By Sharon Russell
Just as you would be surprised to find a flower blooming in the snow, it may seem unexpected to find as unique a restaurant as the Cala Lily Café amidst the retail, fast food chains and offices along Rout 8, in Gibsonia. Unless of course, you’re fortunate enough to have already discovered the casual European atmosphere with the upscale cuisine blossoming behind the unassuming strip mall façade.
The Cala Lily Café was established in 2001 by partners Rick “Chico” Rivero and Paul Anzaldi. Rick is head chef and worked at Rico’s in Ross for more than 20 years prior to fulfilling his dream of opening his own restaurant. Born in Spain, Rivero has also lived in Germany and France. Though he studied in the United States it is his European background that influences the many original dishes featured on the extensive Euro-American menu. Partner Paul Anzaldi has developed a wine list to complement each of the entrees offered and these suggestions are conveniently listed on the menu below each dish.
The wait staff is friendly and professional. At the suggestion of our server Joanna, we began with a popular appetizer, Poblano Chili Relleno with Spanish Drunken Goat Cheese. The name alone piqued our interest and the mild, smooth taste of the cheese did not disappoint. Even the salads offered something different. The Elegant Greens Blend with fresh blueberries, strawberries and raspberries in vinaigrette tasted like summer.
In addition to the already varied menu, four to five specials are offered each evening. Seafood dominated the specials the night of our visit, but both surf and turf were presented in our choice of Paella de Alicante and Five Pepper Crusted Filet Mignon. The Paella is a signature dish and was chock full of tasty delights from the sea along with rosemary chicken and spicy chorizo sausage. The mouth-watering filet mignon was accompanied by polenta with roasted red peppers and summer squash alfredo; a unique and winning combination. Another house specialty, the Cala Lily dessert, is a decadent combination of a chocolate covered ice cream truffle, fresh raspberries and Chambord.
Its humble location on busy Route 8 is not indicative of the distinctive cuisine and service you’ll find inside the Cala Lily Café. Located one mile north of turnpike exit 39, it is less than 30 minutes from Cranberry, Wexford and Butler. Seating is limited and reservations are accepted.