Charlotte’s Top Dining Destinations: Pomodoro’s

The Chef: Chef Blake Dewey

Blake Dewey has always loved cooking. He remembers spending time as a young boy helping and watching his grandfather, who was a professional chef. After graduating from high school, Dewey went to Niagara University to receive his degree in hospitality management and then worked a few years in front of house positions. Missing the creativity and love of cooking, he went back to school, graduating with high honors from the prestigious Culinary Institute of America. He then secured a position in Charlotte as an executive chef and eventually became partner of the now-closed Pewter Rose Bistro. Dewey purchased a small pizzeria in 2007 and within three years, created a new menu featuring a full classic Italian-American menu. Dewey, with his long time chef and now business partner, Michael Berridge, are opening a second location in Denver. The dining room will boast custom furnishings, original artwork, a large private room, and spacious outdoor seating.

The Look: Classic Italian

Pomodoro’s describes its Mooresville location as a cozy, comfortable space, both physically and visually. When creating the space and atmosphere of the restaurant, Pomodoro’s owner Blake Dewey thought about the many dinners he shared with his family growing up with the smell of garlic and fresh baked bread in the air. He remembered his family huddled around the massive table loaded with delicious food and hoped to give his guests a little piece of this tradition to make their own. When guests walk through the doors of Pomodoro’s they are invited to share the restaurant’s table, just like family. The dining room is bright, airy, and vibrant during lunch hours. During evening hours lights are subdued giving the restaurant a charming and romantic feel. Pomodoro’s has been home to many wedding proposals over the years! There is an area with deep club chairs and a warm fireplace where guests are welcome to sit and enjoy a cappuccino or glass of wine with friends.

The Dish: Chicken Parmigiana

While Pomodoro’s does not have one specific dish that it calls the signature dish, almost all of the restaurant’s recipes and menu items have been developed over generations with two dishes standing above the rest. The Chicken Parmigiana is one of the most popular menu items, and the Chicken Marsala is one of Dewey’s personal favorites. The parmigiana is made as traditionally as possible. The chicken breast is marinated, pounded, and breaded by hand every day. The marinara for the parmigiana and other dishes is a slow simmered recipe using ripe, sweet tomatoes, wines, herbs, slow roasted onions, and garlic. Only three people know the recipe to the marina and it is a heavily guarded secret. No short cuts are taken in Pomodoro’s kitchen and all of the classic Italian menu items are unique in that they are made from scratch, including the many desserts offered daily.

Pomodoro’s: 168 Norman Station Blvd., Suite A, Mooresville.

This story was originally published April 27, 2016 at 9:20 PM.