
Irene’s opened in 1993 and gradually expanded to 3 rooms over time. Owner Irene DiPietro from Noto, Sicily is still active with the place but now her son Nicholas Scalco does most of the cooking. In 2018 it moved to a new, much larger location on Bienville because of a problem with the lease on the original location. It had been a hard table to get because of its size but delicious food made you try. Going now to this location was a different feel. There are about 5 eating areas, depending if you call the large bar area one. Music is in the background, mostly old rock and despite the small rooms the noise level can be loud. The small tables are set with white clothes and napkins and the lighting is lowered. Walls, some of which are red, have lots of decorative items. Our room had red paint on the top and wood below, an open beam ceiling, a fireplace and tile floor. The service was very friendly but it was a little slow in getting our meal started and then moved quite rapidly, bringing the main plates out before appetizers were finished. It didn’t lend itself to a relaxed fine dining feel. The menu had a special entree and appetizer as well as a changing soup. All is a la carte. Continue reading