A Taste Of Italy
By Tina Price

     If you are hungering for a piece of Italy, then drive on over to Grande’s Italian Restaurant and Lounge, located at 11970 Old Franklin Turnpike in Union Hall, on the Franklin County side of the lake.
     Their menu is packed full of Italian dishes sure to make your mouth water.
     If a full-course meal is what you have in mind, consider starting off with an appetizer such as their fried calamari, which is lightly dusted and fried to a golden brown with an edge of lemon.  Work your way to their fresh homemade soup of the day.  Further your indulgence with a traditional garden salad or sample their Italian Antipasto.  Next on your agenda will be the main entrée, which you can select from various means of veal, chicken, seafood, sandwiches, steaks, pizza, strombolis, calzones or create your own pasta dish by selecting your sauce and noodle type.
And for the tykes who have big eyes but little tummies, Grande’s has a handful of choices  including spaghetti, ravioli and tortellini.
     After finishing your entrée, you may find room enough to satisfy your sweet tooth.  Desserts such as their cannoli, a flaky pastry filled with a thick cream filling and topped with powdered sugar, and their tiramisu, a creamy mascarpone filling, layered with sponge cake, chocolate and espresso coffee, are sure to conquer your healthy hankering of delight.
     To add spice to your dining, Grande’s offers a full service bar, as well as a complete inventory of wines and beers.  Domestic beers that are available include Budweiser, Bud Light, Miller Lite, MGD, Coors Lite, Michelob Light, Tequiza and Rolling Rock.  Imported bottled beers include Zima, Corona, New Castle, Heineken, Killians, Peroni and Ice House.  Wine that is served by the glass includes chablis, blush, burgundy, chardonnay, merlot, cabernet sauvignon, and white zinfandel.
One specialty that the restaurant offers is Wednesday night buffet, which provides a sampling of the most requested Italian dishes that they have perfected at a reasonable price.
     Grande’s Italian Restaurant and Lounge is open Wednesday through Sunday, from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.  They extend their closing hour to 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday evenings.
     For more information, you may call the lounge at 576-1120.
     Grande’s is owned and operated by the Altadonna family. 
     The atmosphere as well as the entertainment that Joe Altadonna has created within the establishment is family oriented, fun and relaxing.  Whether dining alone, with a group, family, or perhaps a romantic dinner for two, Grande’s can offer what you desire.