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Get Directions | 303-655-7777
177 East Bridge Street, Brighton, CO

Pinocchio's Brighton Restaurant

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Back to School Stress Relief via Authentic Italian Cuisine

August 27, 2014 by Pinocchio's Brighton

It’s back to school season (already!) and it’s important to note in this busy season that going back to school is a big shift for kids and parents. After adjusting to summer fun and travel, adjusting back to a rigid school and after-school activity schedule can make even the most prepared among us a bit stressed. Make sure to take the time to celebrate and relax with your family during this time. At Pinocchio’s, we know that nothing makes a whole family smile like authentic Italian cuisine to bring them all together.

A regular, weekly night set aside for a family dinner can help add some regular comfort to the back to school season. Between homework, after-school activities, and sports it’s all too easy to lose track of each other. Catch up over our delicious eggplant parmesan and the best breadsticks in Brighton, Colorado.  By the time you finish up with one of our signature desserts the worries of your working and studying lives will seem much further away. Plus, you can take the stress out of your family dinner when you let Pinocchio’s clear the dishes!

Struggling to talk about something other than school and work? For a change in topic of dinner conversation, here are a few things your family might not know about Italian cuisine:

1. Olive Oil: Every liter of olive oil is refined from at least seven liters of olives. It is such a nutritious and valuable commodity that it fueled the economy of the Roman Empire for hundreds of years. It’s good for heart and digestive health and can improve such cognitive functions like memory.

2. Lasagna: The origins of lasagna are much debated, but the dish probably first appeared in ancient Greece and is based on a word that translates to “pot” or “dish.” While filled layers of unleavened bread became instantly popular in the ancient world, lasagna as we know it today didn’t achieve its current form until the tomato was introduced to Italy in the late 1400’s.

By PoiseWinsTitles (Flickr: Lasagna) [CC-BY-2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

3. Tiramisu: This familiar coffee-flavored dessert made from lady fingers (a type of sweet biscuit), egg yolks, and mascarpone cheese, is not all that old. It first appeared in cookbooks in the 1960s but legend notes that it was invented by a Grand Duke in the 17th century.

Dining together is a great way to catch up on family news and relax after a stressful week at work and school. We look forward to welcoming you and your family to our table. Call today for reservation.

Pinocchio's Italian Eatery in Brighton CO offers Gluten-Free Italian Food* Worried about heavy Italian food for your kids at the start of the new school season? Kids (and parents) love spaghetti, lasagna, and ravioli, but traditional pasta dishes are often full of gluten. Pinocchio’s re-imagining of these traditional recipes make no compromises on flavor and offer a healthy alternative your family will love. With kids going back to school it’s important to give them every opportunity to shine. Health of the body and the mind begins with a nutritious, low gluten diet. We hope you’ll let us help ensure that your young scholars are getting into the right study and eating habits this Fall.

 

Filed Under: Italian Food

Pinocchio’s Featured in Ramblin Jackson’s Small Business Rundown Video

August 12, 2014 by Pinocchio's Brighton

Small Business Rundown: Pinocchio’s Italian Eatery in Brighton, CO

We’re thrilled to be included in Ramblin Jackson‘s Small Business Rundown in their latest Friday’s Ramblin Round-up video! Check it out below:

Filed Under: Community, Videos

Recognizing Cultures by Their Bread: A View of the World Through Food

July 22, 2014 by Pinocchio's Brighton

Let’s talk about bread. Considered a staple item in many pantries around the world, bread can tell you a lot about a person. For example, if they are eating an unleavened bread called Matzo, they are probably Jewish and it is during a Jewish holiday called Passover. Or perhaps they correct your usage of the term ‘naan’ for flatbread at an Indian restaurant, when you may be eating a similar, but different flatbread called ‘chapati.’

As bread plays an important role in Italian cuisine (like at Pinocchio’s), from the typical Italian breadsticks served with almost every dinner to the elaborate panettone (a sweet bread with candied fruit pieces inside) that is made for special occasions like New Year and Christmas, we love to learn about the variety of bread types from around the world.

Here is just a sampling of bread from around the world, including several types of Italian bread you’ll find at Pinocchio’s:

Chapati (India)

"Chapatiroll" by Kalyan - http://www.flickr.com/photos/kalyan/1600199245/sizes/l/. Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons - http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Chapatiroll.jpg#mediaviewer/File:Chapatiroll.jpg

Chapati

Chapati is a thin, wheat bread that is unleavened and typically used to wrap around and pick up other pieces of your meal (like chicken or veggies). The main difference between chapati and naan bread is that chapati is unleavened while naan is leavened (meaning it includes the use of yeast).

Ciabatta (Italy)

Ciabatta is known as a classic Italian bread. It is an elongated loaf of white or wheat bread that is flattened slightly, has a harder crust, and a porous texture inside. Did you know that the ciabatta was Italy’s response to the popularity of the French baguette for sandwiches?

Crumpet (United Kingdom)

A crumpet is thick, circular, and spongy. Crumpets are different from English muffins, which also are small and circular, but are much more porous and thinner than a crumpet. Both are delicious when sliced, toasted, and slathered in butter (or your choice of jam).

Focaccia (Italy)

"Focaccia-erbe-olive" by J.P.Lon - Own work. Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons - http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Focaccia-erbe-olive.jpg#mediaviewer/File:Focaccia-erbe-olive.jpg

Focaccia Bread

Known to many people as similar to pizza dough, focaccia bread is a thick yeasted bread rolled out by hand, salted and seasoned with olive oil and herbs, then baked to produce a lush bread. While focaccia bread can be used when making pizza, it also can be used as sandwich bread or simply a meal addition by itself.

Hushpuppy (United States)

Imagine a delicious and savory cornbread with your dinner. Now imagine it balled up and deep fried! This is a hushpuppy: simply a deep fried corn dough ball. Hushpuppies are popular in southern US states and actually originated with Native American cuisine in the area.

Melonpan (Japan)

Melonpan, also known as melon buns, are sweet buns of enriched flour dough baked with a thin layer of cookie dough on top that crackles over the surface. Popular across Asia, melonpans haven’t gained much attention around the rest of the world, possibly because they are harder to make and can be quite dry in the center than other sweet breads.

Pane Carasau (Italy)

"Pane carasau" by Luigi Chiesa - Own work. Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons - http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Pane_carasau.jpg#mediaviewer/File:Pane_carasau.jpg

Pane Carasau

Technically from Sardinia, pane carasau is an incredibly thin, crispy flatbread traditionally baked twice and used by shepherds on long trips away from home.

 

Filed Under: Italian Food

3 Situations Where You Should Hire Pinocchio’s Catering for Your Next Event

June 20, 2014 by Pinocchio's Brighton

Did you know Pinocchio’s Italian Restaurant has a Catering Services department? Not only do we love our community in Brighton, but we LOVE catering for them, too! Be it a corporate event, birthday party, rehearsal dinner, or other special event in your personal or professional life, we’d like to cater. Here are three situations you might find yourself in where you should hire Pinocchio’s to cater your next event:

1. You need authentic Italian food. Imagine your Italian in-laws are coming to town for a family get-together and you need to bring the taste of Italy with them. Pinocchio’s has you covered – we offer both classic and modern Italian dishes.

2. You need high quality, professional service. You just snagged your dream job and your boss has appointed you to manage the annual company-wide summer party. Take your corporate event to the next level with Pinocchio’s catering and provide your executives with superior food that is sure to satisfy.

3. You have diet-specific eaters in your group. Our wide-ranging Italian menu can be uniquely crafted to fit your event’s size, tastes and budget. Plus, Pinocchio’s is proud to offer many of its menu items gluten-free. Just ask!

After speaking with one of our party catering specialists, you will receive a package reflective of your tastes and personality. Contact Pinocchio’s today! We look forward to making your next event a success!

Filed Under: Catering

Dreaming of Italy While Dining Al Fresco

May 20, 2014 by Pinocchio's Brighton

Since opening in February 2009, we have established ourselves in Brighton’s community with our consistently high quality Italian food, service, and ambiance. Part of creating that reputation is serving up an experience reminiscent of Italy, right in the heart of Brighton, Colorado! It’s a tall order to fill, but we enjoy the challenge in this tight-knit community.

While we can’t all travel the stunning Apennine Mountains or cruise the canals in Venice, here in Colorado when the summer nights finally turn cool we like to dream of Italy by dining al fresco. The Italian phrase “al fresco” refers to “eating outside.” Simply eating outside in a casual and fun environment, such as our little patio area at Pinocchio’s, is a perfect getaway from the stresses of day-to-day life.

Another way to bring the taste of Italy is to your next event with Pinocchio’s Catering!

If you’re hosting a meeting, party, or other event Pinocchio’s Catering is sure to satisfy. Our wide-ranging Italian menu can be uniquely crafted to fit your event’s size, tastes and budget.

What are some ways you bring the experience of a foreign country to your daily life?

Filed Under: Community, Italian Food

Add it to Your Calendar: Breakfast at Pinocchio’s for 2 Special Days

April 2, 2014 by Pinocchio's Brighton

Are you always racing to make reservations last minute? We invite you to grab your calendar – right now! – and pencil in the following exclusive Sunday breakfasts at Pinocchio’s Italian Restaurant in Brighton, CO.

Easter Sunday: Sunday, April 20

Mother’s Day: Sunday, May 11

Breakfast will be served at Pinocchio’s on both Easter and Mother’s Day from 8 am – 12 pm.

Breakfast at Pinocchio’s is a unique and exciting event to attend as our normal hours are:

  • Sunday-Thursday 11:00 am – 8:30 pm
  • Friday-Saturday 11:00 am – 9:00 pm

So don’t miss out on breakfast at Pinocchio’s! Plus, if that wasn’t exciting enough, we are also offering a free bloody mary or mimosa (with entrée) during breakfast on Easter Sunday and Mother’s Day 2014. (One per person, please.)

Want to make a reservation for breakfast at Pinocchio’s Italian Restaurant for one or both of these special days? Call us at (303) 655-7777 today!

Filed Under: Events, Italian Food

3 Local Events to Party with Pinocchio’s in Brighton

March 11, 2014 by Pinocchio's Brighton

Pinocchio’s Italian Restaurant is hosting a full bar at the Armory Performing Arts Center in Brighton, CO, for three local events this month!

Event 1: ShamROCK & Roll

Join Pinocchio’s Italian Eatery at this upcoming fun event: the ShamROCK & Roll! We are catering an Irish meal alongside the amazing Irish music this Saturday night (March 15) from 5 to 10 pm.

Event 2: Salsa Night

The Armory presents Salsa Night on Saturday, March 22 from 8:30 to 11:30 pm. Make it a date night and stop in for dinner at Pinocchio’s before you salsa to the beautiful tunes of musical guest Quemando!

Event 3: Live Stand-Up Comedy

On Saturday, March 29 at 8:30 pm, round out the month with a grand smile on your face when you attend the Live Stand-Up Show featuring comedians Troy Walker and Sam Adams. Grab your friends and make a party out of the evening when you book dinner reservations with us at Pinocchio’s Italian Restaurant before the show!

Call us today at (303) 655-7777 to book dinner reservations at Pinocchio’s!

Filed Under: Events

Pinocchio’s is Celebrating Our 5th Anniversary!

February 3, 2014 by Pinocchio's Admin

Pinocchio’s Italian Restaurant hit a large milestone this month … our 5-year anniversary!

Many years ago, we were graced with our current Italian restaurant location, a historic 1912 brick building located in downtown Brighton.

Since opening in February 2009, Pinocchio’s has been established in Brighton’s community with our consistently high quality Italian food, service, and ambiance.

It has truly been an alignment of the stars; this restaurant was made for this building and made for this town!

We greatly appreciate each and every one of our customers and would like to thank you all with a free dessert if you come in and mention this post (offer good for the month of February 2014).

Filed Under: Events

The Truth About Spumoni at Pinocchio’s Italian Restaurant in Brighton CO

January 6, 2014 by Pinocchio's Admin

If you’re not Italian or a foodie, you may be wondering “first off, what is spumoni? Is it some kind of meat?”

Quite the opposite! Spumoni is layered ice cream, typically with a bit of candied nuts or fruit at the bottom or in between the ice cream layers.

The truth about spumoni is that it’s the hidden gem of Italian immigrants in the United States. Spumoni isn’t nearly as popular in Italy anymore, yet it’s found a new home in Italian restaurants across the U.S.

In traditional Italian fare, spumoni is made of chocolate, pistachio, and cherry ice cream – a perfect combination for the holiday season or year-round.

Whether you’re already in love with spumoni, or you’ve never tried it before, come into Pinocchio’s Italian Eatery in Brighton, CO, for our signature spumoni dessert!

Filed Under: Italian Food

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Contact Us

Pinocchio’s Italian Restaurant
177 East Bridge Street
Brighton, CO 80601-1612

Get Directions

Have Questions?
(303) 655-7777

Current Specials

Be sure to mention that you saw these special offers here on the web to receive: One FREE piece of Lemon Cake (per party) with purchase of any entrée. OR One FREE glass of house wine (per party) with purchase of any entrée.

Open Daily

Sunday-Thursday 11:00 am - 8:30 pm
Friday-Saturday 11:00 am - 9:00 pm
*Hours subject to change

Come Visit Us

Pinocchio’s Italian Restaurant
177 East Bridge Street
Brighton, CO 80601-1612
Get Directions >>

Have Questions?
(303) 655-7777

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Family Italian Restaurant • Catering Services & Private Dining Room • Banquet Hall • Gluten Free Pizza & Pasta • Happy Hour

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