Donatelli’s Bistro appeases the senses

Don Baker has deep, widespread roots in the culinary world and brings the best of it to his restaurant, Donatelli’s Bistro.

 

Step inside the spacious restaurant and your vision will be bathed in tones of warm gold accented by well-distributed tables and booths. Feel the comfort of three distinct dining areas or gravitate to the U-shaped bar and enjoy a front row seat to the glossy black piano that serves as center stage for the sound of sensational live music (Wed., Fri., and Sat.). A wall of windows invites a gaze out to a sunny day, an evening sunset or a seemingly never ending span of open fields.

Most of all, your taste buds will burgeon with just one glance at the extensive menu and wine selection. Smell the aroma of simmering sauces and you’ll want to try something like the Cannelloni Rosso ($12.60), a selection of three rolled pasta noodles stuffed with meat and crowned with both meat and cream sauces.

Regardless of what you order, it will be love at first bite, because all of Donatelli’s entrees seduce the senses with made-from-scratch entrees prepared with the utmost enthusiasm.

So what would Baker have you say after dining or spending the evening at his large, casual upscale establishment?

“Awesome,” Baker says. “That’s what I’d like to hear people say. I’d like them to tell their friends and pass it on.”

You won’t find any cans in Donatelli’s kitchen. Everything is made from scratch and not at all prepared like most other restaurants do, Baker said.

His meats are fresh, never frozen. Chef James Curry trims and cuts whole tenderloins making sure each piece served is of the best quality. Baker’s world of restaurant experience has allowed him to collect and combine recipes from a long line of Italian experts.

Baker says his “signature” Tenderloin Modiga ($28.30) is always a winner. The 10-ounce breaded beef tenderloin is topped with provel cheese and a white wine butter sauce, mushrooms and garlic. Another of his favorites is the Linguine Tutamare, featuring shrimp, sea clams, crab meat and mushrooms with a garlic cream sauce.

Unusual items like the Salmon Alfresco ($21.45) are delightful. The lightly breaded salmon is perfectly char-broiled and complemented with a white wine lemon butter and sun-dried tomato sauce.

The menu goes on and on with a large selection of appetizers, soups, salads, steaks, seafood, pasta and pizza with freshly made-on-the-premises crust, sauces and toppings.

“I don’t like to be known for our chicken wings, but ours are breaded and prepared to be the best I’ve tasted,” Baker said. “They’re fabulous.”

Baker and soon-to-be-wife Barb Giganti are attentive and hands-on, whether it’s during a quick lunch or lavish dinner, or if you just stopped in for an evening of great libations and lovely music. Jazz, Blues or Rock? Watch the Donatelli’s calendar at donatellisbistro.com.

Donatelli’s hosts duos and trios that harmonize talents on Wednesday (7-10 p.m.), Friday and Saturday (8-11 p.m.) evenings. Reservations are not required, but are recommended on “entertainment nights.”

“Everything is totally done the right way,” Baker said. “I’ll challenge anybody with our entertainment, because it’s the best entertainment this side of the river.”

Though the restaurant has been open since 2006,  Donatelli’s Wine Bar opened just a few weeks ago, offering a variety of 16 wines. Drop in for Wine Bar Wednesday (4-10 p.m.) and taste two whites, two reds, and a selection of appetizers.

“The wine bar offers drinks you can’t find in retail stores,” Baker said. “We bring in 16 wines of two cases each, and they’re constantly changing.”

Donatelli’s spacious establishment has proven to be the perfect spot for parties, Baker said. Though it was something unexpected, customers found the wine bar and the distribution of dining areas to be a welcoming spot for rehearsal dinners, showers or family get-togethers.

The wine bar accommodates up to 90 people, but rooms can be separated to optimize space. Another smaller room holds 25 to 30 people.

“There are so many options,” Baker said, noting that on Fridays and Saturdays there are package deals available.

Catering is also available.

Donatelli’s Bistro is located west of Hwy. 40/64 at 8653 Hwy. N in Lake St. Louis.

Hours are Sun. 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Mon.-Thurs. 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and Fri.-Sat. 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. The bar stays open later hours based upon customer demand. For reservations, carryout, the entertainment lineup or more information call Donatelli’s at 636-561-6966.

Donatelli’s Bistro

8653 Hwy. N in Lake St. Louis

Hours:             Sun. 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Mon.-Thurs. 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Fri.-Sat. 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

The bar remains open later based upon customer demand.

Phone: 636-561-6966