A great thing about St. Louis is the quality and abundance of great restaurants. Take for instance, Tony’s in St. Louis, Annie Gunn’s, and The Melting Pot, both of Chesterfield, and Al’s Steak House Downtown, St. Louis. Of course who could discount “The Hill” restaurants, featuring some of the greatest of classic Italian. One of my favorites is Charlie Gitto’s who of course has been on “The Hill” for many years. There is a father and son connection here, with the father, Charlie Sr., running “The Hill” restaurant, and the son, Charlie Jr., running the Chesterfield location. It was at this location that I had his “Cannoli Cake.”
My sister, Josephine, who lives in Chesterfield, suggested we go to lunch up the road from her on Olive Boulevard, which just happened to be Charlie Gitto’s from “On The Hill.”
The restaurant itself is a beautiful edifice inside and out. With all the top upgrade architecture and furnishings, you immediately feel like a special guest. All the service staff are in black and white attire, complete with bowtie and black satin belts. The first thing you pass after being greeted and ushered in, is the Gelato and Dessert bar. The mile high cakes and classic Italian pastries, just about take your breath, and the salivating immediately begins.
After being seated, we decided right off that our lunch would be light, in so much as to accommodate one of the fabulous desserts. We chose the Eggplant Parmesan and the lunch-time Prima Vera which we could split. Indulging in the warm Italian seed bread doused in olive oil, the oohs and ahas just couldn’t stop! We were so delighted in just visiting and enjoying this wonderful food, that we almost dismissed having the dessert, that is, until the waiter accommodating us suggested we have another “look” at the array of goodies. That was a mistake, or actually is wasn’t. We decided on this beautiful looking three layer cake, called “Charlie Gitto’s Cannoli Cake.” It was $5.00 per piece, well enough for the two of us to share. After it arrived, we just had to stare at it for a moment, it was so lovely. We promptly dug in and the both agreed this cake was awesome. All of the tastes of a cream-filled cannoli wrapped up into a cake.
It was a memorable lunch, and we both agreed we would have to do this at least once a month. There was only one problem; I was unable to sleep for several nights following; mainly trying to figure out how to replicate this cake. I would dream about it and thought I had it figured out, when my sister would remind me of something I missed.
After totaling messing up the cake the first time around, I still had the urge to try again. So, yesterday I tried again, and after giving a taste, I think Charlie might even be proud of me…of course I’m not asking. In any case, hope you try it and give me an email on what you think. I really need your feedback. Have fun, and see you at Charlie’s sometime. Do sign up for my Newsletter and see the actual cake being made.
Rosalie
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