Why: I.talia rounds out the food options in the food court at the new Ilani Casino Resort on the Cowlitz Indian Reservation. The restaurant serves wood-fired oven pizzas a few salads and Italian-inspired sandwiches. Although the menu is not extensive, it includes many popular selections.
What I tried: I had viewed the menu online and had decided to include the roasted olives for my meal, but they had been taken off by the time I visited. I had the margherita pizza and the pear gorgonzola salad.
The salad is served in a stainless steel mixing bowl. The portion was enough for sharing. A bed of healthful, fresh, mixed greens were lightly tossed in a blackberry vinaigrette and topped with caramelized, whole hazelnuts and gorgonzola cheese. Thin-sliced pear sections were artfully laid atop. I found the salad appetizing and fresh — what could you ask more for in a salad?
The wood-oven fired pizza had a thin crust that was not quite typical for this type of preparation, in that it was not left in the oven long enough to produce any charred air bubbles. The pie was topped with a balanced amount of mozzarella, sliced tomatoes and a sprinkling of basil over just a touch of red sauce to produce a delicious traditional Italian flavor. The pizza was six slices in all — more of a personal size than for sharing.
Dining Out review: I.talia
Hours: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sundays through Wednesdays; 11 a.m. to 3 a.m. Thursdays; 11 a.m. to 4 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays.
Contact: 360-768-5452 or www.ilaniresort.com
Where: Ilani Casino Resort, 1 Cowlitz Way, Ridgefield.
Health score: The Ilani Casino Resort does not fall under the purview of Clark County Public Health.
Menu highlights beyond what I tried: Two other salads offered include a Caesar salad that you may add chicken to, and a chopped salad that combines soppressata (a dry Italian salami), chicken, Kalamata olives, mozzarella, tomatoes, cucumber, mixed greens and balsamic vinaigrette. Sandwiches include a baked smoked turkey sub and a baked Italian sandwich. Bruschetta is on the menu, as is tomato basil soup. Five pizzas are available: motto carne, made with all natural pepperoni, soppressata, sausage and Kalamata olives; ham and pineapple; pepperoni; cheese; and the margherita. A drink cooler holds Pepsi products for beverages.
Atmosphere: The oven at I.talia is center stage behind the counter. The food is prepared in full view behind a glass partition. Seating is free-for-all in the food court where string lights have been strung across the vast space. Additional lighting comes from contemporary pendant fixtures and halogen spots. A brick faced wall with a colorful painted mural depicts Northwest bounty, and dining tables are paired with woven upholstered benches and chairs. Diners are given a buzzer to notify them when their food is ready for pick up. Trash and tray receptacles are located at the entrance end of the court for diners to use.
Other observations: The staff was very friendly and cheerful. Food is made to order fresh and, since the pizzas are cooked in a wood-fired oven, it does not take a long time.
Cost: Sandwiches cost $9 and $10. Bruschetta is $7. Salads are $9. Pizzas range from $7 to $10.
