Paesano’s Pleasing Portabellas

When those hunger pangs hit, it’s hard to beat Italian food for stomach-satisfying, flavor-filled satisfaction. But those who choose not to eat meat sometimes crave something more substantial than just pasta primavera or Caesar salad — something hearty you can really sink your teeth into.

Paesano Ristorante Italiano chef Jerry Quach has one succulent word for you: portabellas!

Those big, brown beautiful mushrooms can “beef up” any vegetarian meal, are virtually free of fat and sodium, provide essential fiber, contain no cholesterol and are naturally low in calories — and Chef Quach assures Dining Out readers that at Paesano there is more than one way to savor them.

The Grilled Portabella Mushroom Steak features a large, grilled portabella sauteed with fire-roasted red peppers, fresh asparagus, onions, garlic, capers and a splash of balsamic vinegar, then drizzled with a balsamic-ginger reduction. ($12.90). It serves as an excellent appetizer, and if you want to make it into an entree, just order it with linguine (for a little extra cost) for a complete meal.

And here’s a scoop for Dining Out readers: Although it’s not on the menu as such, if you ask, the chef will specially prepare his Linguine Portabella ($15.90 small portion) just for you. The fresh portabella is lightly sauteed with spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh asparagus, onions and garlic with a splash of sherry — a colorful, mouthwatering medley of flavors and textures.

So no need to ask “where’s the beef?” For veggie lovers, those meaty, mega-mushrooms are molto buona!

Paesano Ristorante Italiano