Domenico’s on Grand a tribute to authentic Italian in the Mon Valley
Courtesy of Domenico’s on Grand
Courtesy of Domenico’s on Grand
Courtesy of Domenico’s on Grand
Courtesy of Domenico’s on Grand
Nestled in the center of the Mon Valley sits a charming tribute to Italy’s classic cuisine and warm ambiance: Domenico’s on Grand. July 5 marks the restaurant’s first anniversary, but owner Domenic Mendicino explains that its inspiration goes back generations.
The restaurant is named for Domenico Antonio Mendicino, who relocated to the United States from Italy in the early 1900s, settling in Southwestern Pennsylvania. He brought his love of cooking with him.
“When he came over here, he basically just started working on the railroads and mills,” said Mendicino of his great-grandfather. “Just like the immigrant Italians, he had a little tomato garden in the back and made his own salads, sauces and recipes.”
Domenico Mendicino’s recipes eventually found their way onto the restaurant’s menu bearing his namesake, along with those of his son, Joe Mendicino, and his wife. A signature dish is one such recipe: “polpette,” or meatballs and red sauce.
The restaurant even has its own tomato garden.
Domenic Mendicino would inherit that passion for homemade, authentic Italian cooking, along with his own fondness for culinary experimentation.
“A lot of the stuff I developed on my own, or (I) just came up with recipes,” said Mendicino. “I like to cook on my own as well as working in the industry.”
This blend of old and new is reflected in the menu. On regular rotation is an abundant variety of appetizers, soups and salads, flatbreads, sandwiches, Italian specialties and desserts.
The restaurant’s Facebook and Instagram pages display appetizing photographs of Domenico’s regularly run specials, such as the carbonara and lasagna. Seafood lovers will delight in the pan-seared cod, salmon, calamari and scallops.
“We just started lunch service maybe three or four weeks ago,” said Mendicino. “We’re doing a lot of lunch specials nearly every day. Some type of sandwich, soup, things of that nature.”
Best-sellers include the chicken parmesan, chicken piccata, ravioli and gnocchi. With so many tempting options, patrons may struggle to choose a favorite dish.
“I honestly typically gravitate towards the chicken piccata; I think that’s excellent,” said Mendicino. “We have a gnocchi pork ragu … we braise that for about eight hours in the oven, and it falls apart. With our red sauce, it’s delicious.”
Great company is the best complement to great food, so Domenico’s also hosts private events such as bridal showers, baby showers, baptisms and more. The enclosed terrace can accommodate up to 35 guests.
For a slightly more casual affair, patrons can chat and relax over $5 wines and $10 charcuterie boards during “Wine Down Wednesday,” every Wednesday from 4- 6 p.m.
Domenico’s also offers an extensive selection of craft cocktails and draft beers. Sissy’s Sangria, made by Mendicino’s stepdaughter, is a local favorite.
Family plays a vital role in Domenico’s day-to-day operations; Mendicino runs the restaurant alongside his fiancée, Emily Green, and their four children.
“(Emily) had been in the restaurant industry as well, so we kind of came together and did this together,” said Mendicino. “Our youngest daughter is the hostess. The boys both serve and cook back on the line, and our other daughter is the bartender.”
Patrons may even catch Mendicino’s cousin, Jamie “Giacomo” Mendicino, providing live entertainment with his smooth, old-school singing.
Mendicino credits his family and friends for the restaurant’s top-notch service and welcoming atmosphere. Combined with high-quality ingredients from suppliers like Pennsylvania Macaroni and Triple B Farms, it’s a recipe for success.
Customers can stop by Tuesday through Saturday from 11:30 a.m.- 9:00 p.m. and Sunday from 11:00 a.m.- 8:00 p.m. to experience a “taste of Italy in the Mon Valley.”