It’s the difference between grabbing a bite to eat to fill you up, and having a dining experience, according to the new owners of Il Forno Italian Restaurant in Northeast Mesa.
“Most places have pre-made dishes they heat up when you order,” said Mat Tran. “Not us. When you place your order at Il Forno, we start creating your meal just for you. It’s not coming out of any freezer. Sit back, relax, and enjoy a drink and an appetizer while we prepare your selection to your order. “We cater to those who really enjoy exceptional food, and take the time to enjoy it.”
Not only does Il Forno not serve pre-made meals, they make almost everything fresh, from scratch, using the best quality ingredients. “We really care about your health and where your money goes,” Mat said. “Take the time to appreciate the taste and quality of the amazing food we offer for the price. It might take a little longer to prepare, but it’s worth the wait.”
For instance, when you order lasagna, the chef assembles the plate right then, layering the cooked lasagna noodles with his homemade ricotta cheese, sautéed ground beef, and homemade sauce and topped with homemade fresh mozzarella. “But say you’re a vegetarian, and want it with just cheeses or roasted vegetables instead of the meat,” Mat said. “Just ask. We’ll do it your way.”
As often as three times a week, the chef makes his own mozzarella. He uses fresh curd, cooks it down, and seasons it as it melts. “That’s why our mozzarella has so much flavor and texture,” Mat stated. “We don’t buy it at the supermarket.”
The chef’s own homemade Italian sausage is a blend of his secret spices mixed with fresh ground cuts of pork, beef and veal. “It’s very low in fat,” Mat stated.
The chef mixes and rolls out his own ravioli dough, as well as making fresh pastas like fusilli, pappardelle and orecchiette. Each pasta dish comes with its own individually prepared sauces, like red wine and mushroom cacciatore style, or vodka pink sauce with smoked salmon.
Il Forno is small and intimate, but cozy and casual. No tuxedoed waiters here.
Il Forno is located on the west side of the Home Depot shopping center, at Power and McKellips roads, near Dunkin Donuts and Sports Clips. Hours are Monday through Thursday, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. For orders or information, call (480) 807-0888.