Piatto Novo

Set against the stunning backdrop of the Cuyahoga River and gorge, Piatto Novo is the brainchild of acclaimed local chef Roger Thomas. Here’s why his rustic Italian cuisine commands as much attention as the magnificent natural views.

By: Beth Newcomb
Date: 08/20/2008
Magnificent, amazing, unparalleled, exquisite—and that’s just the view. Piatto Novo—located within the luxurious Sheraton Suites Akron/Cuyahoga Falls—is a precious jewel that’s been daringly cantilevered over the rushing waters of the Cuyahoga River. The brainchild of celebrated chef Roger Thomas, its sheer beauty commands visitors to pause in amazement at the towering walls of windows showcasing the breathtaking natural wonder outdoors.

Recently voted “Best Romantic Restaurant in Cleveland” by AOL City’s Best, Piatto Novo is so striking, it’s doubtful you’ve ever experienced ambiance quite like this.
And while it would be easy to discount the food at Piatto in favor of the splendor outside, your senses will find themselves at war the instant one of Chef Roger’s authentic rustic Italian creations graces your table.

He’ll modestly recount a lifetime spent in the kitchens of some of the area’s finest restaurants and a period spent in France receiving professional training. But it was in Italy that Chef Roger found his culinary voice, and Piatto Novo resonates loudly with the sound.

Originally located in Downtown Akron, Piatto enjoyed a devoted following until the Sheraton made Chef Roger an irresistible offer. “They were in the process of remodeling this amazing space and invited me to bring my restaurant here,” he modestly shares.

It gave Roger the opportunity to take a blank canvas and make magic happen.

He did.

The interior of Piatto is a simple but startling contrast to the riotous burst of nature that lies just beyond the giant panes of glass—and that’s just the way Roger intended it. “I wanted the tables to be awash in warm light, and a sophisticated yet inviting blend of neutral color to fill the room. We kept the art to the absolute minimum so that nothing competes with the beauty found outdoors,” he remarks.

Let the view fill your senses; let the carefully crafted traditional Italian menu fill the rest.

Chef Roger recommends the Tortelloni Di Zucca to start. Handmade pasta sheets have been filled with roasted pumpkin and grana, brown butter, and crushed amaretti cookies. “I’ve had guests get up and hug me in thanks for this dish,” he smiles.

Roger also insists the Lobster Bisque is an absolute must. “We use big chunks of real lobster and mushrooms, then the bowl is topped with a puff pastry crown. It’s a creamy classic that’s become a favorite,” he describes.
Consider the Caprino as your salad selection. It includes sliced, roasted beets with goat’s cheese, walnuts and horseradish-lemon vinaigrette. “This is a very exciting salad,” Chef Roger emphasizes. “We roast whole beets with a spice mix, then peel them. They really bear no resemblance to beets from a can.”

Move to the Pork T-Bone for your “Piatto Principali,” or main course. “This dish features the very best pork we can get,” he promises. The meat is grilled, then oven finished and served with pancetta braised Brussels sprouts, rosemary potatoes and fruit mostarda. “The mostarda includes dried and fresh fruits that are simmered then accented with mustard seed—almost like a chutney,” he adds. It’s one of Roger’s most requested recipes and he’s more than happy to share it with all of his guests.

For dessert—and oh yes, you must—Roger has a specially prepared, traditional Italian Fantasia Cioccolato. Voted “Best Dessert” by the Akron Beacon Journal in 2004, the flourless chocolate torte includes a creamy egg-free custard garnished with espresso cream and dark chocolate sauce, then topped with berries. “Most desserts from the Mediterranean are usually lighter, like this one,” he explains.

“Our food is rustic, which is an interesting paradox to the décor,” he says. “But I think our guests find it interesting. We make everything from scratch and strive to produce the best food we can make that’s an absolute value.”

To enjoy the best that Piatto Novo has to offer, consider a weekday dinner to be sure you can secure a table overlooking the falls and the gorge. The restaurant is located at 1989 Front Street in Cuyahoga Falls, just inside the entry to the Sheraton. They are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. For more information, call 330-920-7530 and when you do, ask about their amazing weekday and Sunday brunches. Find out more online at www.Piatto-Novo.com.

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