Couple focuses on authentic Italian cuisine

Born in Morocco, Karim Aliani spent about five years of his life living in Italy, studying and learning all he could about the countrys cuisine and culture.

After moving to Newport Beach, Calif., he got a job in a small Italian restaurant where he learned about Italian-American cooking and learned to speak English and Spanish.

He expanded his passion for Italian cooking and Italian-American cooking [while working there], his wife, Jeana, said.

Karim got a job working as a chef at Macaroni Grill and eventually became a general manager for the restaurant chain; however, his dream was to open his own small family restaurant.

In 2010 the couple purchased Paisanos Trattoria in Georgetown from Guiseppe and Rosa Pepe, who had opened the restaurant in 1996.

[Karim] decided, I need to do my own thing, and we came across [Guiseppe and Rosa]. [Karim and the Pepes] hit it off, and we took it over, Jeana said. We decided this is a good place to start because its small. [Karim has] never had the passion to open a giant [restaurant]. Hes always envisioned small, boutique-style restaurants. Keep it family; keep it local and close-knit. Just very comfortable and Italian-style.

Karim and Jeana set about updating the restaurant into their own style. The couple kept the pizza recipe used by the Pepeswho had emigrated from Napoli, Italybut decided to change the menu using recipes Karim had picked up during his travels and from his previous experiences, Jeana said.

We travel a lot, she said. We love to find new recipes. [As the chef, Karim takes] what he knows and then tries to make it a little more American but as authentic as possible.

The menu features a variety of classic Italian entrees, appetizers and pizzas, using fresh-made sauces and homemade bread and dough, Jeana said. The couple also created a gluten-free menu that features pizzas, pastas, sandwiches and desserts made for diners with food restrictions.

We make all of our own sauces from scratch, she said, adding that the couple hand selects produce each week. When we can, we try to buy as much local and organic produce as possible.

Jeana said the couple has focused on fine-tuning the menu and training the kitchen staff so that diners can know what to expect when they come in to eat.

Consistency in our food is probably No. 1, she said. Its important to have the same great experience every time.

Dining at home

For more than 17 years, Paisanos Trattoria has been offering classic Italian dishes to diners at its original location on Leander Road. However, in late January, owners Karim and Jeana Aliani began offering the same menu to diners who choose to stay in instead of going out.

The Alianis began offering home delivery in partnership with Georgetown-based Waiter with Wheels.

For years people have been asking us if we delivered, and we never have, Jeana said. [Waiters with Wheels is] a local Georgetown delivery [company].

The delivery area includes addresses with Georgetown ZIP codes, including 78626, 78628 and 78663.

Second location

With a background in customer service, Jeana Aliani said she was a natural fit at the front of the house at Paisanos Trattoria. However, after her husband, Karim, became ill, she was forced to learn how to operate the kitchen as well.

Italian food was never my thing, but I learned [how to cook it] working here, Jeana said.

After Karim recovered, the couple opened the Cedar Park location in May 2012.

We always had talked about opening a second, but now we were more prepared to since I was on board, she said. I run the other store, and he runs [the Georgetown] store now. We didnt mean it to work out that way, but it just has.

Paisanos Trattoria, 1211 Leander Road

512-863-6344, www.paisanoscucina.com

Hours: Mon.Thu. 11 a.m.2 p.m., 59 p.m.; Fri. 11 a.m.9 p.m.; Sat. 49 p.m. Sun. 48 p.m.