(Carter Henricks, CreativeWorks photographer)

The outside of Minneci’s Italian Ristorante (401 S. 1st St., C) resembles a small Italian Café — vines and beautiful flowers line the outdoor patio, and a delicious aroma, resembling mom’s kitchen, drifts from the inside of the restaurant. Likewise, the dining area has the same comfortable, classic and cozy atmosphere. buzz sat down with head cook, Pete Minneci, and Jim Bier,co-owner and cook, to ask them a few questions about how they create their authentic dishes.

buzz: What is your educational training or background?

Minneci: I learned how to cook from my family, specifically my father. It is a family tradition.

buzz: What challenges exist in being a chef?

Bier: Our menu is big; we have a lot of choices and we are very flexible. If a customer wants something prepared special or different then on the menu, we are usually able prepare it the way they like best.

buzz: What is your favorite dessert on your menu?

Bier: The Cannoli. Our three most popular desserts are the Tiramisu, Cannoli and Spumone ice cream.

buzz: What is your most popular entree?

Minneci: The Saltimbocca. It is a chicken dish baked in a white wine sauce, topped with cheeses and prosciutto.

buzz: What do you find most rewarding about being a chef?

Minneci: Seeing people happy and smiling. The postive feedback that you get, that’s priceless. Its hard work, but when people are satisfied and love their meal, it makes your day.