wrlittle asked: You should check out Casa Grande Pizzaria, if you haven't.

Casa Grande Pizzeria
984 Sargent Avenue 
(204) 783-6231 

Casa Grande is a veritable West End establishment with loyal clientele going back decades, and whenever traditional Italian fare comes up in conversation, Casa Grande is bound to be mentioned.

Walking into this dimly-lit restaurant, it’s easy to understand how Casa Grande charms everyone passing through its doors. Every review mentions the red-checkered tablecloths, the wax dripping down Chianti bottles, and it does come together to create the romantic scene straight out of a movie. In fact, Casa Grande is a favourite spot of Colleen and Caleb, and I’d hazard that the average Winnipegger could peg another half dozen couples with stories about the restaurant.

Our first visit to Casa Grande was a famed supper club several years ago, and we recently revisited their food as a group with a take-out order. Dining in, the staff kindly adapted to our atypical group of loud-mouthed newcomers, and though they were a touch mystified by our complicated take-out order, it mostly went through in the end.

Casa Grande has quite a large menu, so I’ll just make a few recommendations. They’re well-known for their stone-fired pizzas, and while I personally prefer the thin crusts and sweet sauce at Tomato Food and Wine Bar, I’d agree that it’s a solid crust and sauce. I prefer their pasta dishes, especially the simple four-cheese pasta. Colleen’s a fan of their veal, as well.

The food doesn’t travel so well. By the time we got our take-out home, everything was just a bit too congealed or wilted for my taste. I’m not a huge fan of their garlic bread or Caesar salad, unlike others, but they’re passable.

What’s your favourite dish?