Eats Beat: Siblings open D'Italia in Westlake

When Lisa Andrews and Rick Dow planned on a “quiet opening” of their Westlake catering and carryout restaurant in late October 2012, they didn’t count on Hurricane Sandy. To their surprise the day after the storm hit, they had power, unlike most people on the west side of Cleveland. Their business started out with a bang!

Lisa’s career path started as a barber and owned her own shop, while Rick was in the construction and remodeling business. Despite their other experiences, the sister and brother team always dreamed of opening their own restaurant.

“Cooking has always been a big part of our family,” Lisa said. Their dad worked the counter and managed Alesci’s in North Olmsted. So when their uncle presented them with the opportunity for a restaurant in Westlake, they jumped at it.

Their carry-out menu at D'Italia consists of soups, salads, pastas, pizza – red or white, deli sandwiches, hot subs, “fresh made” pastas, lasagna, chicken, veal, eggplant and many other Italian standards. Catering has per-person pricing along with half and full pan options. For the sweet tooth in all of us they offer homemade cannolis, their mom’s cheesecake, Aunt Linda’s pizzelles and Corbo’s Italian Ice.

D’Italia also boasts a deli counter of fresh sliced cheeses, meats and “fresh baked” Italian bread. 

Many menu items are packaged and refrigerated from their homemade pastas, pizza dough, meatball and homemade sauces so you can take them home to create your own Italian dishes. They also have a modest selection of canned goods for your additional cooking needs.

The carryout prices range from $4.99-$6.50 for salads; subs and sandwiches are $6.50-$9.50; pizza, $2 per slice or half/full sheets, $10/$20; and pasta dinners ranging $6.99-$15.50. Catering of party trays and entrees has a 10-person minimum with prices ranging from $4-$6.95 per person for salads, pastas and side dishes, and $20-$80 for half or full pans.

There are a few high top tables if you would like to eat in.

I’ve spoken to several friends who have already patronized the authentic Italian cuisine and heard rave reviews. I sampled the pepperoni bread and pizzelles myself, and they were delicious!

So check out D’Italia in the heart of Westlake at 26285 Detroit Rd. Hours of operation are Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; closed Sunday.

Visit www.ditalia.biz for menus and daily specials or call 440-871-0887.

Steve Novak

Steve Novak is a Westlake resident and 30-year veteran in the restaurant industry, working at all levels from dishwasher to chef/owner.

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Volume 5, Issue 6, Posted 10:33 AM, 03.19.2013