Lunch Break: Penne’s From Heaven
Sampling dishes and diners in and around Miami County
There are a few restaurants on my New Carlisle list, and upon entering the small town this week, I made it to Carmela’s Pizzeria. At first, I was mostly excited about the salad bar. However, I think I might have shown up a little too late in the day to take it for a whirl. Although I was disappointed to see the empty salad bar, the menu made me feel hopeful. There are few places where a meal or a combo is under fifteen dollars, but Carmela’s had a variety of options, all within a reasonable price range. Although I went with a friend, I could see how the quaint little restaurant would be the perfect place for a family night out.
Carmela’s had a family vibe from the moment you walked in the door. Although the customers were pretty quiet on a weekday night, there was the comforting hum of live music and chatter from the bar and booths. This, mixed with the Italian-inspired artwork and scenery, made Carmela’s feel almost like somewhere I’d been before. The little Italian pizza joint has the same atmosphere and vibe as a place you might stop with your family on a road trip, and then your family would decide to eat there every year following. You can tell that there are years of memories packed into the walls, and it was comforting to think of birthday parties and family get-togethers, which probably occurred right in the booth where I sat.
Of course, the food was also delicious. I’ve written a lot about pizza recently, so I switched it up and ordered the baked penne pasta. The pasta arrived in a huge bowl, and the smell was incredible. The sweet tomato sauce bubbled over warm and gooey melted mozzarella cheese. After topping the dish off with the pizza place usuals, parmesan and red pepper flakes, I had to stop myself from devouring the whole bowl. Not to mention, it came with a crispy complimentary breadstick. Although I don’t normally order pasta when I’m out, I’m glad I took a chance at Carmela’s. The next time I’m in the mood for something warm to eat in an atmosphere with the same sentiment, I’ll definitely stop by again.
Carmela’s Pizzeria is located at 2015 S Dayton-Lakeview Rd, New Carlisle.