Menu makes you 'think you're in Italy'

Quick Bites columnist Kimberly Van Bruntis taking some time off through the rest of the month, and will return around the start of April. In the meantime, here's a bit of restaurant news to get you by.

Kahler welcomes a taste of Italy

From the hills of Italy, the Kahler Grand Hotelin downtown Rochester recently welcomed a new executive chef, Pasquale Presa. Presa brings to the table 12 years of hotel experience and five additional years of working in independent restaurants.

Born in Italy, Presa earned his A.O.S. degree in culinary arts from the Culinary Institute of America in 1996 and has since been sharing his Italian delicacies across the country.

About his cuisine, he says it "will make you think you’re in Italy when you close your eyes."

Flavors from around the world

After taking your taste buds on a stay-cation to Italy, swing on over to Zpizzain University Square for other flavors from around the world.

As part of its latest program, "Passport to Pizza," Zpizza is introducing new pizza combos for fans to dive into. From artichoke hearts to roasted garlic sauce and capers, these internationally inspired creations bring to the palate flavors from Greece, Morocco, France and Italy.

Combos include:

• The Casablanca— House-made roasted garlic sauce, mozzarella, ricotta, mushrooms, artichoke hearts and Parmesan.

• The Greek– Greek olives, crisp red onion, tomatoes, feta and mozzarella cheeses and oregano.

• The Provence– Organic tomato sauce, roasted garlic sauce, mozzarella, artichoke hearts , fresh basil, tomatoes and capers.

• The Napoli– Roasted garlic sauce, mozzarella, fresh rounds of tomatoes, Parmesan and basil.

Stop into Zpizza for special Passport to Pizza offers, valid through April 30.

Mac for mac

A few weeks ago, we told you about the grown-up mac 'n' cheese at Noodles and Co. To celebrate the new limited-edition dishes, Noodles is offering the chance to trade some mac for mac.

All day Sunday and Monday, bring in three boxes of macaroni and cheese to donate to the Channel One Food Bank and Food Shelfand receive a free bowl of Noodles' new mac and cheese — choose from truffle mac with baby portabellas; bacon, mac and cheeseburger; and southwestern chili mac.