Alfredo’s Ristorante Italiano in Clinton

Did you know that Clinton, North Carolina has the largest dogwood in all of North America? Recently, they asked me to create a mural celebrating the tree and their bicentennial. I got to spend some time exploring the old town. Clinton's revitalization efforts over the past two decades have filled the streets with a variety of arts and amenities. Alfredo's is one such institution on the square, and that's where I'm taking you today. Alfredo de Pinto, owner and native Italian, invited me into the kitchen to see some of their culinary artwork. Inspiration for the restaurant really was from my mom and father, but primarily my mother, just her abilities to cook very simple recipes, no formal culinary experience, just good old-fashioned recipes that have been handed down for many generations. And living with that all my life just motivated me to begin a restaurant. The restaurant makes many of their delicious foods from scratch, including the bread. Their house-made mozzarella is showcased in tantalizing selections like the veal saltimbocca. Chefs cook daily with fresh produce and meats. The Italian sausage that we use for the pizzas and for the spaghettis and other other utility is made from a company in the Greensboro area named Congelosi. Really, really good sausage. After a long day of painting, I wanted to sit down to a great meal, and I kept hearing about this delicious house-made marinara. The marinara serves as a base sauce for many of their appetizing entrees. Chef Brian Smutko said that I just had to try the vodka sauce with penne. Shallots, peas, and prosciutto are added to a scorching saute pan. Then grilled chicken followed by an explosion of vodka. The flames are quenched with a ladle of Alfredo's house-made marinara. Finally, the vodka sauce is enriched with cream, seasoned, and mounted with butter. Basil chiffonade lends color and a verdant herbaceous note. Even the pasta is special. It's imported from Italy. I can't wait to dive into this bowl of deliciousness. Wine connoisseurs will delight in the exceptional Captain's List, which features choice vintages from all over the Italian peninsula. The upper room at Alfredo's is Clinton's favorite gathering place. It is an event venue spot. Upstairs is reserved, for the most part, for large groups. Wedding rehearsals, receptions, reunions, birthday parties, those kinds of things. When I first arrived in Clinton to start my mural, I had no idea I'd find an authentic Italian restaurant in this small eastern North Carolina town. And now that you're going to come to Alfredo's for the sauce, be sure to stop by the new Bicentennial Mural. Buon appetito, y'all! Alfredo's Ristorante Italiano is at 101 Wall Street in Clinton, and they're open Tuesday through Saturday for dinner only. For more information, give them a call at 910-592-1657, or go online to alfredosofclinton.com.