Casa Nostra taken by reader Crystal of Cafe Cyan
I was notified by reader “Tracy” that a new pizza place is opening up in Lakeville’s Heritage Commons (near Teresa’s). It was mentioned that the place may be replacing another failed Italian restaurant venture.
I did the requisite digging and realized that my RSS feeds from Lakeville’s public notices are not functioning or I would have had the jump on this one. Seems like there’s a problem with Lakeville’s site as I’m getting an error that it’s having a problem creating the feed–they might want to fix that. Anyway, as for details, they’re pretty slim as usual.
1. They applied for a liquor license and the public meeting will be held next week.
2. According to the filing with the Secretary of State the owner lives in Lakeville.
3. According to this job posting, it would appear that they purport to be an authentic Italian restaurant and will be opening February 1st, 2010.
4. They do not seem to have a website. Might want to work on that one.
If anyone is willing to snap a pic I’ll be happy to host it and put it up on this post. Otherwise I’ll stop by on Friday and get us all updated. If you have any additional information or thoughts about this restaurant go ahead and comment on below!
Address:
Casa Nostra Pizzeria & Ristorante Italiano
20198 Heritage Dr
Lakeville, MN 55044-6855
Phone:
952-469-3330
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January 13th, 2010 at 9:22 am
I hope the hurry; I’ll have no place to get pizza in the south metro until then!
January 13th, 2010 at 9:44 am
Anything at this point would be better than Ole Piper and Papa John’s. My choices are limited in Farmington, hopefully they produce a decent product.
January 13th, 2010 at 10:05 am
I called and the person who answered the phone said that they are planning to open on February 1st and a website is in development.
I was thinking the same thing about pizza in the south metro! Thank goodness we won’t have to keep waiting…too bad they missed the great pizza taste test!
January 13th, 2010 at 1:32 pm
Thanks to Crystal over at Cafe Cyan (an awesome South Metro based food blog BTW) we have pics of the exterior! Woot!
January 13th, 2010 at 2:49 pm
Nice! A blatant rip off of the font from the Godfather. Now all of those south metro guido types will have a place to slam jaeger bombs and heinekens. If I were the owner, I’d pay to have the cast of MTV’s Jersey shore on hand to cut the ribbon and drum up some attention!
Fugetaboutit!
January 13th, 2010 at 3:36 pm
Hey, don’t knock the Godfather…he made some tasty pizza back in the day!
January 13th, 2010 at 3:38 pm
Until he came out with store number III.
January 13th, 2010 at 3:40 pm
MM – I don’t recall any pizza in The Godfather Trilogy?
January 13th, 2010 at 4:09 pm
But do you recall Godfather’s Pizza?
Also, I think they were eating pizza during that one restaurant shoot out thing…I wonder if they were drinking Coca Cola…
January 13th, 2010 at 4:17 pm
The mafia was drinking Coke. ;)
January 13th, 2010 at 8:22 pm
Love the name! Beats the fuck out of Cuqui’s.
January 13th, 2010 at 9:13 pm
Well obviously!
January 15th, 2010 at 10:27 am
[...] I headed down to Cosa Nostra in Lakeville but there was no one there that I could talk to. I was hoping to get the skinny on the [...]
February 1st, 2010 at 2:33 pm
My girlfriends and I came in for dinner, we all shared our meals so we could try everything and it was all terrific! Great spice, great service! Truely authentic! We’ll be back soon!
February 2nd, 2010 at 4:54 pm
I’ve eaten at Casa Nostra, and I can RAVE about the Bruschetta, the Pasta and the Desert. I’m bringing my gal pals there Friday for wine and appetizers, then we will have a better overall idea. I’m biased, I love Italian. These recipes are authentic family recipes! The Lobster Ravioli is Yummy! :)
February 4th, 2010 at 11:10 am
I ate at Casa Nostra and it was outstanding! I honestly would not have changed a thing! Tried a little of all 6 of the meals at my table. It was all delicious. Loved those homemade meatballs (old family recipe from Italy).
Service was excellent, staff was friendly, warm atmosphere. Needless to say I will definitely be back soon!
February 4th, 2010 at 12:56 pm
I ate at Casa Nostra, everything they serve is absolutely original and exquisite, just like in Rome (I live in Rome 4 months of every year) finally I don’t miss Roman restaurants because I can have most of it right here in Lakeville. I can’t believe that I can eat pizza here that is better than in Napoli were the pizza was invented. The wines are excellent, all imported from Italy, and not too expensive, unless you ask for the “Brunello di Montalcino” that is one of the very best Italian wine, made on the hills of Tuscany near Florence. I recommand Casa Nostra to all the elite and the middle class citizens of South areas. “Hanno anche le tovaglie sui tavoli come in Italia, e’ tutta un’altra atmosfera”. Buon Appetito!
February 4th, 2010 at 1:32 pm
Everyone please note that the above comment is an astroturf posted by the owner of Casa Nostra’s son.
Casa Nostra owners, staff, and family, this is not a forum for you to post a bunch of bullshit about your restaurant without making it clear who you are. I hope you feel really good about yourselves and you may want to publicly apologize for that stunt.
February 4th, 2010 at 1:34 pm
Oh for more information please view:
1. the filing with the state here: http://da.sos.state.mn.us/minnesota/corp_inquiry-entity.asp?:nfiling_number=3488433-2&entity_type_id=DC&:Nsession_id=&:Ndocument_number=0&filename=-601082211.txt&pgcurrent=6&:Norder_item_type_id=10&:Ssearch_Parm=Pelagalli+Foods
Please note the owner’s name (Giovanina Pelagalli)
2. Then view the address/household information for Mario Pelagalli here: address removed by request
—
We’ll be awaiting that apology.
February 4th, 2010 at 2:57 pm
hey bill do you have a life above statement was made by the father inlaw of the owner maybe you should get your facts straight before you shout your mouth off, whats wrong with family commenting on the food ?
February 4th, 2010 at 2:17 pm
You’re an animal. It’s interesting that people would try this.
February 4th, 2010 at 2:19 pm
Nice detective work, Bill.
February 4th, 2010 at 2:55 pm
Nobody gets past Bill…nobody! Idiots…oh well, I love good Italian so hopefully they at least pull through on that.
February 4th, 2010 at 2:58 pm
Hi Bill,
Mario Pio Pelagalli is the owners father (not son), he does have a condo in Rome, Italy (Ladispoli). Him and Mario’s mom are from Italy and travel there often, they currently live in Lakeville and are very proud that someone in the family finally opened an Italian restaurant. He could use a little help with his computer but he definately knows his Italian food. You may want to meet him, he’s quite the character;)
February 4th, 2010 at 3:02 pm
nick, father-in-law? That wouldn’t make any sense. Who doesn’t have their facts straight?
Tats, either way it’s an astroturf and people need to be VERY CLEAR about who they are when they make a comment. As if family members wouldn’t say that everything is wonderful in their comment.
This discussion is over. Future comments in support of the actions by the family will be deleted.
February 4th, 2010 at 3:50 pm
Those type of posts just jump out, don’t they. Out of the blue, a glowing review, dripping of sap.
Maybe the place is spectacular, maybe I’ll feel like I died & went o heaven after eating there, but that doesn’t change the fact that the comment was posted by someone intimately attached to the business, yet they made no such disclosure. Say ‘hey, my cousin runs the place, and he has come up with a great restaurant, why not give it a try?’
February 4th, 2010 at 3:58 pm
Greg said it well. Its insulting when people make up a review as an advertisement. I dont think anyone would have minded the owner (or his son/father) dropping in and saying “Hey, we just opened this place and we feel like we make great food. Stop by and give us a try.”
That is quite a bit different than a fake review.
“I recommand Casa Nostra to all the elite and the middle class citizens of South areas.” – On a side note, and perhaps its due to a language issue, but the comment above left me a bit confused. Not sure if I should laugh or be offended. I guess this is not a place for poor people?!
February 4th, 2010 at 4:12 pm
Will you delete my comment if it’s in support of the Manson family? You didn’t say which family…
February 4th, 2010 at 4:13 pm
Only if it were the Adams Family, I hated their theme song.
February 4th, 2010 at 4:32 pm
Here is the Google Voicemail transcript from some douchebag who apparently doesn’t like what I have to say:
Gotta love it.
February 4th, 2010 at 4:53 pm
That’s an awesome way to get people to try your restaurant, insult bloggers.
February 4th, 2010 at 5:05 pm
Classic!
February 4th, 2010 at 5:17 pm
Hmm. Well that Google VM makes me sure want to run down there and try this place out (sarcasm).
First, I guess the caller missed the fact that Bill has not posted any reviews of this restaurant (yet). Second, to have family members (whatever the relation) astroturf “awesomeness” sets the bar pretty high for a future review (to me anyway), and if my experience doesn’t meet those expectations, I would be more likely to be harsh when reporting back here about my experience. Third, interesting that the family member(s?) were all too glad to use Bill’s site (gratis, by the way) to post their comments, but when found out, all of the sudden, its a “miserable little website.” {ok, I’m making an assumption here that the caller has a vested interest in the success of the restaurant- If I’m wrong, forgive me; but I don’t think I’m wrong: I’m a loyal customer of many restaurants, and I don’t take the time to make anonymous, insulting phone calls to restaurant critics.} Whatever. You got caught. Deal with it and move on.
Obviously this restaurant is aware of Bill’s website and its impact, hence the posts. Why not learn from other peoples’ mistakes (see Goodfella’s) and see how it works for restaurants who concentrate on consistently putting out a great product with great customer service (see Ramy’s)?
I’ll try to forget about these shenanigans when I eat there in three months after the “soft open” excuse has been hung out to dry.
February 4th, 2010 at 5:20 pm
Whit, just so you know, they’ve tried posting numerous comments, one accusing me of harassment and decided that posting my domain’s WHOIS information somehow is scary. Just so you know, I can do that too:
Tech ID:IMG-639608
Tech Name:Bill Roehl
Tech Organization:lazylightning.org
Tech Street1:225 S 6th St
Tech Street2:9th Floor
Tech Street3:
Tech City:Minneapolis
Tech State/Province:MN
Tech Postal Code:55404
Tech Country:US
Tech Phone:+1.6513179668
Tech Phone Ext.:
Tech FAX:
Tech FAX Ext.:
Tech Email:billandkimroehl@gmail.com
Name Server:NS1.TWISTED4LIFE.COM
Name Server:NS2.AFRAID.ORG
Name Server:DEV.ARDYNET.COM
Name Server:NS1.LAZYLIGHTNING.ORG
Name Server:
Name Server:
Name Server:
Name Server:
Name Server:
Name Server:
Name Server:
Name Server:
Name Server:
DNSSEC:Unsigned
—
It’s really tiring when this happens. 9 out of 10 times we run into this exact problem. I wish it would stop.
February 4th, 2010 at 5:21 pm
The best part of all of this, not one single apology for the mistakes made. Sad isn’t it?
February 4th, 2010 at 5:27 pm
All it would take is a simple “I’m sorry, that was uncalled for, and I apologize” or something similar, and all would be good. Instead, Bill and all of us who enjoy following this miserable little website will likely think twice before patronizing the place.
Think Goodfella’s is gonna see my shadow in their door? Nope! Am I missing out on the world’s greatest pizza? Maybe, but the way they acted toward Bill and this website has made me believe that I don’t want to do business with them. In the end, is that my loss or theirs?
On the flip side, look at how this miserable little website has helped Ronin’s survive.
POWER TO THE LITTLE PEOPLE!!
February 4th, 2010 at 8:53 pm
In replay to that jealouse unknown person, since I am the only person who fully signed an article, I am not the owner, neither have any interest on the Casa Nostra restaurant; I had a wonderful dinner over there, did you? You go there first and then you can talk. If I am related or a friend to the owner is not the point, I can still have my opinion, but nobody can call me a lier without proofs and hide the name. I never called you any name. Readers can make their own conclusion. Arrivederci!
February 4th, 2010 at 9:59 pm
I need to go into a side venture as a restaurant marketing consultant. I will tell clients 1) not to use photos that aren’t yours without permission, and 2) not to astroturf on blogs. Apparently, even those simple things are beyond the comprehension of some places. I figure it’s an easy $100 or so.
February 4th, 2010 at 10:28 pm
Hi everyone, my father-in-law posted that comment because is so proud of us and excited about the restaurant. I sure he didn’t mean any harm, he is 75 years old.
I’m sorry this got out of control; we didn’t mean to use your website for advertising. I’m sure it won’t happen again and again accept my apologies.
You can please delete my father-in-law comment.
Thank you
February 4th, 2010 at 10:31 pm
Thanks for the apology, I’m sure everyone here appreciates it. Unfortunately, as of right now, his comments stay as he’s the only one that can request they be removed.
February 5th, 2010 at 8:53 am
I think you need to hear their appoligies in person. Nina (Giovanina) and her father -n- law have the best Italian accents:)
Here’s a photo of the new proud owners
February 5th, 2010 at 9:07 am
I’ve eaten there…I think my opinion would “count” in this situation. Food is Great! With the “selection” of restraunts in Lakeville, I believe an Italian restraunt is a wonderful change of pace. The food was fabulous, unfortunately, I’m not part of the “family”, but I doubt it matters who you are, as long as your comments are truthful. Geez, are we back in high school? Try the food, like it, don’t like it…then post. I’m taking my friends there for appetizers and wine. Anyone who knows me, knows I would never take my “friends” to a place I didn’t think was worthy of them! :) Happy Friday!
Laurie
February 5th, 2010 at 10:27 am
I guess we should post a photo of the father-n-law too. I love his apron “I don’t need a recipe, I’m Italian!”. That must be where Mario Jr. got his cooking skills. Good looking guy for 75 too!!!
February 5th, 2010 at 10:29 am
Boy am I ever glad you have made it clear that your review was worthless as well. Thanks!
February 5th, 2010 at 10:53 am
Sorry, friends comments don’t count. I’m still eating there on a weekly basis so that should count. Actually 2 times this week:)
February 5th, 2010 at 3:46 pm
Tats, while your opinion does count, it needs to be understood that your experience as a close friend of the owners will probably be different than mine walking in off the street.
I have places I recommend to friends that I love. My friends go eat there and I ask how it was. Sometimes the response is kind of lukewarm, and as we talk, I realize that the experience for them is 100% different than it is for me as a friend of the owner or manager. Sometimes the food is the same, but that subtle difference in treatment can be a big difference to the experience.
There is also the undeniable fact that you want your friends to do well. There is nothing wrong with this, its just appreciated that these things are out in the open so reviews can be taken with a grain of salt.
I hope the place is great, and they are incredibly successful. Best of luck to them.
February 5th, 2010 at 3:48 pm
Please note the following morons:
1. DO NOT USE THE PHONE NUMBER ON THE WEBSITE FOR TRIVIAL SHIT. SEND AN E-MAIL INSTEAD. Have I been clear?
2. This is MY website, do NOT tell me how to run it. Understood?
3. I have removed the pictures of the Casa Nostra family per request of Tats who is no longer welcome to post here.
4. Enjoy.
February 5th, 2010 at 4:08 pm
Wow I was very polite on that voicemail (on all my comments too). It’s very clear that you have some problems, you don’t need to bring everyone else into it.
Good luck,
February 5th, 2010 at 4:14 pm
Idiot.
February 5th, 2010 at 10:02 pm
LMFAO.
February 6th, 2010 at 1:42 am
I’m really liking the potential of this thread, off to a smashing good start.
February 6th, 2010 at 2:05 pm
LOL.
We’ve already covered my extensive run-ins with the law here: http://www.lazylightning.org/baldys-bbq-lakeville-mn#comment-37359 (just so you know, I have a couple moving violations in Minnesota)
Oh and I got an underage consumption ticket in Ohio in 1997.
So Tom, I highly suggest you cease and desist right this instant before this goes any further. I hope I’ve made myself perfectly clear.
February 6th, 2010 at 2:08 pm
Gotta love when people resort to personal attacks. Fail.
February 6th, 2010 at 2:24 pm
Defamation is fun. Charter is going to get a call.
Edit: aww, they won’t respond to civil subpoenas :(
February 6th, 2010 at 3:09 pm
So when you say “Convicted” you can’t use the line “Never Convicted?” haha.
these guys need a Social Media strategy. Now do i eat there or not. Basked on Tom’s comments.. not. Douche. I can’t stay away from Bill, he’s like heroin. Addicting… and a bit rough.
I guess we won’t be covering the restaurant on Old and In The Way..
February 6th, 2010 at 3:14 pm
Oh, I thought you were going to say I make you puke the first time you see me.
February 6th, 2010 at 4:01 pm
Well good on them. Now, due to their actions, my friends and I won’t ever be eating there but will be using them extensively as the butt of jokes (I’m thinking pathetic troll jokes or something). Regardless, I love how Bill channels “grumpy old man” when someone f*cks with his lawn :D
February 6th, 2010 at 8:52 pm
Again, another sad thing. It is really sad how people can damage the future of a business by being so simple minded and self important. If folks really want to help a business, there was a good discussion on what it takes already and Bill pointed folks to it already once in his original post. http://www.lazylightning.org/top-10-issues-in-the-restaurant-world-today
February 6th, 2010 at 8:53 pm
And here: http://www.lazylightning.org/south-metro-restaurant-survival-guide
February 6th, 2010 at 9:28 pm
Maybe the sight of great food will make everyone happy.
(granted, 100% unrelated to this thread)
February 6th, 2010 at 10:51 pm
Had lunch at The Chatterbox in St Paul today. Also unrelated, but had a nice lunch.
February 7th, 2010 at 7:40 am
MSPD: I’m a-thinkin’ that is a great looking corned beef “sammich”, correct me if I am wrong; The only question remaining is: Where did you get it and how much did you pay for it? (ok, that’s two questions).
February 7th, 2010 at 8:01 am
Chad, did you play SMB while you were there? That’s my favorite thing to do when eating at the Chatterbox. Hmm, that reminds me that I need to get back there–haven’t been in a while.
February 7th, 2010 at 8:15 am
No, that was the plan, but we had a babysitter malfunction. Played Battleship and Connect 4 while we ate, but ran out of time for the video games. :(
Still had a great time though.
February 7th, 2010 at 2:25 pm
Whit…it was an outstanding sandwich. I paid about $200 for it. Drive to Milwaukee, 2 nights @ the Hyatt and about $8 for the sandwich at Jake’s Deli…one of my favorite places in all of America. I’m driving back as we speak.
February 8th, 2010 at 10:17 am
I hope I meet you in a dark alley. I assume that meeting you would be like meeting an energy vampire. Just being near you sucks the mood from the entire area due to your unbelievable amount of negativity. Try giving people a chance before calling them out. And like the v-mail says… try getting out of your mom’s basement Women exist, you should try dating.
February 8th, 2010 at 10:22 am
I appreciate the threat. I’m sure the police will too. Now, as for dating–I’m not sure my wife would appreciate me leaving the house to do that with a newborn. But hey, at least I don’t go around posting anonymous and threatening comments on the web.
February 8th, 2010 at 10:24 am
LOL, I hope for the restaurant’s sake that Gui isn’t related to them and doesn’t work for them in any capacity. If he does, it’s just one more nail in the coffin for them. Ouch.
February 8th, 2010 at 10:56 am
So “Gui” up there decides to post this (relevant portion only): “Bill, again as I posted before, sorry you are a dad. What a waste.”
Wow, you really are a lowlife.
February 8th, 2010 at 11:12 am
Giovanina, if you’re listening, you would be well-served to send an e-mail/post a message to your Facebook/send a Tweet to all of your friends and family to shut the hell up.
The people that are attaching themselves to you and your business are destroying your image and reputation before you have even had a chance to make a real impression.
I have to tell you that based on the company you keep, and the insulting tactics of your horde of shills planting fake reviews all over the internet, I’m in no hurry at all to support your restaurant.
February 8th, 2010 at 11:14 am
Man, I need to get some popcorn before the next round starts! This is fun!!
February 8th, 2010 at 11:22 am
Maybe I’m stepping on Bill’s toes a bit here, but really?? Let’s sum up for Gui and Tom’s benefit, as maybe the posts above are collectively too subtle:
1. Bill has not even reviewed this restaurant!
2. Some people with an interest in the restaurant posted raving reviews without revealing their interest and potential bias.
3. They got caught and called out.
4. Now BILL is the bad guy? Give me a break. That’s like the kid getting caught with his hand in the his hand in the cookie jar, then yelling at his mom because she shouldn’t have made the cookies. This is BILL’S blog. If he allows those types of shenanigans to happen, it affects the quality of HIS blog. People come here for unbiased reviews; good natured fun; and a community.
5. As indicated above, friends of restaurant owners can (and do) post here, but the right way to do it is to identify that relationship so that others can take what is being said with that relationship in mind. I think Giovanina “got” that when she made her apology. Gui and Tom aren’t doing her or her restaurant any favors here. You want to help her out? Knock it off.
February 8th, 2010 at 11:41 am
MSPD, great comment, especially being that it was your 700th!
Just when I think these people have hit rock bottom, they pick up the shovel and find a way to dig deeper. It’s almost as bad as watching Kautz run Burnsville.
February 8th, 2010 at 11:46 am
I love Chatterbox in St. Paul. In fact, that’s where I’m going for my birthday in a week and a half. Good food, local soda, free darts, what’s not to love?
Also unrelated. I just like to whore out my birthday.
February 8th, 2010 at 11:49 am
MSPD: You were typing at the same time I was, I was just being longer winded, so did not see your post – so my reference to being too subtle was not meant for you. You summed it up nicely.
February 8th, 2010 at 12:09 pm
Probably my most favorite series of comments ever. Thanks for that, Cosa Nostra.
February 8th, 2010 at 12:32 pm
Yikes Bill, you pissed off Cosa, ahem, I mean Casa Nostra.
I think MSPD summed up some pretty good advice for the owners.
February 8th, 2010 at 12:38 pm
MSPD, I agree with you completely….
I am related to the owners of Casa Nostra, and I just find it embarrassing at this point. Giovanina just wants this to stop, and she has told everyone in our family to stop posting at Lazy Lightning. I really encourage everyone in my family to just stop as well as the people who work there.
Sorry for the inconvenience :/
February 8th, 2010 at 1:21 pm
if you’ve eaten here, leave a review… http://www.yelp.com/biz/casa-nostra-lakeville i’m curious if the food is really that good. and this thread is comical! honestly. bill did nothing to invoke it and you CAN’T review yourselves. not cool.
February 8th, 2010 at 1:27 pm
You’re much better off reading reviews here as I take the time to research and out shills whereas places like yelp and Urbanspoon do not.
February 8th, 2010 at 1:47 pm
Oh, Bill, I agree wholeheartedly… I was just looking for an unbiased review, and I don’t think you’ve eaten there yet if you do at all… :)
February 8th, 2010 at 2:08 pm
Bill, I work at the new Apple Valley Liquor Store #3, and man am I pissed about your comments!!! Get out of your mom’s basement!! GRRR I’m internet tough!!!
OK in all seriousness, I ACTUALLY do work there, and I know your stance on the money spent to build the place, and I’m not here to argue that. However, I would like to see you (Bill) check the place out at least. Although it is a very new and expensive store, the selection of wines, beer and liquor is very good. And the managers I work under have been in the liquor industry and are passionate about what they do. And they didn’t have much to do with getting the city to build the store! :) I know this isn’t the best thread to post this but hey, with the above “off topic” posts, I thought, What the Hell! Anyways, I first heard about your blog because of the new liquor store being built, and the “noise” you made around it! Like I said, I’m not here to debate the economics of the new liquor store, but they provide me with a second income, have a good selection, and I do see passion from the managers above me.
OK, thats about it. Thanks Bill, your site does a good job of reviewing places and letting others post how their “visits” went, and I think most of us appreciate that.
February 8th, 2010 at 2:24 pm
That’s nice. So are the selections at any number of other stores around the South Metro that weren’t built with public monies while infringing on the free marketplace. I don’t care how much marketing you try to do, that store is not a necessary addition to the liquor market in the South Metro and the city would be better off going dry for a year so as to get out of the business all together.
The appropriate thread for this discussion would be this one: http://www.lazylightning.org/apple-valley-liquor-store-3-258000-off-mark and please direct any replies about this topic there.
February 8th, 2010 at 6:08 pm
GEEEEEZ, a bit testy I see. Like I said, wasn’t trying to argue about “public monies”, guess thats what I get for being forthcoming about where I work part-time.
February 8th, 2010 at 6:15 pm
Testy? Hardly. The facts are plain and simple and whether you want to believe it or not, the store doesn’t perform as well as the others yet costs a ton more to operate. I don’t care if they were selling geese that laid golden eggs. If they store is still expected to lose money and is shipping inventory all over the city because it won’t sell there before the expiration then I don’t see what it matters if they have a good selection of wine.
On that note, Apple Valley’s liquor stores are routinely priced higher than other local competitors on a variety of beers. If I’m buying $10 bottles of wine (or lower) and spending $4.99 on 6 packs of PBR, why would you assume that I would care that the facility, which is draining money from the rest of the liquor enterprise because it’s losing money, has a good selection?
Wake me up when they care about their store so much that they actually make it worth my while to go there (e.g. they put up a sign that says they’ll price match anyone else in town).
February 8th, 2010 at 6:17 pm
Blaine, I’m not sure why you took that personally. The opposition has nothing to do with you. It would be like being unhappy with a school district that’s broke offering its teachers a big raise. The complaint wouldn’t be with the teachers but with the school district, board, etc.
Oh, and since we’re off topic, I ate at Olive Garden in Burnsville yesterday. Yes, I did have gift cards I had to use. Yes, I’ll be back, sometime after my next $50 gift card.
Could someone who’s been to Casa Nostra and has never before seen, met, heard of, kissed, given birth to or been parented by a Casa Nostra owner or employee please tell us all how the heck it is?!? Or has everyone just been that turned off by now…
February 8th, 2010 at 6:25 pm
Like I said multiple times, I am not trying to argue about the $$$$$ spent building it, I just know that the “Wine guy” and “beer guy” do a good job at getting items in that other stores do not have. I work there 1-2 nights a week, so its not like I have a lot riding on the store doing well, hell, im not even an Apple Valley resident! I guess I should have known how passionate Bill is on the issue from previous threads. Last little tidbit, I did see that the store is doing much better Dec-Feb compared to last year, so, maybe there’s hope?
February 8th, 2010 at 6:26 pm
We’ll see when I get the update from Apple Valley’s Finance guru.
February 8th, 2010 at 6:37 pm
Just telling you what I heard. It kind of seems like you are hoping for failure, but wouldn’t that hurt yourself and other residents?
I actually agree with you Bill on the points of the money spent and the city monopolizing the industry, but that being said, I do need a 2nd job, and paying bills and feeding my family trumps what I think the city of AV should do with their/your money!
February 8th, 2010 at 6:39 pm
Yes, I want the entire liquor operation to fail so that they are forced to drop out of the liquor market, where we do NOT belong in the first place, and allow for private businesses to handle the sale of liquor–as it should be.
Unfortunately that will never happen because we like to drink too much. So, because of that, I tend to do my liquor shopping in Rosemount even though it’s 10 miles out of my way to do so.
February 8th, 2010 at 6:43 pm
Well that makes sense. I am lazy and have a Farmington store about 5 blocks from my house, so unless I’m already going by the one I work at, I go with convenience. And I wasn’t trying to get you to come in and buy lots of booze, just thought you’d be curious as to what the “big new store” looked like!
February 8th, 2010 at 7:15 pm
I like alcohol, and my birthday’s next week.
February 8th, 2010 at 7:22 pm
dm, pimp it up girl!
February 8th, 2010 at 7:29 pm
Sounds like it’s time for Bill/DM to review a bar with cheap shots! Lazy Lightning field trip!
February 8th, 2010 at 9:34 pm
That’s the spirit, Blaine.
February 9th, 2010 at 11:55 am
I’d like to point out that we’re not even 100% sure that Bill’s mom has a basement.
February 9th, 2010 at 11:58 am
I don’t even have a basement…
February 9th, 2010 at 3:42 pm
I have a split-level home and try to spend most of my time in the MANCAVE(basement). I guess I’m the one who never “moved out”. :)
February 9th, 2010 at 4:24 pm
I have eaten at CosaNostra twice now and have really loved the food. What I have trouble with is the terrible, immature service. Actually, there is one woman who waited on me at lunch that was professional, (she is a bit older than the rest), but other than her, the staff is unknowlegeable on wine service, our waitress opened our bottle Friday night without taking the foil off and just poking it and left it on. We didn’t get any real service from her and when we left, we saw her and the other young gal giggling in the open kitchen with a tattoed floured cook. Open kitchens should be professional. Our table was left a mess and no one said good bye or thank you to us. Again, let me say, the food was good and I did go back, but the staff needs to be more professional, ask the (older) gal to train on proper service!
Good luck to them
February 9th, 2010 at 4:34 pm
I imagine Bill’s home life was something between this……
February 9th, 2010 at 4:34 pm
….and this…..
February 9th, 2010 at 4:35 pm
….and this.
February 9th, 2010 at 4:38 pm
Oh…and this.
February 9th, 2010 at 4:39 pm
LOL. Wow…I missed a lot the last few days. What would I do without everyone.
February 9th, 2010 at 4:40 pm
MSPD,
Brilliant. Words not required.
February 9th, 2010 at 6:57 pm
hahah
February 9th, 2010 at 7:05 pm
I have no idea what’s going on in the last pic, all I know is it’s hilarious.
February 9th, 2010 at 8:10 pm
This is easily the best Lazy Lightning restaurant review comment string ever. This is the stuff you will never find on Urban Spoon.
February 10th, 2010 at 6:35 am
The last pic is of a Warhammer 40,000 game, from the looks of it. And I can’t decide if the Star Trek-themed room is tacky or cool.
February 10th, 2010 at 8:58 am
My coworkers and I had lunch there last week and here are some of my thoughts:
-Nice decor and the staff was very friendly and attentive. During the course of my meal, the waitress came back to refill our drinks 3 times and checked on our status
-Our international guest got the meatlovers pizza, said it tasted good.
-Prices were about right for an Italian place, but I was hoping for a lunch portion/menu. If you’re looking to get pasta, you’ll be looking at $10 to midteens
-Majority of us got paninis. They came with a salad and the bread it was on was pretty good. The only downside was meat looked/tasted as if it came from a package you get from the local grocery store.
To sum up, the place has a lot of things going for it and hopefully they keep improving. Let me know if anyone gets the pasta.
February 10th, 2010 at 10:03 am
Star Tribune article on Casa Nostra: http://www.startribune.com/local/south/84018427.html?elr=KArks:DCiUocOaL_nDaycUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aULPQL7PQLanchO7DiUr
February 15th, 2010 at 9:29 am
I went here over valentine’s weekend for the pasta, not expecting the greatest italian but expecting something worth its price in the 10-15$ range. I ordered Spaghetti and Meatballs; my significant other ordered Penne Alfredo.
Overall thoughts on food: bland, unremarkable, nothing special. The sauce tasted different than most italian than I’m used to, better than Ragu but the sweetness/sourness didn’t seem quite right. They serve the funky italian toast that Two Guys from Italy did. Way, way better food than Two Guys served, but far below what I’m used to expecting for Italian at places like Maggiano’s and Biaggi’s. Their table bread was just plain white bread with olive oil on the side, fitting in with my unremarkable perception.
The service and atmosphere were good, and there was a large number of people waiting to get in. Despite not advertising it looks like a lot of people know about this place and want to try it. Maybe the pizza is the draw, but if that is the case there’s a lot closer pizza places that I can go to instead.
February 15th, 2010 at 11:06 am
We’ve ordered 3 times so far for our company meetings. Everyone seems to love their Pizza’s & Pannini’s. It’s so nice to have a new place to order from, very reasonable too. We are ready for you guys to deliver pasta trays…hurry up and get that catering menu together. Thanks so much!! From all of us at Uponor!
February 15th, 2010 at 12:23 pm
Disclosure: I can confirm I am neither a member of Lakeville’s notorious mafia, nor in any way related to any owner, waiter, cook, dishwasher, fern, tablecloth or carpet at Casa Nostra. I may be related distantly to the neon “pizza” sign in the window, and I am still working on confirming that.
My wife and I ventured out to Casa Nostra over the weekend, looking for a new food option closeby in Lakeville. To be frank, the new restaurant openings in Lakeville and nearby cities during the past 24 months or so have been less than stellar in my opinon, so we now approach new dining establishments with a bit of unavoidable trepidation these days.
We dined there on Saturday night, arriving near 7:30. Obviously, we missed the dinner “rush”, as there was no line or wait to be seated when we arrived, but the restaurant was nearly full. There is no bar area at Casa Nostra, and only an odd looking, sorta out of place waiting area off to the side of the front door, so we were happy not to have to wait. I’d imagine it gets somewhat cramped and uncomfortable if you have to wait long.
The interior of Casa Nostra is cozy — a bit on the smallish side, but roomy enough for comfort. The maroon and black tones, along with italian decor and non-flourescent lighting gives the place an upsacle feel, although there seems to be something still “strip mall” about it. The kitchen opens to the entrance of the restaurant and the front of the front of the house, giving diners a brief glimpse of the chefs at work inside, and a quick introduction to the aroma of italian food. If there was a drawback to the ambience, it was clearly the odd entrance area, as well as the italian music playing while we were there being somewhat too loud.
The menu is a bit limited, and a bit conservative for those looking for an exciting new venture into Italian cuisine. All of the classics are there, ranging from pizza, to spaghetti, to lasagna to traditional meat dishes such as chicken parmesean and a rib eye steak offering. But with only 10 pasta entrees (three of which are essentially the same spaghetti offerings, and another three are twists on alfredo dishes) and four meat entrees, it’s not going to take one long to wade through the menu. There had been rumors that bread was not included with the meals (which is not true), nor a soup or salad (which is true), and this is not implicitly clear from the menu. It would be nice if the owners spelled out what is and isn’t included on the menu, including the option to order a smaller side salad or caesar salad with an entree for less than the quite high prices for full sized salads on the menu. There is a fairly decent beer and wine selection available for a restaurant without an actual bar, and both my wife and I had no trouble finding a reasonably priced cocktail to accompany dinner.
As for the food, there was unfortunately not a lot to write home about. Neither of us were all that interested in the limited appetizer options available, so we opted for salads instead. We did see tables near us with calamari, which appeared to be very basic and vanilla fried rings with a small bowl of marinara, and the table next to us ordered the bruschetta, which was a generous order of toasted bread with a somewhat limited amount of toppings in the center. The couple with the bruschetta made a number of comments about how dry the bruschetta was, and failed to finish it. My wife ordered a side caesar with her meal (again, no mention of such available on the menu, so you must ask), and it was a fairly standard and unexciting offering, though the lettuce was fresh and devoid of the abundance of stalk you often get with a caesar. I opted to give one of the entree salads a try, going for the antipasto salad at $9.99. I have no idea why I opted for such an expensive salad, or why one even exists at that price, but I was interested in trying the mixture of italian meats on the salad (capicollo, pepperoni, italian salami) and fresh mozzarella, which usually gives me a good sense of the type of ingredients I should expect for the rest of the meal. Needless to say, the whole experiment was greatly disappointing. The meats were bland and fairly flavorless, made worse by the fact that they were served in very small cubes atop the salad. The mozzarella cheese was similarly cubed, and tasted bland — in all liklihood not a high quality cheese. Most disappointing, though, was the dressing, which was (believe it or not) your very standard, yellowish Italian dressing — gummy, with a store bought taste. Even if the salad was a direct hit, the addition of a cheap store bought Italian to it would have killed it, so it almost was better that delicious Italian deli wasn’t being gunned down beneath the weight of the dressing. At $9.99, the Antipasto Salad was wholly uninspiring, overpriced, and enormously disappointing.
Whether you once didn’t, or always did, get bread with your order, you now do, which was supplied right away after ordering. The bread is standard issue, thin sliced white Italian, and nothing exciting. The server offered us olive oil as an accompanyment, and offered to add some balsamic to it, which I had never heard of but tried. With the standard issue bread, I felt a little silly going through the whole exercise, and kind of foolish dipping away, but we did, and it sufficed. It did, however, make both my wife and I comment on how good the bread at Giuseppe’s in Burnsville is, which I’m sure was not the intent of the CN folks.
I ordered lasagna, which I am often loathe to do in a restaurant, but was inclined to do here given my yearning for pasta and the limited alternatives. I also noticed an order sitting on one of the tables we passed on our way in that looked intriguing so I thought I’d give it a try. Overall, it was different, and not the worst lasagna I’d ever tried, despite it being far different from what I look for from lasagna. The tomato sauce was generous and bold, chock full of tart tomato flavor and devoid of any store bought feel. The lasagna was replete with a generous helping of a creamy bechamel versus a drier and more delicate ricotta filling, and, combined with the mozzarella woven into the noodles, gave it a rich and creamy texture. The noodles, in my opinion, were a bit overcooked — very soft and failing to hold their form well — leaving a kind of sloppy unformed plate of lasagna in their wake, but that lended well enough to the richness of the dish. I didn’t hate it, but didn’t love it either. For those looking for a healthy dose of meat in their lasagna, look elsewhere, as there was very little meat in the sauce, and what there was had no discernable flavor. It could go meatless and work just as well IMHO. My wife tried it and didn’t like it at all, and I think that is as much a symbol of her very defined idea of what she looks for in a lasagna, and I can’t argue with her, though I was a bit more open minded about this dish.
My wife opted for the tortellini, and while torn between the alfredo with chicken or alfredo primavera, she finally settled on the primavera. In general, for $11.99, we both were quite disappointed with this dish, which would’ve been an easy and cheap make at home. The alfredo sauce was runny and lacked a lot of flavor, instead only adding a faint hint of butter and cream to the dish. The tortellini were incredibly similar to that which you might find on the supermarket shelf — again, they were too soft and overdone for our liking, though we both noted that the cheese filling inside was generally good and separated it (ever so slightly) from the tasteless stuffing in a storebought option. The vegetables (broccoli, carrots and peas) were quite disappointing. Steamed first, the plopped on top, with no seasoning or “dressing up”. The sample size was small, and my wife noted she’d like plenty more of the carrots and peas at this price. Overall, the construction of the dish was less than artful, and we both came away disappointed in the result.
The table next to us, a couple who looked somewhat difficult to please (and were not excited about the bruschetta), ordered meat dishes — the breaded beef dish and the veal scallopine. Both looked like fairly generous portions, and the woman ordering the breaded beef was quite pleased with her dish — did we make a mistake venturing into the pastas here? The veal dish fared well for them too, though the gentleman remarked a few times that the $16 price tag was a bit high. (hey, I don’t MEAN to eavesdrop, but what’s a curious guy to do?) Overall, they seemed OK with the whole experience, but not overwhelmed.
Our service was prompt and courteous, with our not having to wait long for anything despite the full restaurant and limited practice time for the staff. Our server was an older woman named Terri, who seemed to have a fairly good handle on things and a pleasant demeanor, though she was still a bit rough around the edges. I do not like having to box my own stuff up at the table, and was disappointed with that aspect of things, but overall Terri was attentive and professional. I’m not sure I can say the same for some of the younger girls, with the most remarkable moment coming about half way through when one of the girls began floor sweeping around our table and literally began pushing the thing behind the woman next to us, bumping her several times and making for a wholly uncomfortable situation. The appearance wasn’t great either as both of the younger servers I saw had untucked shirts and a generally sloppy look, although they seemed attentive and fairly pleasant for the most part. The kitchen staff lookedon their game, and the owner ducked out of the kitchen once or twice to check in on things, which was nice. Overall, I think the earlier comments on poor and rude service on here did not strike us during our visit, though YMMV.
We did, on server’s strong recommendation, try the tiramisu for closers. I am not a fan in general, but my wife truly enjoys a good tiramisu. I actually found it to be quite good, with the delicate cocoa flavor sifted across the top combining perfectly with a subtle yet present liquour that didn’t overwhelm the dish. The chocolate syrup drizzled across the dessert was a pleasant addition for me, and overall I thought that the tiramisu had the most expert “finish” on it of any meal components we tried. My wife was not as thrilled, though she did seem to like it well enough. I wonder, is my untrained tiramisu palate seeking something that more seasoned veterans of the dessert will be disappointed in? Buyer beware.
Overall, Casa Nostra is not a miserable failure, but is not nearly something we’d be dying to return for either. The pizzas looked good, but are remarkably small for the high price tag. The pastas seem to need work, and the selection is woefully limited. If you don’t enjoy olives or spaghetti, good luck. The meat dishes appeared to (possibly?) be a winner, but neither of us tried them, and nothing on the menu jumped off the page at us to get us there. Overall, the menu is too limited, and ordinary, to justify the relatively high price tag, and the food, while OK, was nothing that I would go out of my way to recommend to anyone seeking expertly prepared Italian cuisine. IMHO, Giuseppe’s in Burnsville — in every respect, from feel, to food, to service, to bread(!), to attention to detail — is HANDS DOWN a better choice and a better value, and I think even Giuseppe’s has some room to grow. Unfortunately for us, we will probably continue to hop in the car and head north when we crave non-chain italian even though Casa Nostra is right down the street.
February 15th, 2010 at 12:56 pm
Wow Jason, that was a great review. I appreciate the detail, and attention to both good and bad. This is the type of review that friends of the owner should be providing directly to the owner if they truly want this place to succeed. A detailed review, with clear feedback, is priceless to a business person who actually wants to stay in business.
That said, I greatly appreciated the comparison to Guiseppe’s, as we frequent them quite a lot and generally enjoy the place. Thank you for the great information.
February 15th, 2010 at 1:00 pm
Jason,
Nice review, I hope Terri doesn’t track you down and kick your ass. Also, nice work on the eavesdropping (I do the same thing).
February 15th, 2010 at 1:03 pm
Just so everyone knows, that’s a 2098 word comment, nearly 900 words more than the previous record of about 1200… Wow.
February 15th, 2010 at 1:27 pm
I bet I could top it.
In fairness, one thing to note if you’re going to use Giuseppe’s as a parallel — my early experiences at Giuseppe’s were similarly underwhelming. The bread that everyone raves about was added a few weeks in. Over time, they’ve stepped up their game.
If anyone is interested in a really outstanding contemporary Italian meal in an energetic atmosphere (and don’t mind the drive), I very strongly recommend Bar La Grassa on Washington Avenue in the Minneapolis Warehouse District.
February 15th, 2010 at 1:31 pm
I had been told that there is a per word stipend for posted reviews on here. Was I incorrect? Sheesh – guess I’ll have to donate some more bone marrow this month…
In this Olympics season, I am more tha honored to take the gold for wordiness and length — one of which I am well noted for, and the other, well, …
February 15th, 2010 at 2:26 pm
MSPD you are the second person in as many days to recommend Bar La Grassa. A friend was there recently and was raving about the bruschetta (and particularly the soft eggs and lobster bruschetta) and the porcetta.
February 15th, 2010 at 3:18 pm
I’m not normally a bruschetta fan. Usually, you get an overly chewy piece of bread with at least one too many toppings piled on, so when you take a bite, you end up dumping the contents onto the plate or your outfit as you try and gnaw off a section of bread.
Plus, in order to receive bruschetta, you have to say “bruschetta”. It’s one of those words that I feel stupid saying properly (broo-SKET-uh) but even more stupid saying the way most other people say it (broo-shedduh).
I can’t say that Bar La Grassa’s bruschetta changed my opinion — it’s still an awkward type of food to eat and to say. But I can confirm that the soft egg and lobster topping WAS very, very good. I would heartily recommend it if you don’t mind bruschetta in general.
February 15th, 2010 at 7:50 pm
MSPD, I am also underwhelmed by Giuseppe’s, and their bread is tasteless and overly spongy and white. Probably cheap frozen dough. I do, however love the homey Italian/American atmosphere and the fact that it’s owned by real people.
Bar La Grassa is on my list to try.
No shame in pronouncing bruschetta correctly. Not usually known is that this snack is traditionally just (excellent) toast rubbed with garlic, drizzled with olive oil, and topped with salt and pepper. Any other toppings are extra, although not common and very yummy. It’s best in the summer with vine-ripened tomatoes, hopefully on your patio at home where no one is watching you try to eat it neatly!
February 17th, 2010 at 9:54 am
I failed to mention that we’ve been ordering from Casa Nostra not Giuseppe’s, unfortunately we were not impressed with Giuseppe’s food when we ordered from them…. management said it was too bland, I do like their location though. Casa Nostra seems to be a big hit so far in this company, I can see that with all the reciepts coming in for the expense reports. We’ll try Giuseppe’s again down the road, it may have been bad timing.
February 20th, 2010 at 10:38 am
Finally got around to eating lunch here yesterday. Maybe not the best place for a quick lunch, more of a sit-down Italian restaurant vibe. That said, service was relatively good, although my salad arrived late — at the same time as my sandwich. The salad was a typical Italian garden type, no complaints. I had the Italian panini sandwich, which was okay, not great. Kind of bland, actually, but with fresh ingredients. Not sure I’d return for lunch, but maybe for dinner. Maybe a better place for a business lunch — several guys in suits were at other tables.
February 20th, 2010 at 7:29 pm
We just got back from Casa Nostra and we give it a 4 out of 10.
If you do feel like eating Bertoili prepared sauces from (look in the prepared food section at Cub) and Kraft salad dressing, but do not want to do the cooking or the dishes then this is your place.
Come on you guys it is not that hard to cook Italian food… Well perhaps for Casa Nostra it is
Jason your review was very accurate, if not a bit generous.
February 21st, 2010 at 3:32 pm
Went to Casa Nostra last night and had a great experience. I went with my wife and it was very good. I had the Spaghetti Puttanesca with sausage and my wife had Tortellini Alfreddo. Very good food. The Puttanesca sauce reminded me of a time when I was in Italy and it had an identical taste. Very authentic truly. My wife said the tortellini was also excellent. She has never had such good alfreddo before. I have been in the twin cities for 29 years and have never been to a good Italian restaurant until now. I grew up in New York and I know good Italian food when I eat it. A+ for Casa Nostra.
February 21st, 2010 at 8:04 pm
You must not have tried Olive Garden then.
February 21st, 2010 at 8:05 pm
Olive Garden is my second favorite restaurant in the South Metro behind Red Lobster.
February 21st, 2010 at 10:26 pm
Excellent, going to have to increase my stock position in Darden Restaurants, DRI, first thing on Monday morning.
http://www.darden.com/
February 22nd, 2010 at 8:07 pm
I see we get very intelligent comments on this site. Very nice Bill.
February 22nd, 2010 at 8:08 pm
What, you don’t like Red Lobster? How about Chili’s?
February 22nd, 2010 at 9:07 pm
Chili’s is fine in a pinch, but I really adore the menu at Canes. I always like to try something new there and each meal seems to raise the bar even higher. Amazing food and very ahead of it’s time.
February 22nd, 2010 at 9:20 pm
Bill, dude, that is so going to get Mrs. Marcos’ dander up. Why do you do these things? Mentioning Chili’s on the Casa Nostra link is like asking her: “Pepsi ok?” You are just adding fuel to the fire, my friend. :)
As for intelligent comments, I’m waiting for someone to interview all the cooks and line staff at Olive Garden, Buca, Chianti Grill, Casa Nostra and Bar La Grassa to see if all their accents are “authentic” and report back here. Then I can decide which italian restaurant I like best. Because, you know, that type of thing is REALLY important when deciding if the food tastes good.
February 22nd, 2010 at 9:42 pm
So, no go on Olive Garden? Man, you really have to give them a shot Dan. All you can eat bread sticks and salad. Whoa…….its amazing and authentic. The sauce is always the best. Never bitter. Sometimes I take my grandfather and I buy him dinner, even when he asks if I am sure, I just say yes and tell him to order whatever he wants. Its very good, and always a heartwarming moment.
I have been in the Twin Cities for 8 years and I had never been to a good Italian place since I was at Olive Garden in Sioux Falls 9 years ago.
February 22nd, 2010 at 9:43 pm
Well, at least we can put the fire out with the Pepsi. No sense wasting Coca-Cola.
February 22nd, 2010 at 9:49 pm
Hey dm: Happy belated birthday. Hope it was great. Chad and jf: I have tears in my eyes from laughing. Awesome.
February 22nd, 2010 at 9:49 pm
Casa Nostra’s new advertising slogan (based loosely on Olive Garden’s famous one): “When you post on Lazy Lightning, pretend you’re not family.”
February 23rd, 2010 at 6:03 am
somewhat related, but why do New Yorkers think they know everything about food? Frankly, unless you’re in Italy it’s not authentic (and even then, it’s quite possibly catered to tourists and not authentic). I don’t care how long someone lived there before coming here to open the restaurant. The ingredients are different, everything.
Thanks, Whit. It was good.
February 23rd, 2010 at 6:03 am
I am the father of the owner of Casa Nostra, my wife Franca and I came here in May 1967 from Rome with a typesetting job sponsored by Dahl and Curry of Minneapolis. We are very much appreciating the good and the bad response to the restaurant, it is helpful for improving it, thank you to all of you. The grand opening will be early May, and I hope will be before I’ll be leaving for Rome May 3rd where we still own an apartment 2 blocks from the Mediterranean beach of Ladispoli. My wife Franca and I go there 4 month every summer because she needs the Iodium for her bones. When in Rome I hope to see some old friends restaurant owners so I can get suggestions but I don’t think we can bring back an Italian cook……, it would be another illegal and we already have too many in this Country. My son Mario who was born here, is working 12 hours a day in the restaurant, 7 days a week, he is trying very hard to please everyone and to succeed or he is going back to be a computer consultant and very successul at it, but is passion for Italian culinary could not be stopped, he did it behind my back for fear to be discouraged by me and he surprised me when it was too late to change is mind, he already signed the papers. At this point I am asking some cooperation from fellow Americans to be a bit patient so Mario and Nina, is beautiful wife, can improve their restaurant so to give you the best we know of family Italian culinary; lots of it come from my mother and my grand mother and some from my wife Franca. I hope that before the grand opening, all will be corrected and to do the impossible, make everybody happy!!! Many thanks to Bill for his patience and for keeping all of us informed. Good luck to your web Bill, you are doing a good job. Mario Senior.
February 23rd, 2010 at 8:01 am
Ms. Whit commented:
He thought he would be safe, he knew we were on vacation. Silly man.
February 23rd, 2010 at 11:50 am
I don’t know what’s worst, the obvious astroturfing or what appears now to be a plea for patience & possible sympathy… I haven’t been to Casa Nostra, and I’m even less likely to go there when my household’s restaurant ban is lifted. Something about artificial hype just turns me off…
In the metropolitan area, there are plenty of restaurants both chain and one offs that serve Italian themed food. My question is what differentiates them or makes them better then their competitors (or Creamette & Ragu at home). In the past 20 years of dining around the Twin Cities, the plate that I recall being the most memorable was the cheese ravioli with meatball served by Totino’s in Minneapolis (before they moved). It was a good price point, had good flavour & was proper amount on the plate. My dining companion at the time who had experience living in Italian neighbourhoods in RI, said that the salad was exactly like friend’s grandmothers made (who were from the old country) and the same comment about the sauce.
Now, I have had other fine meals at other Italian themed restaurants through out the US (and world, but not Italy yet). My question to the people of Casa Nostra, what makes you better than the 10 other places south of the river I can get noodles & sauce at? Price point, service, convenience of drive, or possibly flavour? Unless you do something to differentiate yourself from the rest of the places out there, you are just buying time until you inevitably fail. Cooking for the love of it may get you out of the bed in the morning, but isn’t going to drive customers to your door.
February 23rd, 2010 at 8:03 pm
Tearitdown, The owners at Casa Nostra have no time for this frivolous site. The customers come in and try it for themselves, they either like it or don’t. Whatever is said on this site will NOT make or break them. As far as the father, that’s something that is his opinion and has nothing to do with the owners at the restaurant. He has a mind of his own. They have better things to do. People leave comments at the restaurant and they get read. It’s funny how the family members and/or friends are the ones who may make the comments and you all feel it’s the owners. They probably laugh at all the comments if they even read them.
Anyone can say anything they want on this site, good or bad, and at this point it’s hard to believe who is really writing the truth or working for the competition, or someone who just wants to get your goat.
I have read so many comments from so many restaurants on this website. Some I have tried and don’t agree with many of the comments. Everyone has different taste. You have to try it for yourself.
I would not make a judgment based on this website at all. Use your own mind not by some one elses.
February 23rd, 2010 at 9:10 pm
You know, for all of you who have the time to let Bill know that this is a pitiful site with comments, opinions, and reviews that aren’t worth reading, I’m really curious why you’re bothering to comment.
That is all.
February 23rd, 2010 at 9:50 pm
To get your goat!
February 23rd, 2010 at 9:59 pm
Wow. Why did I even bother to ask…I’m an idiot for thinking I’d get a better response. My apologies to all of you commenters who received an email update saying there was a new comment on this thread that read, “To get your goat!” in response to my now-obviously absurd question. I will refrain from further reasoning.
February 24th, 2010 at 7:38 am
I think the friends & family of Casa Nostra protest ‘too much’… For opinions they don’t seem to care about, the F & F spend an awful lot of time coming to this website, reading & posting…. You don’t really need to listen to me, I’m only a potential customer. Most businesses in today’s economy can afford to ignore potential customers. However, RM is correct, IF Casa Nostra is still in business 12 months from now, it won’t be because of a couple of posts on this website. That rests solely on the shoulders of the owners….
February 24th, 2010 at 11:23 am
rm, you appear to be new to the concept of online communities. See the little thing next to people’s screen names where it says how many posts they’ve made? That speaks to credibility.
The members of this community have had 700+ opportunities to figure out if I’m “writing the truth” and what my motivation is to post here. Anyone who cares where I’m coming from or what my motivation is for posting feedback on restaurants can also pore through the 5+ years/thousands of comments I’ve made on Chowhound.com, Roadfood.com and other reputable web sites.
It works the same for everyone else.
What you need to understand is when a new restaurant opens and there are a whole bunch of people who are miraculously compelled to suddenly become restaurant critics on the internet posting a bunch of hyperbole and heaping praise on everything about a place, it just doesn’t make any sense.
I totally agree with your statement that you have to try things for yourself. The problem is that when you have family members and friends of the restauranteurs (or the restauranteurs themselves) coming onto places like this and planting ridiculous glowing praise on the place (read post 17 above), lying and/or not disclosing that they have an interest (be it monetary or family success) in the place, that’s an abuse of Bill’s generous hosting of this community.
And when it becomes flat out obnoxious like it has been for Casa Nostra, I become less interested in supporting/trying a business that would find such tactics acceptable.
February 24th, 2010 at 12:03 pm
I agree MSPD. I realize that the owner himself, may or may not have been the one doing some posting. BUT, when the F & F get on here and start all this nonsense press, you can’t help but to start to form an impression of the place. When I drive by and see the sign, I will think to myself…that is crazy family italian place. I haven’t even eaten at the place, and I am already forming an opinion. I try not to be judgemental, but come on… I think some people underestimate this community, the people that read it. I think you some people be surprised who you know in your own worlds who read the posts daily. I read this blog for a long time before I ever commented.
February 24th, 2010 at 12:07 pm
About 1% of the Minnesota-based readers I get on any given day choose to post comments.
February 24th, 2010 at 12:08 pm
Err in any given month I should say.
February 24th, 2010 at 12:52 pm
“And when it becomes flat out obnoxious like it has been for Casa Nostra, I become less interested in supporting/trying a business that would find such tactics acceptable”
I concur. I will be taking my dining dollars elsewhere…
February 24th, 2010 at 7:14 pm
This thread fucking rules.
February 24th, 2010 at 8:53 pm
Wait, Casa Nostra serves goats?!?!?! WTF?!
No goats are served at the Olive Garden…unless you have goats in your family, then it is ok to bring goats because at Olive Garden you’re like family. Wait, that is getting redundant. Never mind.
February 24th, 2010 at 9:54 pm
Joey’s goat, after being kidnapped by the members of the CN Friends and Family Plan following a throw down of a verbal gauntlet, was observed running free in the streets of Lakeville recently. The goat, able to bleat in both English and Italian, was able to slip from the clutches of the FFP, by making them stop in their tracks in openmouthed wonderment of his excellent and authentic pronunciation, then slipped out the front door of the establishment, taking a quick nibble from a fern on the way out. The goat, whose name, as registered with the American Dairy Goat Association (ADGA) is aptly named Giardino Olivato, (but Joey, when interviewed by John Gessner of This Week newspapers, said he calls her Olive for short), was last seen on Holyoke Avenue, searching for a way back to Joey, where a warm bed of hay and bottomless baskets of breadsticks await her return as a special treat.
Photo by: Pioneer Press (http://www.twincities.com/ci_14441642)
Edit by Bill to remove copyrighted photo
February 26th, 2010 at 8:19 am
Joey,
DO SOMETHING! Olive needs you!
Sincerely,
Concerned Goat Advocate (CGA)
February 26th, 2010 at 8:23 am
Sorry, I’m still still too busy laughing at Whit o’wit’s comment to respond to Olive at the moment.
I think P-Funk summed up this thread very nicely. I’m imagining coming to this site for the first time after Googling Casa Nostra Pizzeria Ristorante and actually reading through this entire thread. I’d love to be a fly on the wall watching that person…
March 1st, 2010 at 4:06 pm
Olive’s saga continues. Olive has apparently covered a lot of ground since her escape from the CNFFP in Lakeville, MN last week, and may have headed a little bit more south than the typical South Metro News Source reporting area. Could this be an Olive sighting deep in the heart of Texas? Did Joey know of her deep seated desire for Taco Bell? Tune in next week when Olive brushes up on her spanish language skills and becomes Taco Bell’s new spokes-animal: “Yo Quiero Taco Bell, Maaaaah.”
http://www.startribune.com/nation/85840677.html?elr=KArks:DCiUMEaPc:UiacyKU7DYaGEP7vDEh7P:DiUX
March 1st, 2010 at 5:07 pm
What can I say, Olive loves her chalupas and Crunchwrap Supremes. Plus, she saw the Taco Bell Drive-Thru Diet commercials and actually believed it would help her lose weight.
March 1st, 2010 at 8:53 pm
I just knew Olive would fall for that “fresco” bit.
March 7th, 2010 at 3:19 pm
I came to this site looking for a restaurant review, which Bill seems to do well. I see a flame war instead. Why not just try the food once and put this thing to bed?
I went there for the first time today, tried the food, and met the owner. I had seen your preview, but hadn’t looked at the comments section yet. I told her I was surprised that Bill Roehl hadn’t reviewed her place yet. She looked sad as she told me about this fight her family had started. She seemed genuinely apologetic, but felt that there was no way that she could do anything to resolve matters at this point after she’d already told her family members to stop posting and responding to the flames.
The only thing that matters to me is the food.
March 7th, 2010 at 4:12 pm
And yet, you never commented on the food.
March 7th, 2010 at 10:34 pm
Ouch.
March 8th, 2010 at 2:24 pm
I didn’t comment on the food, since I was trying to avoid jumping into the flame war with both feet by offering my personal opinion.
I only tried the alfredo tortellini with sausage and the tiramisu. The waiter split the entree for us in the kitchen at no cost. This made it into a healthy lunch size, so we could try dessert and bring home no leftovers. The quality of the alfredo sauce was very good. The sausage was spicy and tasty without being oily, like some Italian sausages are. The owner informed me that the sauce is homemade, but that the tortellini and sausage comes from her suppliers. She said she wanted to make her own noodles and had plenty of experience at it, but her kitchen was too small to make it practical. Likewise, she said she had wanted to use her own canned tomatoes like she always had at home, but had to test numerous third party options until she found something acceptable. She said she complained to her supplier about the grocery store quality of the earlier tortellini and the type I had tasted was the larger, improved variety they came up with as a replacement. She claimed to use fresh, local ingredients whenever possible.
The pasta was served with grilled bread that was helpful for dipping to enjoy the alfredo sauce. Pasta was properly al dente and nothing was cold or overcooked. I had no complaints about the dish, but I ordered a fairly safe item. My fiance has always said that I have a skill for ordering entrees that come out tasty and flavorful, regardless of the restaurant. For that reason, I don’t consider myself much of a restaurant critic. I tend to order spicy entrees that are almost idiotproof in the kitchen.
As for the tiramisu, it had exceptional flavor like Buon Giorno Italia’s rendition, except without Buon Giorno’s ridiculously over-rich texture that leaves you feeling like you ate a pound of custard. The Casa Nostra tiramisu was much lighter and so I have to give it an A. It was the right size for two.
All in all, the location was a cozy strip mall restaurant with a small kitchen. At that moment, there was one giant table set up for a party and a number of small tables probably most suited for dates. The simple mulberry interior, candles, and furnishings were designed well to evoke a romantic or warm atmosphere, even in a strip mall. The quality would have reminded me of Chianti Grill in Burnsville, except that Casa Nostra naturally only has kitchen space and staff for a limited menu and simple recipes. I may have wanted to see something more unique than just the Italian classics offered on the menu. An online, web menu would be helpful. I intend to try the place again and maybe order more adventurously, if for no other reason than that there are limited options for decent Italian food in our area and Casa Nostra happens to be very close to home.
March 8th, 2010 at 10:33 pm
Colin, thanks for the review.
March 14th, 2010 at 10:24 pm
I loved the lasagna! Tender noodles and a flavorful, somewhat tart tomato sauce. Bread was good, apparently they make it on site. Nice wine selection and ambiance. We had prompt, friendly service and an overall good experience. We would go back again.
March 15th, 2010 at 4:50 pm
Unleash the dogs…
March 15th, 2010 at 10:22 pm
Cry havoc and let slip the dogs of war!
March 18th, 2010 at 10:47 am
Fluff from Thisweek: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Thisweeklivecom/~3/_sk_Tn_9jOk/index.php
March 18th, 2010 at 12:57 pm
“All the recipes are from our family”
“her recipes are family recipes”
“straight from Italy”
“Pelagalli’s father is Italian”
“The recipe for her lasagna and homemade red sauce all come from her father’s homeland”
“His parents are from Italy, too, and so are their Italian food sensibilities”
“They’re from Italy and they said it tastes like it came from Italy”
“Italian food was the only food she learned to cook”
“all we ate at home – homemade Italian food”
“…all recipes from Italy”
“it’s tough to replicate authentic Italian food, even with traditional recipes”
“We can qualify any Italian food. But when we say authentic, we make it as close to Italy as possible”
“We can’t bring a real true taste of Italy”
“recipes we use will make it as close as possible”
“Our food is traditional Italian food”
“Casa Nostra, which means “our house” in Italian”
March 18th, 2010 at 3:30 pm
How are the cheeseburgers? Can I get a good rueben?
March 18th, 2010 at 5:11 pm
MSPD, hilarious.
Chad, the cheeseburgers are pretty amazing. I mean way better than what they serve at Olive Garden. After all it’s for the upper middle class only.
March 18th, 2010 at 9:40 pm
They probably dont call them cheeseburgers though. Its a Royale with Cheese!
March 18th, 2010 at 9:41 pm
Great movie.
March 19th, 2010 at 7:54 pm
Casa Nostra is advertising on the back of Cub receipts. You’d think a restaurant that the father claims should attract the upper classes would be smart enough to advertise with Byerly’s only. Right?!
March 19th, 2010 at 9:27 pm
Is that what that says on there Bill? Mine was written in Italian which authentic people from Italy say is almost as good as the Italian Italian writing on the back of grocery receipts from Italian family-owned Italian grocery stores. Which you would find in Italy. If you are in Italy. Where Italians are. Italy. Authentic. Italian.
March 20th, 2010 at 10:20 am
Does the South Metro even *have* upper class people? And no, noveau riche or McMansion owners with their homes leveraged to the hilt with HELOCs don’t count.
March 20th, 2010 at 6:49 pm
My hubba & I ate here today, We almost didn’t try it because of all the crazy & entertaining talk on here but my hubba loves antipasta & I love lasagna & I don’t like to make it so..
The place was full when we got there (about1pm) except for a few tables .We were seated right away & given menus & water. The waitress was very friendly & helpful.We got the lasagna & an antipasta salad & split it.We told the waitress we were splitting the food but she didn’t bring extra plates etc..no big deal ..she did after we asked for them.
The food was good ..I loved the texture of the noodles,not mushy,the sauce was good the dish could of used more meat & cheese but that’s our preference! The salad was good but for the price we would of liked to see more meat & cheese The size was enough for the 2 of us.
My hubba kept saying it was comparable to Buccas except Buccas has alot of coupons making it alot cheaper to eat there!
Overall we liked it & we will go back to try some other things(hmmm….lobster raviloi on the menu )
The lunch menu looks very limited and from comments on here it sounds like the sandwiches are mediocre? So I don’t see us stopping by for lunch? I hope they work on the lunch menu .
We’re not dessert eaters so can’t help you there!
Oh & there were no mean looking people standing around! lol It was biz as usual..I wish them well!
That’s all I got..be nice to me as I’m new at blogging ..Peace Out..I hope you are all enjoying your weekend! :)
March 24th, 2010 at 2:17 pm
We ate at Casa Nostra last night and we really enjoyed the food, staff and atmosphere. There were two tables of 3 speaking Italian behind us, apparently they knew each other but didn’t come together, that added to the authenticness.
They have “kids eat free on Mondays” great place to go with the family, we’ll be back often on Mondays:)
March 24th, 2010 at 2:50 pm
Authenticness?
March 24th, 2010 at 2:51 pm
Chad, authenticness is Italian for “Olive Gardenish”.
March 24th, 2010 at 3:28 pm
lol@ Bill…Meooowwww
April 6th, 2010 at 11:25 am
For those of you interested in more astroturfing check out this one: http://www.lazylightning.org/rack-shack-bbq-burnsville-mn#comment-49534
April 30th, 2010 at 3:39 pm
So Bill….have you tried their food yet?
I should disclose that I know the family and I can tell you that Mario Sr. probably didn’t realize that his first posting was bad etiquette. You seemed to jump down his throat. He’s just trying to help his kid. Now that you’re a Dad, you can certainly understand how one would want their child to succeed.
I would at least try it before blasting the place because the Dad was overzealous trying to assist his son.
I live in Minneapolis, but I plan to check out Casa Nostra soon.
May 31st, 2010 at 2:12 pm
I have deleted a comment due to the email address being invalid and another comment coming from the same IP shortly afterward.
False comment against the restaurant don’t fly here on either side of the fence.
STOP PLAYING GAMES PEOPLE!
June 12th, 2010 at 7:48 pm
Ahem, Bill when do you have time to parent you’re newborn when you are posting Jibberish on a review site?
Signed,
a cosa fan named Hil in Lakeville
by the way the pizza is awesome
June 13th, 2010 at 8:05 am
Dear Hil:
1. The fact that Bill allowed your post through says more about his integrity than you can even imagine.
2. I’ve observed Bill parenting his newborn, and he’s doing just fine, thank you very much for inquiring. The Missus is doing well too, and so is the dog. They have several houseplants that have been well cared for, and as far as I can tell, have not been neglected. Bill has a tendency to over water his lawn, but with all this rain we’ve been having, he’s been held back in that regard. I’m sure he appreciates your concern about his time management skills.
3. Casa and its friends and family dug its own hole, frankly, on this site, (and apparently continue to do so). Bill had little to nothing to do with it, besides calling them out on their shenanigans, so your little personal dig is not only rude, but uncalled for.
4. Glad you like the pizza at “cosa.” Thanks for your review.
June 13th, 2010 at 8:27 am
Dear Whit,
You’re the best.
Sincerely,
President of Whit’s fan club
P.S. I’m not sure that “by the way the pizza is awesome” constitutes a review.
June 13th, 2010 at 9:34 am
Dearest Mrs. Marcos:
Aw shucks.
No, YOU’RE the best. Hey, did you notice that Olive the Goat made the news again? http://www.startribune.com/politics/national/congress/96141134.html?elr=KArksUUUoDEy3LGDiO7aiU
Apparently Olive is a Republican. Who knew?
Whit
June 13th, 2010 at 9:39 am
Olive, you crazy goat! You can’t just go around attacking politicians no matter HOW badly you want to. You have to harness your goat instincts when doing public appearances!
Sincerely,
A member of “Olive the goat fan club”
June 20th, 2010 at 11:19 am
How funny is this: a new restaurant in Marine on St. Croix, MN described in today’s Pioneer Press, named, of all things, “Olives”:
“On the other side of Marine, Jason and Kelly Bailey are putting the finishing touches on their new family-friendly restaurant. Olive’s will open soon in the old Village Scoop building on Judd Street and serve Neapolitan-style pizza and pasta.”
[Editing note from Whit: Wait.... Wait for it...]
“They have imported a stove from Italy and will feature “wood-fired pizza, fresh pastas and fresh fish,” Jason Bailey said. “The recipes came from a grandmother in Italy.”
…
July 24th, 2010 at 5:33 pm
What do you all mean by no pizza available south Metro? Obviously you haven’t been to Brianno’s (southwest quad of Cliff Rd & Cedar/77). They blow away nearly ALL of the metro pizzas except for thw two premiums: Leaning Tower and the Red Savoy.
July 24th, 2010 at 6:33 pm
http://www.lazylightning.org/lazy-lightning-south-metro-pizza-taste-test
July 26th, 2010 at 11:11 am
I have known about Brianno’s since they opened in the early 90′s. They have great pizza! I just don’t think that people know of it like they do some of the other places or that when they go to the Royalcliff in Burnsville, that is also Brianno’s. Had a pizza from there last week. It hasn’t changed. Still great! I am really surprised that it got rated so low in your south metro poll.
July 26th, 2010 at 11:21 am
We like Brianno’s pizza also …Love the Garlic Pizza Bread! nom nom nom..lol…They have a killer antipasta tray we get for the holidays!
We also like Picolos Pizza on Pilot Knob ! Try the puffed Crust if you like alot of dough!
July 26th, 2010 at 11:29 am
We tried to do Piccolo’s on PKR but they weren’t open at the time (I haven’t seen them open for years, does anyone know their hours?)
Brianno’s probably lost in part due to the fact that their cheese was so burned.
July 26th, 2010 at 11:32 am
Err, we tried to do Piccolo’s for the taste test. Man, vacation on the brain!
July 26th, 2010 at 11:44 am
Bill…Piccolos hrs are Sun-Thur…4:30-9
Fri & Sat..4:30-10
Piccolos…..651-454-1212
hmmm..no lunch time pizza!!
July 26th, 2010 at 11:52 am
I love their pizza fries. I need to get them again. Mmm.
July 26th, 2010 at 11:57 am
Never tried them but they sound yummo! I see you are into carb overload also! We like the sauce It has a Greek taste to it! Now I’m hungry & it’s noon They aren’t open! Geezz…lol
July 27th, 2010 at 11:29 am
speaking of greek, gonna go have a gyro stir-fry at Ansari’s! I am across the street and its luchtime.
August 7th, 2010 at 3:48 pm
Went there for lunch today, although ordered off the regular menu and took advantage of a buy one get one free entree coupon. The menu indicates lunch is from M-F 11a-3p but the server was pointing out those options as we were being seated.
It was our first time there and we arrived around 12:30pm. A couple tables were seated already so not too crowded. I had never been in whatever was there before so it was a little smaller than I expected. I did like the dark red walls and that the tables were not too close together in order to try and cram a table or two more into the small space.
The white paper on the table over the tablecloth seemed a little odd to me, but maybe it saves them on cleaning costs by not having to change the tablecloth after each party?
I wish we would have been asked if we wanted something to drink as we were seated. Instead we were given a few minutes to look at the menu then the server came back and asked us if we wanted something to drink and after telling her she took off right away even though we were ready to order.
Didn’t take long for her to come back with the drinks though and we ordered.
Started with the garlic cheese bread and calamari. Both where ok, not great not bad. As far as the calamari I would have liked some seasoning in the breading. Tasted a bit too plain. My wife would have liked some lemon to spritz on it. I liked it better than the weird strips I get when I ordered calamari at Enjoy though.
Garlic cheese bread had plenty of cheese on it which was good. But even though the cheese was melted I would have liked it to be browned more so it’s just starting to get crispy. And maybe add some fresh garlic to the cheese as well for a little more flavor.
For an entree my wife ordered the spaghetti alla puttanesca with sausage. Overall she liked it. Thought the sauce tasted good and the sausage was spicy enough. She did comment she wouldn’t have minded a bit more seasoning in the sauce but for the “normal person” it was probably good. She did wish they would use fresh olives on the dish and not from a can.
I had the lobster ravioli and thought it was very good. Could taste the lobster but also the sauce had a good flavor and could taste the garlic. Had a lot of sauce too which was fine by me. I was wishing I had a couple more pieces of the bread that comes with the entree to soak the extra sauce up! We both liked the toasted garlic bread as well.
I usually do not like ordering pasta when I go out since it always seems to be more expensive than what it should be. The $16.99 seemed borderline high to me though my wife was happy to remind me it did have lobster in it. She seemed satisfied with her portion at $13.49.
Waitress was friendly and food came out quickly I thought. I could have used a soda refill as I was eating my entree although my wife was asked if she wanted a refill earlier on. So 1 out of 2 in that department.
It was good enough that I would not mind going back there again. Likely would just get a couple entrees though since the wife was full after eating just about 1/2 of her spaghetti and the appetizers need a bit more flavor.
August 13th, 2010 at 10:08 pm
Went to Casa Nostra for the first time Friday night at 6:30 am with 2 children. There’s a dearth of restaurants in Lakeville, so I really wanted this to be good, although I had my doubts based on the cheesy logo. First, the hostess wasn’t at the front for awhile, and when she arrived, she took the person standing behind us first. I let her know that we had arrived earlier, and she said she would seat us first. However, the other (similarily sized) group was seated first. Once we were seated, the service was incredibly slow, friendly, but slow. We had to ask for several thing a few times (high chair, water, appetizer plates to be cleared), and it took us a total of 2 hours to get out of there. The bread is house made, but rather bland. My husband ordered the lasagna, which same in a very large portion, but just OK in terms of taste. We ordered the kid’s pizza for the kids to split, which was not eaten at all by either child. May not have had anything to do with the pizza, but it did look rather generic to me and had pools of grease sitting on the pepperoni (I didn’t taste it though). I also think that $6 for a kid’s entree is a bit high. I asked about the Chicken special, but at 6:30pm, they were already out of it, strange. So, I ordered the veal scallopini. At $16, it is one of the more expensive, if not the most expensive, entrees on the menu. It took a really long time to get our food (I didn’t time it, but it was at least 40 minutes). I had a hard time cutting though my veal (had to use a vigorous sawing motion, and found it was completely raw (pink all the way through)!! I sent it back, but by that time, we had already been waiting so long for our food and the veal looked so unappetizing, I wasn’t sure I wanted a new entree. When I asked how long it would take, the waitress said a new entree would be out very quickly. Well, it came out just as everyone was finished eating, and the table next to us that had arrived after us, had payed their bill and left. In addition, a the table behind them had arrived 40 minutes after us, and they were also finished with their meal. This time, the veal was cooked, but it was so unappetizing! It was like pale, ground chuck! I expect tender veal medallions, not ground veal, with pieces of grizzle in it. I had to spit out several pieces b/c the crunchy/chewy texture made it unedible. The waitress said she’d speak the the owner, who, get this, didn’t offer to comp the meal! He offered a free dessert instead. Also, they gave us a super small take out box for the pizza (one of those hamburger sized boxes), so we had pile and smoosh the whole kid’s pizza into the box. Overall, very bland food (not “authentic” IMO, too much alfredo, marinara bland with little fresh flavor), slow service, and poor customer service. While I wanted to like this place, we will not be back.
September 11th, 2010 at 5:36 pm
I see Casa Nostra have changed and added new items to their menu. Also daily specials. I really like the Pasta Rosa and my kid loved the spicy Rigatoni. We told them they should add it to the menu instead of a special. They have replaced some of their staff and I have to say it has improved a lot. They say one came from Buca’s who is a relative of theirs, and now cooking for them. That is a big improvement. The waitress we had was nice and friendly. They have a new big LCD screen up if you’re into sports. I did see improvements IMO.
September 16th, 2010 at 9:48 pm
I refused to post a comment from a new submitter today about Casa Nostra on the Stephano’s thread because they earlier commented on Urbanspoon about how wonderful Casa Nostra is and then did the same on my site–from an computer based in the UK something which immediately sets off red flags for me as “spam”.
Anyway, after telling the commenter to resubmit when they’re on US soil they sent a reply begging me to just approve it since they aren’t a spammer–they swore. Anyway, they e-mailed Casa Nostra my note to which Casa Nostra replied:
Now, for the most part I have no problems with what he wrote. He’s entitled to his opinion that his restaurant is a good one and puts out acceptable food. What I do take offense to is his claim that I filter comments and only approve the bad things about his restaurant–something which, as we all learned with the POS guy, is far from the truth especially in this instance where I specifically told the commenter I’d approve their comment as soon as they were back on US soil.
I made sure to let him know that I’d be posting this for all of you to see and he let me know I could have at it because, “News, good or bad, is always a good for publicity.”
What are your thoughts on this one? Do you seriously believe I filter comments to only post the negatives especially considering that there are plenty of positive reviews posted above?
September 16th, 2010 at 9:57 pm
I think we’ve seen far too many idiotic comments to believe you’re actually filtering out the ones that don’t fit how you feel about a restaurant. I think you play fair – you have your standards (i.e. valid email account). Having said that, you can’t really expect Mario to write JenF back and say “yeah, our restaurant sucks.” Of course he’s going to talk up his own establishment, which is fine, as long as he “allows” the rest of us to have our own feelings regarding his restaurant.
As for “shady”…I dunno, seems kind of shady to post a Lakeville restaurant review from Europe. Seriously, if you’re in Europe shouldn’t you be out doing the tourist thing or something?
September 16th, 2010 at 10:10 pm
No, I don’t think you filter comments. What reason would you have? When there’s a good restaurant, you and other posters want to spread the word. What gets me about his email is that he claims to pay attention to customers comments (at the restaurant). Well, I was one that had a specific negative comment, and he didn’t come out to talk to me or offer to comp the meal that was inedible. So, I’m not so sure how much he cares about actual customer comments. Sounds like he has blinders on and that he only wants to see the good reviews.
September 16th, 2010 at 10:45 pm
“News, good or bad, is always a good for publicity.”
Maybe if you are a Hollywood actress in rehab, but this does not hold true for a restaurant. Not in this economy, and not when there are other restaurants competing for my money when I do decide to splurge and dine out.
September 16th, 2010 at 10:57 pm
Bill does filter comments But Not for what they have stated! He filters out phoneys & People just trying to get free advertising!
I think he’s very fair! I once posted from a different site using a different name that I use & he caught it & asked me politely to repost under my registered name . I fixed my error & he reposted my review!
There are lots of positive & negative reviews on many different restaurants on this site..I think we are all here for the same thing…To find a good place to chow down! And everyone has different tastes & opinions!
Casa Nostra is OK…I’ve had better & I’ve had worse…Get Over Yourselves…
Have a Nice Weekend!
September 17th, 2010 at 9:21 am
The funny thing is that I have seen people on Kitchen Nightmares who obviously have failing businesses that say the exact same thing that Mario has said. I don’t want to imply that Casa Nostra then must be failing. But what I want to point out is that the metric that Mario is using is a highly suspect metric to really determine what you are doing right or wrong as a restaurateur.
If someone on the internet, just says their food sucks. Well then that isn’t a very useful comment. But if someone takes the time to comment on how servers behaved, or how a particular food tasted sub-par, or something specific. Well that is something valuable to a restaurant. They provided you with a specific problem that you should then step back and look at. Don’t simply say everyone else likes it. Take a hard look at the criticism, crank out a couple of the dishes and try it yourself, have your servers try it. Get a larger set of feedback. Maybe you’ll find that you could tweak something here or there.
I say that if you are finding an inconstant response to your restaurant that is because your restaurant may be producing inconsistent results.
As far as a lack of people posting positive responses about Casa Nostra? I find it hard to believe it is because anyone would filter them and I’m pretty sure Bill isn’t. What would the point be?
September 17th, 2010 at 10:43 am
I can personally say I have never had one of my posts, positive or negative, filtered.
As I have said all along, the owners of these places should look at any sort of feedback as solid gold. Good or bad, its someone who cared enough to tell you how you can make your place better.
For people writing reviews, step back and consider if what you wrote is true, if you disclosed any relationships or bias which might alter your opinion, and if what you are writing is clear and true and not just a bunch of fluff.
September 17th, 2010 at 12:55 pm
Also, the “POS Bill Roehl hater” website needs followers (he still has zero, zip, nada), so maybe you should send the “UK-tourist-I-swear-I’m-not-a-Spammer” a link. At least then he’d have at least one person agreeing with him.
I fact, I kinda feel sorry for that guy. Maybe we should invite him to our next gathering, to show that we aren’t so terribly evil.
September 17th, 2010 at 4:32 pm
“I say that if you are finding an inconstant response to your restaurant that is because your restaurant may be producing inconsistent results” by Mikeh (sorry, I don’t know how to quote directly).
ITA with this!
September 18th, 2010 at 12:19 am
I personally believe people go around and eat at different restaurants and then complain about the food to see if they will comp it. I was sitting next to a table and heard them talking about doing this. Then they would laugh when they got it. That’s a real shame. I believe if the food isn’t good then it shouldn’t of been eatened. Don’t complain when you eat over half of the meal. That’s just wrong. If I don’t like the food I know right away and ask for something different, not after I’m full and expect it to be free.
September 18th, 2010 at 8:17 am
Well, my *meat* came out raw, I sent it back immediately, received my new meal after everyone at my table had finished (and been sitting there for 2 hours waiting for the slow service). The new meal that came out was also inedible (meat so grizley that I had to spit it out). So, I wasted $16 on something I didn’t eat. If that doesn’t deserve a “comp”, I don’t know what does. I didn’t eat the meal. I can’t remember the last time I ever sent something back and I, personally, would not expect a comp unless my meal was inedible.
September 19th, 2010 at 5:55 pm
‘Jeepone’ said this about Brianno’s pizza’s, “I am really surprised that it got rated so low in your south metro poll.” I agree with him, who does the judging? It just shows we all have different taste buds. They should of had a much higher score.
September 19th, 2010 at 5:57 pm
There were 20 or so people eating a good many pizzas one after another. It just wasn’t that good on that day. *shrug*
December 31st, 2010 at 11:10 am
[...] Sports Saloon: Apple Valley, MN Rack Shack BBQ: Burnsville, MN Valley Diner: Apple Valley, MN Casa Nostra Pizzeria Ristorante Italiano: Lakeville, MN Minneapolis Metro Holiday Light Display Map What New Food is at the Minnesota State Fair in 2010 [...]
February 14th, 2011 at 9:23 am
I see today’s Twin Cities Daily Deal’s is for this place. $12.50 will get you a $25 gift certificate.
I have not read any of the comments here, but the coupon clearly says, “Just like the old country”, so it is obviously good.
I don’t know how I can pass up this one.
February 14th, 2011 at 9:46 am
Coupon says “just like the old country”.
Food says “Just like Old Country Buffet”.
February 14th, 2011 at 9:51 am
Staff says “Just like your crazy mother-in-law.”
February 14th, 2011 at 9:52 am
Based on my experience last night at the quite popular (no I don’t know why) Teresa’s next door, I would guess that long lines at the poorly executed Americanized Mexican place next door is Casa Nostra’s only reason it continues to stay open.
Yeah, I’ll have a review of Teresa’s up later this week along with two others. Fun times.
February 14th, 2011 at 12:48 pm
So nice to see this thread resurrected – in scrolling through & re-reading, its as funny today as when these events were unfolding a year ago.
Happy Valentine’s Day everyone!
February 22nd, 2011 at 7:01 am
[...] into the restaurant to wait. It was during this time that I decided that the only reason that Casa Nostra remains open is because the long lines at Teresa’s provide a good reason to go next door to [...]
August 29th, 2011 at 3:08 pm
Too bad this wasn’t Olive: http://blogs.citypages.com/blotter/2011/08/mankato_girls_steal_goat_zoo.php
August 29th, 2011 at 4:52 pm
Goats. Everybody wants one. Goats are the new dogs. Paris Hilton is going to start carrying one around in her purse. New Yorkers are going to hire personal goatherders to walk their goats through Central Park. Those two little girls are onto something, believe me. Just remember, Joey started it all… trendsetter that he is…
August 29th, 2011 at 5:32 pm
I carried one around in a pita once…
August 29th, 2011 at 9:07 pm
Boy, was this funny to revist this thread.
BTW, I haven’t been on here in awhile. I had the unfortunate, rude shock of finding out that Ronin has changed owners. So sad!
September 19th, 2011 at 11:03 am
I took our family here last Saturday. The service was great. Our waiter was near perfect. You never noticed him.
The food, on the other hand, disappointed. I had the “spicy” rigatoni. This dish was as mild as any dish I’ve ever had, except perhaps plain oatmeal. I did like the big chunks of artichoke heart in it, as well as the red pepper, but how anyone could possibly call this spicy, even for Minnesota standards, had me flummoxed.
The pizza the kids had we fine. My wife’s Chicken Saltimboca was ok, and far more flavorful than my “spicy” rigatoni.
I doubt I’ll go back.
September 19th, 2011 at 11:14 am
A couple things I forgot to mention…The complimentary bread they served was poorly executed. The slices were 1/2 inch thick and about half the size of your palm. You *might* get two bites out of a slice if you’re not too hungry.
The other issue is that the kids and I were served our food about 5 minute before my wife was served. We let the kids dig in, but I waited dutifully for her meal to be brought out. I find that annoying, particularly since my dish wasn’t all that hot to begin with.
September 19th, 2011 at 11:20 am
Your comment about the not noticing the waiter service reminded me of my Italian style dinner on Friday night.
Ristorante Luci over on Cleveland has revamped their menu so that nothing costs more than 9 bucks. Our family of four, plus one other non wine drinker shared appetizers, salads and we each ordered a pasta and the grand total for dinner before tip was just under $100.
It was pretty much the same great food and great service for what was a really economical price. I could easily see eating there for two for 50 bucks, including a couple of glasses of wine.
January 11th, 2012 at 5:03 pm
They’ve expanded to better serve those of you in Lakeville who are dying for food that tastes worse than Olive Garden: http://www.thisweeklive.com/2012/01/11/lakevilles-casa-nostra-expands/
April 24th, 2012 at 1:40 pm
anyone been here lately, i also saw today they have expanded…i have never been there, but enjoyed this posting and comments again today.
April 25th, 2012 at 9:14 pm
This has nothing to do with this restaurant, which I have never been to. But the comment #213 by RM made me think of this experience regarding being comped for a meal. I was at Houlihan’s in Richfield, ordered the special of the day – something not normally on their menu. It was a fish dish and came out burned in several spots. I was going to try to eat around those spots, but the burned flavor was into the fish itself and it wasn’t good. I sent it back and they remade it for me. They comped my whole meal. Appetizer, drinks and my entree. I certainly did not expect them to do that. Maybe a discount or part of my meal, buy they comped ALL of it. They remade my meal and it was delicious. The chef on duty came out to ask how the remade one was and I told him that I felt really bad about sending it back, but was glad that I did because the dish, prepared properly was wonderful. They comped everything. That is above and beyond great customer service. To those people opening new restaurants who may be reading this blog, take note of this. I talk about it all the time. Good free advertising for them!
This is my first time posting here and I have to say, I love the honest reviews and all of the comments that come after. I think I love Lefty the best! MSPD is a very close second!
April 25th, 2012 at 10:48 pm
I just threw up in my mouth.
April 25th, 2012 at 10:50 pm
Oh, and welcome to LL Kim! Hope you stick around. Lefty could use a friend around here. ;)
April 25th, 2012 at 10:57 pm
Kim,
I had a similar experience recently at Perkins of all places. I like to go there for kids eat free and the bread bowl salads. The bread bowl salads are pretty satisfying for what you pay, and the kids love to eat pancakes for supper. Not the height of culinary delights, but good for a 5pm evening meal with the kids. One day, my breadbowl had specks of mold on the inside. I was nearly finished with the salad and noticed the it on the inside of the breadbowl. I was kind of disgusted, and mentioned it to my waitress. She seemed appalled and came back and said she checked the other bread bowls and they were all moldy. Must have been too moist when stored or something. To my shock and amazement, the manager came out and apologized, gave us our whole meal for free, and even offered to give us some muffins to take home. I felt guilty taking the muffins b/c comping the whole meal already seemed above and beyond. Granted, it was only an extra 3.99 for the kids meal. The manager was so nice and apologetic, I told him how appreciative I was and how I had never had a problem before, so I assumed this was a one time thing with their bread bowls (and it was).
April 25th, 2012 at 11:09 pm
Great customer service is always rewarded in the end. I wish more people would understand that!
Joey – I apologize for making you throw up a little. Sorry! But, I stand by what I said.
April 26th, 2012 at 7:57 am
Kim,
You are awesome. Please please please become a regular here. Oh, and stop eating at chains. That Houlihan’s is about 5 minutes from Blackbird, for example.
lefty
April 26th, 2012 at 10:25 am
2nd place to lefty again. Just like the 2011 “Comment of the Year”.
Damn it all.
(And, yeah, welcome to you Kim).
April 26th, 2012 at 3:34 pm
Is Kim actually Mrs lefty? Because something is just not right in the world all the sudden.
April 26th, 2012 at 10:31 pm
No, Chad, I am not Mrs. Lefty. And I am truly sorry that I made your world tilt!
Sorry, MSPD, I truly enjoy reading all that you say. You are insightful, honest and witty. But, Lefty won out because he makes me laugh!
Lefty, thanks for the welcome. And for saying that I am awesome! That’s a good start for me being new to this community. As for eating at chains. Well, we all do it. Sometimes that is what works best, sometimes that is what everyone else in your group wants to do. My visit to Houlihan’s that day was because I had a birthday coupon for a free entree. (Which I hadn’t even told them about and obviously didn’t use.) And my friends wanted to go there. I like to try new places and new foods, but some of my friends are, frankly, chickens!
That’s how I got here, researching new openings. I am always looking for new and off the wall places. That’s where you have the best experiences as far as I am concerned. And some of the worst ones, as well.
April 27th, 2012 at 9:04 am
Sorry to say Chad, but that was completely unsolicited feedback from my new favorite commenter (MSPD is a close second), KMS.
KMS, I didn’t think it would be right for me to merely welcome you without ripping you for eating at a chain. My taste challenged child has gotten my ass into a seat at Mopey’s favorite burger joint twice in the last six months. My food there was similar to your original fish dish at Houlihan’s in terms of quality, but that was what I expected to get, so I didn’t complain and paid full price.
Seriously though, get your friends to go to one of the local places. The food is 10 times better, the price very similar and you get to be served by a server who does this for a living as opposed to a kid trying to pay for/save for college.
lefty
April 27th, 2012 at 4:11 pm
Now I’m going to have to look up Blackbird, neber heardof it. Found some great places based on recs here–Ronin–not as good, IMO after the ownership change, and Satay 2go.
April 27th, 2012 at 4:15 pm
Lucky,
http://www.lazylightning.org/blackbird-minneapolis-mn for the Blackbird review.
Ronin -> Fin sucked. Wish they’d come back in some other way.
Satay2Go is still my single favorite place in town.
April 27th, 2012 at 4:41 pm
Yeah, I pretty much had no interest in Ronin after ownership changed. No more noodles! I, too, wish the would come back. They were also really great w/ allergies. My son has a severe peanut allergy, and I normally don’t take him to ethnic places b/c of the risk of cross contamination. This was the first Asian place I felt comfortable having him eat at, based on their handling of allergy concerns /cross contamination issues. No use singing the praises of a defunct place though. So, so thankful for Satay to go.
Thanks for the Blackbird review link!
April 27th, 2012 at 6:15 pm
There’s a sign in the window at the old Ronin location, “Spice” coming soon.
April 27th, 2012 at 7:34 pm
Yay! I am someone’s favorite commenter! (Thanks, Lefty!) Sorry that you are in second place once again, MSPD. LOL!
I asked Bill to remove my last name from my posts, not to hide who I am, but because I think it is better when you are posting online somewhere to not have that out there. (I chose to use KMS because Kim and Kim S. are already in use by others.) I put in my full name when first commenting because I thought that was for Bill to be able to verify that I was being honest and I didn’t realize that would be the name seen by everyone. You all know my name is Kim and can call me that or KMS.
Is Blackbird the place that had to close because it burned down? If so, I had planned to visit right around the time that it happened. After hearing you talk about it, I think that might be a place to visit this weekend.
Does anyone know any more about “Spice”? That sounds intriguing.
April 27th, 2012 at 8:35 pm
Blackbird reopened in a new location following the fire. That review is of the new location.
Spice could be a relative of Spice Thai in Savage. I reviewed Spice years ago. A simple site search should turn it up.
April 28th, 2012 at 4:47 am
Blackbird also has incredible deals at happy hour on both food and drinks. disclaimer…my nephew works there. But if it sucked I wouldn’t go there! :) Love the atmosphere, food and service. Meeting friends there again for happy hour next week!
http://www.blackbirdmpls.com/search0/label/happyhour
December 4th, 2012 at 8:58 am
Casa Nostra is under “new owners and new management”. I’m not sure that’s a good thing…I mean, what fun would sane people be?
Anyway, I thought it was worth noting if for no other reason than to revive what is easily the best string of comments ever on Lazy Lightning. Comedy gold up there.
Hopefully the new owners will chime in. And I’d love to know what happened to the Pelagalli group.
December 4th, 2012 at 9:02 am
It’s all Lazy Lightning’s fault. They just never had a fair chance because of this thread…
December 4th, 2012 at 9:18 am
I think it is funny that a thread ripe with misrepresentation and astroturfy behavior, it also has THE most honest words ever written in Lazy Lightning history. Oh the irony.
(Comment 233, last sentence)
December 4th, 2012 at 9:57 am
I thought post 241, 2nd paragraph, 2nd sentence was better.
December 4th, 2012 at 5:48 pm
Just when you thought it couldn’t get any better…..
The “new” owner is in a relationship with the sister of the old owners. (Mario Pelagalli’s sister, Tania)
One of their first orders of business is astroturfing. Check out the “review” from none other than Tania Pelagalli on Yelp this afternoon (photo below).
But wait, there’s more. Tania also used to be an Executive Assistant @ Uponor. Gee, now there’s a shock (see posts 113 and 123).
Cue Mario Sr.!