Up Close Publications
  • Home
  • Read Articles
    • Community
    • Education
    • Events
    • Finance
    • Food + Dining
    • Health + Beauty
    • Holidays
    • Home Improvement
    • Las Sendas Golf Club: A Closer Look
    • Local Business
    • Over 50
    • Real Estate
    • Sports
  • Events
  • Service Directory
  • Advertisers
  • Testimonials
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Advertise
  • Contact Us
  • About Us
CALL US AT (480) 748-1127

Up Close Publications

ad Acoya
  • Home
  • Read Articles
    • Community
    • Education
    • Events
    • Finance
    • Food + Dining
    • Health + Beauty
    • Holidays
    • Home Improvement
    • Las Sendas Golf Club: A Closer Look
    • Local Business
    • Over 50
    • Real Estate
    • Sports
  • Events
  • Service Directory
  • Advertisers
  • Testimonials
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
Food + Dining

Visit Pacino’s for a great Italian meal and you might even see Al, too

by Dawn Abbey July 2, 2013
written by Dawn Abbey July 2, 2013

The owner of Pacino’s has quite a story to tell about the name of his new Italian restaurant and its décor.

“It all started years ago at a casino in Vegas, when a guy next to me said, ‘Hey, Al Pacino’s little brother,’” said Frank Spaccarelli, who bears a resemblance to the well-known actor. “I’ve always admired Al Pacino and his movies, and I was looking for a name for my new California restaurant. My own name is too hard to spell,” he said with a laugh.

After 28 years in the restaurant business in California, Frank opened his own Italian restaurant there, and named it Pacino’s Spaghetti Factory. After that, a lot of Pacino-related events started happening. “People would sometimes stop me on the street, and ask me if I was him,” said Frank. Frank met Al Pacino’s cousin, and then, his stepmother, whose autograph he has framed.

So, when Frank and his wife, Alicia, recently moved to Mesa to start their new Italian restaurant, they naturally named it Pacino’s. The walls are covered with Al Pacino movie posters, photographs and other memorabilia. With the comfortable booths and subdued lighting, you might even imagine the Godfather enjoying a plate of pasta in the corner.

But Pacino’s also is a happening place. When you first walk in, you notice a large granite-topped bar with comfortable stools and a visible selection of libations—a perfect place to enjoy the Happy Hour specials from 3 to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, featuring $3 drafts and Coastal Vines wines, as well as unique appetizers like truffled parmesan and herb french fries with aioli, or the house specialty—meatball sliders.

Pacino’s meatballs are like none you have ever had since grandma’s kitchen. Hefty, two-inch-diameter portions of juicy, seasoned ground veal, pork and beef, pan-seared, smothered in ragu, and garnished with pecorino cheese and arugula, all on a buttery grilled bun.

An open kitchen is the focal point of the room, and is manned by Chef Charles DelliPizzi, who has worked in some of New York’s five-star restaurants. Frank’s cousin, Michael Spaccarelli, is also part of the team.

“We prepare all our dishes a la minute,” said Frank. “So, your selection is always made fresh, just for you.” Pacino’s offers a variety of pastas and pizza. The Italian entrées offer unique and interesting ingredients for lunch and dinner, like pork tenderloin in agro dolce, an Italian sweet and sour sauce, with garlic spinach and creamy polenta. “Everyone’s favorite is our Fra Diavolo,” Frank claimed. It’s linguini with shrimp, mussels and Manila clams in a peppery tomato sauce. Or try some of the homemade gnocchi.

Unique is a funghi pizza with roasted mushrooms, caramelized onions, mascarpone cheese, and arugula with fig balsamic reduction. “This one is a favorite of our special customers Terry and Becky,” said Frank.

Desserts include Gianduja Semifreddo, a white Italian mousse with complements of hazelnut and chocolate, and Lemon Panna Cotta, custard with an amazing raspberry balsamic reduction sauce.

Frank and Alicia are proud to enlist local vendors for their menu items. Breadsmith, next door, supplies hearth-baked breads; olives and extra virgin olive oils come from Queen Creek Olive Ranch and Epicurean Season; Desert Eagle Brewing Company, with Main Street Blonde Ale on tap; and Dolce Vita provides gelato. “We are constantly looking for local suppliers, so we can support the community,” said Alicia.

“Come in,” said Frank. “We welcome you into our famiglia and our hearts. And we have entertainment Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.”

Pacino’s is located in The Village at Las Sendas, at 2831 N. Power Road. For information or take-out orders, call (480) 985-0114. Hours are 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday through Thursday; 10:30 a.m. to whenever, Friday and Saturday; and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday.

0 comment
0
FacebookTwitterPinterest
previous post
Take Part in Open Mic Night at O’Neill’s Place
next post
Soroptimist International of Mesa Welcomes New Board Members

Related Articles

Sam & Luca Rustic Kitchen offers new refreshing...

June 19, 2021

Takeout Tuesday or Any Day at Sam &...

November 29, 2020

December 2020: A Closer Look, Las Sendas Golf...

November 29, 2020

Sonson’s Pasty Co. Introduces New Family-Focused Offerings

September 30, 2020

Milano’s Reopens Dining Room While Prioritizing Health

July 1, 2020

Sonson’s Pasty Co. Thanks Community for Support Through...

June 1, 2020

The Buffalo Spot is open, offers delicious wings...

June 1, 2020

June 2020: A Closer Look, Las Sendas Golf...

June 1, 2020

Sonson’s Pasty Company offers take out options during...

May 2, 2020

Pacino’s Expands Takeout and Delivery Options During Pandemic

March 28, 2020

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Read Print Issue Now

find us on social media

Facebook Twitter Instagram Pinterest

Trending Articles

  • Mesa Citizen of the Year Association Honors Students for Exceptional Service and Lifelong Impact

  • Curiosity, Geometry, and Arts and The Shaping of The Future

  • So, What Kind of Music Do You Like?

  • Xoxo Charcuterie Mesa is aone stop solution for great events

  • Getting Off theLong, Uphill Bicycle Ride

Read PDF Editions





GET IN TOUCH

Kim Phillips
Publisher
(480) 748-1127
publisher@phillipswest.com

 


 
Monica Adair
Advertising Representative
(480) 772-1949
monica@goupclose.com

Email Us



    Sign up for our newsletter



      • Facebook
      • Twitter
      • Instagram
      • Pinterest
      • Advertise
      • Contact Us
      • About Us

      Ⓒ 2020 Phillips West Publishing | Website by Rangefinder Studios