Restaurant Review

October 11th, 2007

The Magic Lady and Her Majestic Table

by lyle e davis

If you’ve been to New Orleans you know what a Muffaletta is. For those uninitiated in the finer foods in life, the Classic Muffaletta is a large homemade circular bread with ham, salami, cheese, lettuce, tomatoes and a special olive relish, all toasted to perfection.

We cast our vote for the Muffaletta at Dominic’s as the Best Muffaletta this side of New Orleans!

New Orleans folk . . . and tourists who know . . . line up to get Muffalettas at the Central Grocery Store, 923 Decatur St, New Orleans. That’s where the sandwich was invented in 1906. Here in Escondido, just head on over to Dominic’s - around N’Awlins they’re called “Muffs” or “Half a Muff.” We feel compelled, however, to issue a:

WARNING: If you’re going to order a Muffaletta at the all new Dominic’s Restaurant in Escondido, you’d better have a mighty big appetite. We’re betting you’re going to have a hard time eating it all. It is huge! And it is tasty.

In addition, you’ll find other fine foods . . . other specialties such as Manicotti, Fettuccini Alfredo, Cannelloni, Lasagna, Ravioli, Tortellini, and you’ll want to try some of Ma's Chicken, Chicken Marsala, Chicken Piccata, Chicken Parmigiana, Baked Veal, Veal Marsala, Veal Piccata, Veal Parmigiana and Eggplant Parmigiana. Getting hungry yet?

When the old Fireside restaurant closed down we were at a loss for a nice, comfortable, quiet place to meet and have a business discussion, or a relaxing, intimate meal with someone special.

We are delighted to note that Dominic’s now offers such an atmosphere. Once again we can enjoy delicious food and do so in an atmosphere that lends itself to conversation.

The colorful red and white checkered tablecloths, the lovely Italian countryside portrayed in murals throughout the restaurant . . . the simple menu, all add up to a culinary treat and a nice, homey atmosphere.
Jim and Jerri Richter moved here in 1982 from Illinois. Residents of Hidden Meadows, Jerri has long had a dream of owning a restaurant. She had a chance to buy Dominic’s . . . and she jumped at the opportunity. She has redecorated, put her own stamp on the restaurant . . . and she is busy cooking in the kitchen.

Cooking has always been a big thing with Jerri. After all, she had her hubby and two sons to feed and she loved putting taste tempting creations in front of them. As she says, “I believe in cooking with the heart.” She puts her heart and her soul as well into the cooking, into the presentation, and into the atmosphere she has created at the all new Dominic’s. That’s just one reason they call her “The Magic Lady.”

It’s located in downtown Escondido, 391 North Escondido Boulevard, just a Muffaletta’s throw away from the Regal Theatre.

They’re open from 11am to 10pm every day. They accept all major credit cards. Call for information or reservations at: 760.480.1704, or check out their website at: www.dominicsitalian.net

The Magic Lady, Jerri Richter