Land of Oz

Papa Vino's

This weekend we had our family Christmas dinner and once again we had it at the Papa Vino's restaurant in Mishawaka, IN. This is the only one of the chain we've gone to, but for three years now, it's been a great place to eat. I bitch so much here, that on the rare occasion something goes well, I like to mention it as well.

This place does what any restaurant should do, it has good food, great service and fair prices. We had dinner for five including a bottle of wine, appetizers, entrees, and desserts and the bill was about $135. As you might have guessed, the food is Italian in style. I would not hesitate to recommend this place to anyone. We had:
SCAMPI AGLIO
Shrimp Sauteed in Garlic, Parsley and White Wine; Served with a Slice of Grilled Garlic Bread $8.99
STUFFED PORTOBELLA
Marinated Portobella Mushroom Stuffed with Fennel Sausage, Four Cheeses and Marinara Sauce $6.99
STEAK PIZZAIOLA
A Center-Cut Sirloin over Fresh Tomato Relish with Garlic, Olives and Olive Oil; Served with Fresh Broccoli and Garlic Parsley Potatoes for $14.99,
SALMON FESTIVA
Atlantic Salmon, Artichokes, Roma Tomatoes and a Tangy Lemon and Dill White Wine Sauce Tossed with Spinach Fettuccine $12.99
CHICKEN ARRABIATA
Grilled Chicken Breast with Spicy Marinara over Angel Hair Pasta
$10.59
SPAGHETTI MARINARA
Spaghetti with Spicy Marinara sauce
$7.99
SALMONE ALLA GRIGLIA
Grilled Fillet of Salmon in a Sage and Roasted Pepper Sauce with Roma Tomatoes over Linguini $14.99
Along with some wine and desserts. OK - I'm in the minority of our family and don't think the desserts are all that special, but they aren't bad.

The service is what sets this place apart - it's been great every time we've been there. We had some special needs for seating and they were filled perfectly. Last year, we made a last minute reservation and they still fit us in and helped us out. This time, they put us in a booth at first, but quickly changed that to the table we needed. And I might add at the time the place was packed - SRO. The management and serving staff bent over backwards to make it a great visit. Even my brother, who does a lot of business traveling and is pretty critical of restaurants likes this place.

The only unenjoyable time was when we were leaving and I couldn't find my car keys - that is a bad feeling. I went out and my car was locked, so the keys weren't inside. I crawled around under our table and no keys there and management asked the folks at our first booth if they'd seen them there - which they didn't. I went back to ask once more and after one of the women sitting there explored the dark underbody of the booth, she turned up my car keys - my hero! So even after a few minutes flirting with panic, all was well.

If you're ever passing through the South Bend/Mishawaka, Indiana area take a night to stop for dinner at Papa Vino's. It's a little south of 80/90 just off Grape Road.