I have to start off with saying that I've not been that impressed with the Railyard thus far. There have been so many decent options go through there over the years, but the rent must be really high because everything would be about $5-$7 overpriced. I'd almost lost hope that it would ever be what it could be. And the fact that it has essentially been a revolving door of new concepts would seem to suggest my perspective isn't all that controversial.
Additionally, I usually struggle when it comes to dining out at Italian restaurants, but that is no more now that Vignola's is here. Typically, you'll pay $12-20 for a dish made from pasta and sauce that taste like they are "fresh" out of the Ben E. Keith delivery truck. No thanks. Vignola's is different, and it's a difference you can actually taste.
The inside is simple and beautiful, and it's the simplicity that runs throughout makes this place work so well. The menu is robust, but it's an Italian kitchen, and it they know it. It's refreshing.
We started with the small Caesar, after I asked if they make their own dressings. To my delight, they do. It was a simple salad tossed in fresh Caesar dressing. When it arrived, it looked like it had just been tossed, just for us. It's not a two-hour old salad just sitting in the cooler. It was perfectly tossed, not too much dressing, the lettuce was spry, not wilted at all, and garnished with just enough house made parmesan croutons to give each bite just a tad crunch. Caesar Cardini would be proud of this salad.
I make pasta at home, so I can tell when pasta is actually "homemade." Upon seeing "homemade pasta" on their menu, I thought ehhh it's probably not. I was thankfully wrong. It is absolutely freshly made pasta. We ordered the chicken alfredo and one bite in I could tell this is REAL pasta. The weight of it on the fork, the way it holds the moisture from the salted water, the texture you can feel as you eat it are hallmarks of a fresh pasta. I couldn't see in the kitchen, but I would not be surprised if this pasta isn't even dried before it goes into the water.
As the Hallelujah Chorus was playing in my head with each fork full, I told my wife... I just want to eat this in small bites. The alfredo sauce is on lighter end, but because of the texture of the pasta it holds onto it well. While this sauce likely wouldn't have great adherence to typically waxy pasta you get at a chain restaurant, here it works very well. The chicken is cut up into pretty small pieces, which allows you to get a piece with nearly every bite, but it clearly isn't the focal point of the dish. I'd consider it more like a heavy garnish.
We ate with our four kids who all got something a little different, our oldest choose the penne with alfredo, second went with penne and marinara, number three wanted the kids mac and cheese and the baby ate from everyone's plate.
The older two don't share the dinners much anymore... they need every calorie they can get. Fortunately number three still will, and he had the kids mac and cheese, which was terrific. It's clearly made from real macaroni and REAL cheese. Our son devoured it, Now I need to point out that he is used to stronger flavored cheeses. It definitely isn't Kraft powdered or Velveeta type of mac & cheese.
Every member of the staff was delightful and genuinely want their guests to have a great experience.
If you are looking for some fusion hybrid thing, this isn't it, but if you want your taste buds to take you somewhere far away, then you MUST try Vignola's Italian Kitchen. There are a few things I'll do different next time. 1. Leave the kids at home, this is a great date night place. 2. Not split my dinner with the Mrs.
Thank you, Vignola's, I can't...
Read moreHere's an updated version of the review for Vignolas Italian Kitchen with a more vivid and engaging writing style:
Tucked away in the charming city of Edmond, I recently discovered Vignolas Italian Kitchen, a hidden gem that has quickly become my new favorite spot for authentic Italian cuisine. From the moment I stepped inside, I knew I was in for a treat.
The cozy ambiance and the aroma of garlic and herbs wafting through the air immediately set the tone for a delightful dining experience. As I perused the menu, my mouth watered at the tantalizing options before me. Ultimately, I decided to indulge in the chicken fettuccine Alfredo and a refreshing glass of their delicious sangria.
When my order arrived, I was instantly impressed by the generous portion sizes. The fettuccine Alfredo was a sight to behold – a rich, creamy sauce coating each strand of perfectly cooked pasta, with a generous amount of tender square cuts of chicken adding layers of depth an flavor. Every bite was an explosion of indulgence on my taste buds.
To complement the main course, I sampled the mozzarella sticks, which were nothing short of divine. Piping hot and oozing with melted cheese, these golden-fried morsels were the perfect accompaniment, especially when dunked in the zesty marinara sauce. While the sauce itself was somewhat understated, it allowed the flavors of the cheese and breading and Italian spices to truly shine.
But the pièce de résistance was undoubtedly the Chicken Parmesan. Towering on my plate, this colossal portion was a true feast for the eyes and the appetite. The crispy, golden-brown breaded chicken was smothered in a tangy marinara sauce and blanketed with a generous layer of melted mozzarella cheese. Paired with the fettuccine noodles (though I would opt for angel hair next time for a lighter accompaniment), it was a dish that left me completely satiated and utterly content.
Vignolas Italian Kitchen is a true gem, offering not only exceptional Italian cuisine but also a warm and inviting atmosphere that makes you feel right at home. Whether you're seeking a cozy lunch or a hearty dinner, this restaurant is sure to leave you with a full belly and a happy heart. Prepare to indulge in generous portions and flavors that will transport you straight to the...
Read moreFantastic little Italian gem! They have some exceptionally delicious homemade dishes and they even make their own pasta. Their Housemade Gnocchi is unlike any other especially their Gnocchi Bava which has a sauce that is packed full of flavor and tasted amazing and left me craving more. The use of Gorgonzola Cheese which is a fancy cheese comparable to blue cheese but with a milder flavor really sets this dish apart from others. Plus the walnuts give it a pleasant additional kick of nutty flavor while adding a change of texture to the dish. The dish is addicting to say the least!
We also tried their Meatball Sub, which upon ordering, the cashier asked if we would like a soft or hard baguette bread, which was a nice touch to have options. We found the sub to be rather tasty and easy to eat since the meatballs were not dense or hard like how most restaurants serve them. Usually I'm not a fan of meatball subs but this one I would actually order in the future. My wife found the dish to be a little spicy due to the seasoning but I barely noticed it. She ordered a side of their delicious alfredo sauce to use as a dipping sauce and it paired perfectly with the sub. For an appetizer we tried the Arancini, which is a fried rice ball with peas and a mozzarella center. Served with marinara as a dipping sauce. It was different but good, the addition of peas adds a kick of flavor, and these were quality peas unlike what you get out of a can. The restaurant was clean, the staff were friendly and respectful and even though we arrived 35 minutes before they closed, no one made us feel rushed or gave us any attitude. The owner even stopped by the table to ask how everything tasted. We visited on a busy Saturday night but still managed to find an available table that accommodated a wheelchair. We are already planning our next trip here to try different entrées. Lastly they get their desserts from the French bakery la baguette, which is a...
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