There’s a little restaurant in the city of Pueblo that serves great Italian food. It’s called Galileo’s Diner and is located on East Routt Avenue between Northern and Mesa. I don’t know how long it’s been around, but right now, it’s not all that pleasant a place to dine. It’s dark, small and a wee bit dingy looking.
Their prices are pretty steep for the area, but then, you can tell they use the best ingredients in every dish and in my book, that is enough justification. The food is just wonderfu and the service was excellent so I’m predicting the restaurant’s physical circumstances will change for the better very soon.
Stepson found this place because he has a friend who lives on the same street. He called it a “hole-in-the-wall” and predicted it might be worth checking out. He was so right. When it comes to food, I have to say I give Stepson an A-rating. He’s brave in his choices, knows good food and even how to find it. This is just one example of his plate prowess.
The minute I walked into the restaurant and adjusted my eyes to the dark, I spotted their dessert display facing the front door (How could I miss it? It was dark!) I knew our dinner with Stepson and the new girlfriend was going to be interesting. They had Cannolis, a large Berry Tiramisu, Italian Mini Cream Puffs, Chocolate Cake, and other items I didn’t recognize. I had “Cannoli” on my mind the rest of the dinner and ate sparingly. Most of my dinner was boxed before I even ordered dessert!
I’ll start with a review on the dessert since I was most impressed with it, which also explains the?first photo in this post. According to Spouse who grew up in New Jersey, this was the best cannoli he’s ever had. The shell was crisp and not soggy like most commercial cannolis you’ll get. The plain ricotta filling was nice and thick and flavorfull…not mere fluff. No one else ordered dessert but I shared the one cannoli with Spouse and Stepson. Stepson was stuffed and declined at first but once he had a taste, he went for another bite. It really was THAT good.
For appetizers, Spouse ordered two big plates of fried calamari which came with a very good Marinara. There was more than enough for 4 people but we finished everything anyway, because it was THAT good. Crisp on the outside and tender, fresh squid inside, not to mention that excellent Marinara dip.
Spouse had the Lobster Ravioli with 2 Jumbo Shrimps. Looking at his plate, I wondered whether he had ordered enough to satisfy his appetite. But he said it was a very rich and heavy meal and loved how the shrimps were so fresh.
Stepson picked an interesting Mahi-Mahi Steak covered in an unusual walnut and raisin cream sauce. He enjoyed every bit, including the fettucine with the light tomato sauce and the vegetables that came with it.
I had the Veal Marsala which not only had the Marsala sauce, but artichoke hearts , mushrooms, diced tomatoes and baby asparagus. Plainly put, it was the freshest tasting Veal Marsala I’ve ever had. I love their generous use of olive oil.
There were only a few diners when we were there. But then again, it was a Tuesday night. I hope more people discover this place so it will remain open. This is one Italian restaurant which brags “Authentic Italian Restaurant” and means it.
Says Who?