Caruso's Italian Cafe

Over the past 8 months, I've read several eatsalem comments highly recommending Caruso's Italian Cafe. N and I have been wanting to try it, but with our budget and their prices (main dishes $20 and up) we needed to save the experience for a special occasion. Our 30th anniversary seemed like the perfect opportunity. :>)
I learned from their website that Caruso's is situated at Inland Shores in Keizer. Once we turned onto Promenade Way from River Rd. N (just north of Lockhaven Dr.), we only had to drive a short distance and through a round-about until the lakeside restaurant came into view. They did an excellent job designing their building. The outside is just as elegant and inviting as the inside.
We're usually late diners and that Tuesday was no exception. We waited in the holiday decorated foyer a short time while the hostess seated another couple who arrived before us. When she returned, she led us to a table for two. Unfortunately, all the lake view tables were taken. Our water glasses were filled and menus brought out. Our charming waitress went over the specials, left for 5 or so minutes and came back to our table to ask if we had any questions about the menu. We placed our orders, along with a glass of house sangiovese and house pinot noir.
Our appetizer was the special of the day -- and the fact that on Tuesday they feature 50% off appetizers did sway our decision. While we were waiting for our appetizer to arrive, our waitress brought out sliced sourdough in a basket and drizzled some spiced olive oil in a small dish for dipping. Our appetizer featured 5 panko breaded shrimp (tender and succulent) laid on top of a thin layer of a light, creamy, pesto sauce. Delicious! One of those moments when I hope I'm not making audible noises while I eat.
I ordered a green salad with the house dressing and N ordered a cup of creamy potato and bacon soup to go with our dinners. My salad was a generous portion of young greens, with Parmesan cheese in addition to the house balsamic vinaigrette.
Just minutes after we had finished our soup and salad, our waitress brought out our dinners. My dinner was Pollo ala Tuscana, a tender, generously sized, rosemary & garlic seasoned, chicken breast, laid on top of delicately flavored Fettuccine Alfredo with an addition of delicious vegetables. N's meal was Ossobuco, a braised veal shank laid atop Risotto alla Milanese. We couldn't resist sharing a slice of their rich hazelnut torte with Marsala wine custard sauce. {sigh}
The service was just right - charming, attentive, but not overly attentive. Thank you, Tonia. I'm glad I took pictures (I apologize for the results of the low light) to remember that delectable meal.
Reservations recommended
Caruso's Italian Café & Catering
5745 Inland Shores Way N
Keizer, OR 97303
Phone: 503-393-8272
Fax: 503-856-9230
Email: carusoskeizer@comcast.net