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<\/p>\nSometimes we all just crave a little comfort food. A simple meal enjoyed in a relaxed, convivial environment, where conversation is flowing and plates are big enough to share with loved ones. When Mo Pittle envisioned his latest project, he wanted to serve the residents of his beloved neighborhood, Hyde Park, with some of the most comforting cuisine on the planet: classic Italian American. \u201cPanciuto is about good food and an inclusive vibe\u2014having an easy meal that is going to be satisfying and affordable in a space with a local diner feel,\u201d Pittle says.<\/p>\n
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The Concept<\/p>\n
Mo Pittle is a man of many talents. A former pre-med student and professional drummer who carved a successful advertising career across the U.S., he fell into the restaurant business by chance when he opened his Jewboy Burgers food truck as a client case study. As the business took off, Pittle realized he had found a new creative passion and ran with it\u2014and now, he\u2019s opening his sixth restaurant. Debuting Sept. 15, his latest concept is an homage to the big family meals he grew up with, which he saw reflected in the Italian American culture he experienced living on the East Coast. \u201cI grew up in a large family as the eldest of six, and every meal was a big meal. I have strong memories of how gratifying they were,\u201d he says. Enter Panciuto (\u201cpan-chew-toe\u201d), a love letter to family-style dining where everyone is welcome. \u201cI don\u2019t want guests to worry about what they\u2019re wearing or their food knowledge,\u201d Pittle says.<\/p>\n
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The Decor<\/p>\n
If you close your eyes and imagine an Italian American neighborhood bistro, you might envision dark red hues paired with checkered black-and-white accents. Pittle is leaning into visual comfort through familiarity, using a traditional color palette to create a sense of home. He also gets to exercise his passion for local art with Italian-style pictures from AO5 gallery and neon signs by Todd Sanders from Relic Roadhouse. \u201cI like it when people come into the restaurant and look around\u2014the more there is to see, the more there is to talk about,\u201d he says. Creating an atmosphere conducive to conversation (and not just time scrolling on smartphones) is an important goal for Pittle. \u201cThere is more to a meal than just the food. Bringing everyone together, kids and old people, this is comfort that isn\u2019t necessarily from the food but from the heart,\u201d he says.\u201d<\/p>\n
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The Food<\/p>\n
Translating to \u201cpot-bellied,\u201d Panciuto offers up all the classic cozy Italian American staples, with generous portions you\u2019d expect from a nonna. Even the antipasti dishes are true sharers: The large bowl of Arugula Caprese boasts chunky fresh meaty mozzarella and an attractive blend of four brightly colored tomatoes and pine nuts with a textured crunch, while the Foccacia Pizza Squares topped with pepperoni or marinara-vodka-pesto remain incredibly light despite their size, the homemade focaccia perfectly aeriated with lovely crisp edges.<\/p>\n
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Don\u2019t miss the exquisite Sausage and Mushroom Cavatelli, its rich umami mushrooms thick-sliced in a light but flavorsome cream sauce with large juicy \u201ccrumbs\u201d of herbaceous fennel-forward Italian sausage, or the enormous, indulgent Chicken Parm Alla Vodka. Pittle rightly encourages guests to inhale the tantalizing aroma of the on-point Zucchini Fries before tasting. Other menu essentials include bolognese and vegetarian 14-layer lasagna, and of course, Spaghetti and Meatballs. Make sure to leave room for the joyfully bouncy Tiramisu. Leftover-boxing is encouraged, and for Pittle, it adds to the experience. \u201cI love baked pasta leftovers\u2014it\u2019s so good when it\u2019s hot, but there\u2019s something special about it when it\u2019s been sitting in the fridge and you dig in.\u201d<\/p>\n
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The Drinks<\/p>\n
A full bar is in the works at Panciuto, which will serve what Pittle describes as \u201cgood drinks with healthy pours.\u201d In the meantime, the concept offers a curated selection of beers and wines. At the Hyde Park restaurant, come ready to sit back, relax, eat, and talk. Pittle lives his philosophy, happily working tables himself, chatting with customers just because he wants to. \u201cReal conversations are so important,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n
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Panciuto is opening Sept. 15 in the Hyde Park neighborhood at 4413 Guadalupe St. Follow the restaurant on Instagram at @panciuto.atx.<\/p>\n
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