covered sticky rice. The teriyaki didn't overpower the rice and it wasn't smothered with it - just enough to give some flavor. The mini spring rolls were fried to perfection and gave just the right amount of crispiness to enjoy three small ones. I was slightly underwhelmed by the zucchini. They were just a bit mushy for my taste and perhaps slightly large to eat all in one bite. The pickled vegetables in the middle of the box were delicious! Even if you think you may not enjoy pickled vegetables - you must try them!

I look forward to going back for dinner at some point so I can try a different portion of their menu. They also offer some fun drink options and a large variety of choices for vegetarians and vegans. Please give this place a try - even if you think you don't like this particular cuisine. Their friendly service and wide variety of menu items encompasses almost any dining companion or picky eater you may have.

Masu Sushi & Robata