- Collin County Dining Guide - January 16, 2004

Picasso's Ristorante:  Offering fine fare, feisty family

Diners had such a good time at Picasso's Italian Ristorante on New Year's Eve that the owners are planning another party on Valentine's Day.

"It was a neighborhood gathering.  There was music.  People were hugging.  It was really fun," said Max Dinga, co-owner of the family-run restaurant.

"On Valintine's Day, there will be music, a special menu and special hours - noon to midnight," he said.

Picsso's, located at 3948 Legacy Drive, is known for its authentic Italian home-cooking and Elegant atmosphere.

"I think people like it because it's a very unique menu.  I put in everything," Mr. Dinga said.

Picasso's new menu has more than 50 items, with prices ranging from $5.95 to $14.95.  Chef Edmond uses unusual sauces, including apple and leek.  Veal and seafood are some of the most popular entrees, he said.

Picasso's Classico combines veal scaloppini, chicken, shrimp and Italian sausage sautéed with broccoli, mushrooms and carrots in a creamy white wine garlic sauce served with fettuccine pasta.

"We have lasagna as Momma used to do it," he said.

While they have several appetizers, including stuffed mushrooms and Picasso's bruschetta, the cream of mushroom soup and the tomato basil soup are special, he said.

Brick-oven baked thin crust pizza is available as an appetizer or entrée.  And there's a salad bar with market-fresh ingredients.

Mr. Dinga recently returned from a month-long trip to Italy where he surveyed new dishes.

"From Milano to Rome, I covered most of Italy," he said.  Mr. Dinga was so impressed by selections he found in Tuscany that he added them to Picasso's menu.

The new offerings have fresh mozzarella, gorgonzola, prosciutto and pancetta.

On the dessert menu, Italian cream cake, chocolate mousse cake and Black Forest cake have been added  to the traditional crême brûlée, tiramisu and cannoli.

Mr. Dinga said what makes Picasso's a special place is his tight-nit family.

"It's war and peace at Picasso's," he said.  "Since it's all the family, we have good and bad days.  Sometimes we are laughing and sometimes we're arguing."

Mr. Dinga worked at the restaurant for more than six years before his family bought it in 1997.

His son, Elton Dinga, is co-owner and manager.  His daughter, Elma Dinga, and daughter-in-law, Gerta Demaj, help seat and serve guests.  His wife, Vjlloca Dinga, bakes the desserts.

Even his grandchildren, Isabella and Jaden, help out.

"My granddaughter goes around talking to people and taking the menu," Mr. Dinga said.

Picasso's is open Monday  through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m and 4:30 to 9:30 p.m.; Friday from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 4:30 to 10:30 p.m.; and Saturday from 5 to 10:30 p.m.  The restaurant is normally closed on Sundays, but can be available for large parties.

Picasso's also provides full-catering services.

For more information call 972-618-4143 or visit the Web site at www.picassorestaurant.us.

Copyright © 2011 Picasso's Italian Ristorante.  All Rights Reserved.