Maggie and I bought tickets to check out Drive-By Truckers and the Carolina Chocolate Drops in Charleston as part of FestivALT, a new outdoor concert at Appalachian Power Park as part of FestivALL. Got to check out a couple other cool bands there, too.

But before all the fun happened, we needed grub and brought her roommate Mandi along for the ride. Paterno's at the Park is so conveniently located at the ballpark, and who doesn't want to be stuffed full of pasta before a concert?

Paterno's is open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday and 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday. We got there just as they were opening on Saturday and were seated in the empty restaurant. I had made a reservation, but apparently it wasn't recorded. Oh well.


The menu features Italian fare - bolognese, lasagna, stuffed shells, spaghetti, fettuccini alfredo, eggplant parmesan, some sandwiches, salads and flatbreads. I ordered the stuffed shells with a side of meatballs.

First, we had a little olive oil mixture with some bread. The bread was brought out awkwardly late, but it arrived warm, so we were happy.

Then, it was main course time. The stuffed shells dish came with five shells stuffed with ricotta and mozzarella cheeses in their red sauce. The cheese mixture was pretty good. A little less firm than I would've appreciated, but gooey and tasty, nonetheless. The red sauce left a little to be desired. It was a bit bland for me, but not bad. Just not vibrant. Meatballs were good.

For dessert, I ordered cannoli chips - not having any idea what I was in for. What do you think you'd be getting? Maybe a chopped up cannoli? Maybe chips that were flavored like cannoli?

Nah.

These are the pastry crust in small triangular pieces with powdered sugar and a bowl full of chocolate chip and ricotta filling.

I mean, c'mon.

This was sinful. Like. Wow. Just, get this. So creamy and so rich. And delicious.

Grade: B