By Karen Kennedy
How do you Piada?
That’s the question which begs an answer as you enter the hip, new Piada eatery at 1380 S. Range Line Rd..
Friendly staff greet you the minute you walk in the door, and even if you’re not sure how to “piada,” they’ll happily guide you through the process.
The first step is a stop at “the stone,” where you choose between a traditional piada (thin crust, house-made dough, grilled to order on a 600 degree stone and tightly wrapped around all your ingredients), a pasta bowl or salad.
Then you choose from one of seven grill items including steak, salmon or calamari. The grill item you choose determines your price; between $7-$8.95.
To this you add a sauce or dressing and as many fresh toppings as you’d like – with interesting choices like artichokes, pancetta, sundried tomatoes and white beans.
The Piada concept is the creation of Chris Doody, who sketched out the idea on a beverage napkin on a plane trip home from Italy. Intrigued by an Italian sandwich called a piadina, Doody sought a way to bring Italian street food stateside.
The Piada store on Range Line Road opened mid-August, and according to chef-partner Danny Maffei, it already has some regulars who dine there three or four nights a week.
In addition to the regular menu, there is a seasonal menu of chef’s suggestions. House-made tomato basil soup and lobster bisque also are available.
Kids can enjoy a pasta bowl with or without sauce and a beverage for $4.95.
Founded in 2010, Piada is based in Columbus, Ohio, but it’s expanding rapidly. There are currently eleven stores in Ohio and five more in the works.
Carmel’s location is the first store in Indiana, but a second location at Keystone at the Crossing is planned for early 2014.
If you go:
Hours: 10:45 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily
Address: 1380 S. Range Line Rd.
Phone: 564-4877
More Information and online ordering: www.mypiada.com
