Enrico Biscotti Co.

2022 Penn Ave., Pittsburgh, PA - (412) 281-2602

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Posted By Michael Stern on 6/29/2007 7:28:00 PM

If you like Italian cookies, scones, or coconut macaroons , or strawberry balsamic vinegar tortes, or chewy focaccias still warm from the oven, or artisan pizzas topped with sausage from the local Parma sausage company, you will love Enrico Biscotti Company. This tiny storefront bakery, which Larry Lagattuta opened in 1995 as “stress relief” from his corporate job with Lucent Technlogies, has become a foodies’ Mecca in Pittsburgh’s most seriously food-focused neighborhood. And Larry quickly gave up his nine-to-five job so he could come to Penn Avenue every morning at three to start baking.

As you stroll along Pittsburgh’s Strip District, inhaling the wondrous aromas of aged proscuitto and fried fish sandwiches, fresh fruit and strong espresso, the smell of Enrico Biscotti will wallop you at 20th Street. Through the screen doors wafts the smell of a plum-filled crumb cake or a loaf of cornmeal biscotti as it is cut for its second bake. Inside the tiny store, you confront an array of jars that contain about two dozen different kinds of extra-large, hand-cut biscotti, including classic anise-almond and black pepper walnut as well as white chocolate with macadamia nuts. If ever you walk in and Larry’s macaroons are still warm from the oven, buy some and eat them instantly! Macaroons are a regular part of the repertoire, sometimes dipped in chocolate; but they are not always available. When warm, they are food of the gods. Other than a large repertoire of biscotti, the inventory at Enrico cannot be predicted. Larry is one of those cooks who bakes what he likes to bake that day, all by touch and feel, the way he learned when he was a boy growing up in Pittsburgh from his mother and aunts.

Behind the bakery, via a short sidewalk, there is a second part of Enrico Biscotti, a European-style café where Larry makes individual-size pizzas in his brick oven and little meals for snacks. Here too is the espresso machine, as well as a handful of tables both inside and outdoors in a sort of makeshift patio along the sidewalk. We know of no nicer place to start the day with strong coffee and biscotti, or to have a leisurely lunch on expertly-made true-Italian food.

Scorecard

Overall: Legendary - Worth driving from anyplace

biscotti	focaccia
macaroons	Italian White Bean Soup

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"An assortment of biscotti; there are approximately 30 different flavors available."
Cliff Strutz

"If you are a coconut lover, Enrico's spectacular macaroons are your dream candy!"
Cliff Strutz

"Everywhere you turn in the bakery, there is something amazing-looking to eat. The bread display, with a few cakes thrown in, is especially tempting."
Cliff Strutz

"The narrow alleyway next to the bakery leads to Enrico's full-service cafe."
Cliff Strutz

"The sidewalk sign entices customers into the store; the bakery items change, but the bottom line of the sign always orders you to "Get in Here!""
Cliff Strutz

"Of Penn Avenue's many culinary wonders, the most aromatic bakery is marked by this whimsical sign."
Michael Stern