Birthday Dinner at Chinato

Last night, we celebrated my parents' 50th birthdays with dinner and drinks.

My husband and I went to Chinato a few months ago and I knew right away that it'd be the perfect place to celebrate this occasion.

Even with Cleveland's Little Italy neighborhood, Chinato is serving the most authentic Italian food I've had in the city.

Just like our first visit, we had a great experience. Our server, Jeffrey, was incredibly attentive and knowledgeable, offering great recommendations for each course.

We started with a shared appetizer called: Involtini of Eggplant stuffed with ricotta and shrimp. Thin sheets of eggplant wrapped around perfectly-cooked shrimp and seasoned ricotta cheese, covered in tomato sauce. It was the perfect start to the meal.

We each ordered a different entree to be able to try a wide selection from the menu, including:
Pappardelle with creamed cauliflower, pecorino and peperoncini

Creamed cauliflower and pureed hot peppers made up this delicious sauce. I'll definitely be trying to recreate this dish at home!

Beef Braised in Amarone with creamy polenta

Incredibly tender beef roast soaking in a flavorful wine sauce that went perfectly with the creamy polenta and tender kale.

Ravioli with pork, veal, zucchini and shiitake mushrooms with melted butter and parmesan

Raw zucchini added the perfect crunch to this unique meat ravioli.

Venetian Style Calves Liver with dried figs

Although not for everyone, this could easily become any liver fan's favorite dish, the sweetness of the fig sauce combined with the tender, lightly-breaded liver.

Veal Breast with salsa verde and polenta

This veal was so tender, you hardly had to chew it. Although it tasted great on its own, the salsa verde (a pesto sauce) added a crisp, fresh flavor.

After a delicious meal, we ended with chocolate, cherry and lemon gelato and the most delicious almond panna cotta I've ever tasted.

We will definitely be back again, and I hope you try it soon.

www.chinatocleveland.com