Fine Italian dining with a casual flair. Entrees: $14.95 to $26.96 Filet Mignon (with everything in between).

This fun and casual place is situated where travelers and ‘road warriors’ know “Carrier Circle” and GRIMALDI’S is in the midst of a cluster of several hotels and motels, i.e., Courtyard, Embassy Suites, etc.

During our last visit here we were guests of local TV and radio personality RICK GARRY (Mr. Syracuse himself) and his lovely wife Toni. I was to appear on his TV show the next morning – which follows Regis & Kelly.

Arriving early, we sat at the cozy bar lined with booths on one side; a pleasant feel for single diners. After some pleasant time and great drinks at the bar, including meeting the pretty and knowledgeable owner, Rita Grimaldi, we sat down to feast.

Now imagine Rick and I – who carry on with long stories – while making a long story short was Toni who suggested the dishes that came out of the kitchen, which really really impressed me.

One appetizer standout (not that everything else was not mouth-watering) was the Utica Greens which consisted of fresh escarole with pancetta, hot cherry peppers and grated cheese, is vivid on my taste buds to the extent that I want to rush back to Syracuse, after several tours, just for Utica Greens. I am not waiting for my Fall appearance (check schedule) at nearby “Turning Stone Casino”.

Between the laughter, we were all so busy enjoying the Bolgnese, the Pork Osso Buco, the Salmon Oscar Florentine, and several outstanding others.

Don’t forget to save room, the desserts are worth the calories, and when was the last time you had a Cotton Candy? Reminiscent of those who know LUNA PARK. Google it!

Needless to say, the next morning on Rick’s show “Bridge Street” I talked about our dinner.

Boys and girls, if you are ever near this Syracuse gem, even driving on the thruway, get off at Carrier Circle and within minutes you will be sitting in a restaurant that treats everyone as “family”. A Love Chef favorite!

email: lovechef@thelovechef.com