Mama mia, it's good Italian eats in the 'burbs!

Americans have developed this stereotype of Italians that isn't always fair, like that they're all slaves to their passions and have mistresses, when in reality, that's only their leader. Turning stereotypical Italian food on its head: Russo's Kitchen + Tavern.From a chef formerly at fancy wine spot Barolo Grill, Russo's plates traditional Italian fare alongside "unexpected menu items" in a casual hardwood-floor'd eatery boasting bright orange and yellow walls plastered with artwork from a co-owner's personal collection, plus 100+ framed photos of friends and family -- a décor choice that'd be impossible at Olive Garden, as then they'd have to put everyone's up. Not-super-Italian starters include artichoke chips & zucchini strips with Sriracha mayo, duck fat-roasted 'taters served with blue cheese and dubbed Russo's Potatoes, and the chicken broth/ roasted chicken/ veggies Kudla's Matzo Ball Soup, just like imah used to make. Mains start slightly more conventionally with a sausage/ peppers/ mozzarella roll, before getting zany again with a "Loco Moco" (a risotto with slow simmered carnaroli rice/ hamburger patty/fried egg/ gravy), and a braised pork shoulder prepped "Hawaiian style" with steamed kale and banana chips, which're really the only bargaining tool we humans will have in the event of an ape takeover.Along with a house lager made specially by Rockyard Brewery, they've also got ten cocktails like the "Stranahan's Delight" (with the CO-made whiskey, mint, & huckleberry juice), and a Courvoisier VS/ tequila/ lemon concoction called "A Street Car of Desire", which those passionate Italians would totally be into, if only they didn't all only ride Vespas.