In a city where new restaurants seem to pop up every week, there is something to be said about those tried and true venues that we all know and love. That place where you might have had your first date, celebrated a birthday or anniversary or showed off your brand new prom dress. I’ve done all of those at Cascio’s, so imagine how excited I was to get another chance to savor the riches and comforts of this Omaha legacy.
I knew I would have a huge meal portion – no matter what menu item I chose. I knew the red sauce would have a hint of sweetness – probably just like Mama Cascio made in the old days. I knew I would sit back in my seat, while munching on ravioli and bread sticks and re-live all those memories with fondness.
There was no disappointment. Everything was as it should be. Even the clientele and the wait staff was the way I remembered. They were friendly and efficient and made us feel like we had been there yesterday.
We were greeted immediately and escorted to a cozy table near the front of the restaurant. There is plenty of glass and mirrors in this establishment, but the lighting is dimmed just enough to create an ambiance of love and romance, and even if you’ve been there a hundred times, it still tugs at your heart.
The appetizers options are plentiful, and much to my dinner companion’s dismay (and desire for onion rings – which ROCK by the way), we chose the Italian standard of toasted ravioli. How could I not? Within minutes a platter of eight meat-filled delicacies were placed before us with a nice ramekin of Cascio’s marinara. They were ‘toasty’ on the outside, warm and oh, so yummy. I could have ordered two or three orders of the toasted ravioli, skipped the entrée and been more than satisfied! Let’s just say, I dominated the plate.
We chose two pretty standard entrées from the plentiful menu. Our selections included a Queen’s cut prime rib and chicken parmesan. The prime rib comes with salad, pasta and potato, and the parmesan included salad and pasta.
The salad was just the right size – simple, crisp and fresh. I thoroughly enjoyed the Italian dressing, which can also be purchased at the restaurant. We had barely finished our salads, when the main event began.
Don’t let the ‘Queen’ name fool you – 10 oz of prime rib is a hefty meal for almost any macho, macho man! Swimming in au jus, it was cooked just as requested and cut easily. It melted in your mouth and had just enough peppery flavoring to wake up those taste buds. The baked potato was quite large and the pasta – well, what can I say? It was molto buona!!!! Ah, the pleasure of the marinara once again!
The size of the chicken parmesan had me reeling! It was gi-huge-ic!!! Talk about your tender touch – I could cut it with a fork, and it was smothered in red sauce, mozzarella and parmesan cheese. This, my friends, was certainly heaven on earth. I savored and reminisced with every bite. The mostaccioli was absolutely the bomb diggity. Suddenly there was so much food in front of me that I wasn’t sure where to dig in next! The portion was so large that I was fortunate enough to bring some home and enjoy it again the next day!
Top this wonderful meal off with a glass of vino and end it with a dish of spumoni and you have nothing more to want for.
With a purchase of salad dressing and marinara in hand, it was a reasonably priced and delightful evening.
Cascio’s has been serving the community in such fashion for 65 years, and they do it with ease and with love. Cascio’s should be a regular in anyone’s wheel house. You know you are going to leave sated and smiling. I may even resurrect one of those prom dresses next week and surprise the hubby on our date night!
