Oh So Tasty: Taverna Rossa

Hold on to your hats people!  Pigs have flown and hell has frozen over.  Last night I crossed 635 and ventured into Plano to check out Taverna Rossa.

The verdict? It is well worth the drive.

Preston Lancaster is the man behind this little gem of a place serving "craft pizza and beer". Lancaster grew up in the restaurant industry and despite his Mother's pleas, he followed his grandparents and parents into the biz and currently owns McKinney's Cadillac Pizza Pub and multiple locations of Palio Pizza Cafe.  (He's also quite the charmer and cute as a button.)

Chef Brian Luscher helped to design the menu for Taverna Rossa, which they describe as "a rustic modern tavern infused with a contemporary vibe." Preston met Luscher a few years back and was so taken with him that he became an investor in Luscher's restaurant, The Grape. The two clearly have a mutual respect and an easy chemistry with each other .

Order the Thyme's Up craft cocktail. Trust me.

The pies are cooked in a wood-fired deck oven, "almost like a Chicago thin crust".  Try my favorite, the Local Goat & Fig made with crispy pancetta, local goat cheese, dried balsamic figs and torn basil. If you don't like fancy-pants pizzas, there are plenty of regular options as well.

You'll find a nice selection of salads, sandwiches and pasta dishes.  On my next visit I plan to order the TX. Lasagna made with shredded crock-pot brisket, spicy ragu, hand pulled mozzarella, béchamel and smoked provolone.

Craft beer lovers will be thrilled to find 24 beers on tap like Revolver's Blood & Honey and Lazy Magnolia Brewing Company's Southern Pecan. For the ladies, there's a large selection of craft cocktails guaranteed to please.

Taverna Rossa is located at 4005 Preston Road in Plano. Look for them in the old Red's Patio Grill space between Mi Cocina and Mignon at Lakeside Market. 972-403-3321 or www.tavernarossa.com

Enjoy live music on the inside stage from great local bands, like the Bodarks!