Lia’s Mountain View: Good Times, Good Food, Great People

I’ve been dining at Lia’s Mountain View for over 24 years….Trust me to say, other than The Woodlands, in Lakeville, CT, this is the most consistent and trusted restaurant in our area.  It’s been Zagat Rated since 2002.  For me, eating at Lia’s is more than a dining experience.   It’s seeing a room filled with local people, knowing the wait staff from their other jobs in town, and adoring the wonderful Mirto family (Nick, Maria and Vinnie) who run this special place.  It feels like being invited into the family’s kitchen.  To me, a visit to Lia’s is comfort…great, simple Italian family food.

Eggplant Parmigiana

I moved to Pine Plains over 25 years ago, and that is when I began eating at Lia’s.  A few times a month, it was a family meal for us. Gregg loved the Penne ala vodka, Dana would always order a shrimp cocktail…and ravioli or share my favorite, Eggplant Parmigiana, with me.   And the tradition continued.  I remember the first time we brought Jamey, my son-in-law to dinner there…it was like bringing him home to the family. And, it was the same the first time we brought Lillie, my granddaughter, to eat there.

Nick & Joan

So, when my friends Bonnie and Mary and I visited Lia’s last Thursday night it was once again a little trip down memory lane for me…and for Bonnie.  She’s been going to Lia’s for almost as many years as I have.  Nick Mirto, the family chef, came out to say hello to all of us.

Sun-dried Tomato Crusted Chicken

Chicken Piccata

Nick has created some incredible dishes (aside from my eggplant parmigiana).  Bonnie loves Nick’s Chicken Picatta — it’s not on the menu but he’ll make it for her; Mary said her usual favorite is the Chicken Vivace (which she says she dreams about sometimes) but thought she’d try something new.  Thursday night features a Complete 3-Course Dinner Special for only $15 which Mary got.  One of the entrees was Sun-dried Tomato Crusted Chicken w/thyme cream sauce and she went for it “like a duck on a June bug” (that’s her quote, not mine).  All of the very generously-sized entrees (we each had enough for lunch the next day) are served with salad … ask for the honey mustard dill dressing.  Everything was absolutely ….delicioso!!

Eating at the Mountain View is special…it’s real, it’s authentic….and, like other things in ones’ life, is a place that will always bring back memories of good times, good food, and the great people at this very special restaurant. If you haven’t eaten at Lia’s Mountain View…start now and begin creating your own memories.

Weekly specials: Tuesday - Prime Rib (with mashed potatoes, veggies and salad); Wednesday - Pasta Night, all you can eat (with salad and garlic bread); Thursday - Complete Dinner (with soup, salad, choice of 3 entrees, coffee & dessert); Sunday - 3-Course Prix Fixe Dinner (with soup or salad, choice of appetizer & entree).

Check out their website: www.liasmountainview.com for more information