Community Crossroads
October 2006

The fabulous and spacious Ricciardi's Italian Seafood House is located six miles North of Polson on the beautiful east shore of the Flathead Lake. Chris Ricciardi encompasses the beauty and tranquility that the Flathead Lake has to offer, as well as offering a splendid array of mouth-watering fresh fish, shellfish, and various Italian cuisine's. Ricciardi's menu also accomodates families by offering various gourmet pizzas and calzones. Chris was raised watching his father be quite the cook, and you might say he was groomed to be an executive chef. Chris has been in business for six years and has been an executive chef for thirty-one years. His past experience consists mostly of large Hotel chains. After moving from Portland Oregon, sixteen years ago he took a job at Rocco's, then the Kwataqnuk Resort in Polson, but his journey was not over when he became executive chef at D.G Barley's. As you can tell, Chris has a significant amount of life experience, passion, and dedication in his chosen profession. His hard work and determination landed him the chance to open Steamers in Finley Point, which is currently Ricciardi's. Chris has even more hidden talents such as ice carvings, which allows him to be artistically creative not only in what he is cooking, but also in what he creates out of ice.

Ricciardi's is a family-oriented business that is proud to offer great food, fun and all at affordable prices.

Chris prides himself with the ability to make people go "wow", and want to come back for more. He has five children, and all of them have significant roles in the restaurant. "Nathan is my all around shining knight, he does it all from managing, to cooking, to serving, and he even does dishes. When he is not busy with the restaurant responsibilities he spends time with his wonderful girlfriend Dandy." Chester is the star in the kitchen, Chester and Angel also gave Chris a beautiful granddaughter named Trista.

"Platters of food being prepared to
serve to tonight's crowd."

Troy's duties consist of being one of the bartenders and wait staff. He recently married a lovely lady named Stacy. Daniel is back from Iraq and is a bartender and server. Jacob is the youngest, who will help Chris find his inner and retire, by paying pool in the big show, Jacod is only six years old, but exhibits raw talent in the sport. When the Ricciardi family is not providing excellent service and delicious food they enjoy boating and spending time as a family. They even take their dog Pip-squeak who has his own set of goggles. Chris values his staff and family, he has said on more than one occasion that Ricciardi's would not be the success it is without his wonderful, supportive, and dedicated empplyees.

The Ricciardi family has maintained an excellent reputation through out their six years in business. They are all about family; they offer a helping hand to those in need whenever possible by caring gestures of helping someone who may have locked their keys in their car to needing a ride home. "We care about people, and we want everyone to feel like they are a part of us." Chris is also a Fire Chief at the Finley Point Yellow Bay Fire Department, with many other fire fighters that work at Ricciardi's.

Ricciardi's are not only diverse in life they offer an array of diversity in their restaurant. The menu offers fresh seafood, Italian dinners, steaks, chickens, a full bar and casino, and five taps from Glacier Brewery. They also have entertainment such as pool, and horseshes. They offer take out, delivery by waitress on wheels, and offer various gift store items such as hats, jackets, and shirts. So, next time you dine out, try Ricciardi's you will not be disappointed.

Chester adds the finishing touches.

Local patrons and guests from New York enjoy their meal.

RICCIARDI’s
35427 Hwy 35, Polson 887-2200

Ricciardi’s Italian Seafood House is located on the east shore of Flathead Lake just six miles north of Polson, and is well worth the drive. Ricciardi’s features the finest in fresh seafood and Italian favorites, including Alaskan king crab, Australian lobster, Oysters Rockefeller and an array of prime-cut steaks. Patrons come from near and far for Pop’s Famous Clam chowder which is featured daily and is the very best anywhere. Begin your evening with delicious, fresh Roasted Garlic with Asiago appetizer before a Cajun-blackened Bayou Blue’s rib eye steak and a mouth-watering 20-ounce lobster tail for two. Gourmet Pizza and calzones have been added to the menu, making this a great all-around family restaurant.

Chef and Owner Chris Ricciardi has more than 30 years of experience as an executive chef. Teamed with general contractor and builder, Mark Giacoletto, he has created a first-class restaurant with great food and fun for everyone. Chef Ricciardi and his fantastic staff work together in harmony to make dining with them an experience you will never forget. Open daily from 11:00 a.m. for lunch and dinner.

Polson, Montana
Ricciardi's Italian Seafood House, 406/887-2200

The first sign that the newly renovated Ricciardi's Italian Seafood House, formerly Steamer's, is onto something good is that if you drive past on any given night, you're apt to find the parking lot full. The second sign, if you need one, is inside the restaurant, where diners seem not to mind waiting for a table. Put your name on the list and join them, and you won’t be disappointed.

You might begin your meal with one of the many appetizers, but a word of caution – dinners include parmesan toasts served with balsamic dipping sauce; choice of green salad or Chef Christopher Ricciardi’s renowned clam chowder; a hearty serving of whichever entree you choose; plus a baked potato or rice pilaf – so plan accordingly.

Seafood is where Ricciardi’s shines. Mussels steamed in the shell; shrimp scampi with just the right touch of garlic; a seafood platter that includes mussels, king crab legs, steamed clams, and broiled shrimp – these are just a few of the choices, plus whatever the daily special might be. You'll be hard-pressed to remember that you are not dining in a coastal town.

Ricciardi's also offers a line of Italian dishes, including everything from lasagna to steak parmigiana.

Desserts include Bailey's Irish Cream cheesecake, Death by Chocolate cake, and Huckleberry Baked Alaska.

Ricciardi's is an honest, hardworking restaurant with a casual, bustling atmosphere. Open for lunch and dinner; its hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. everyday.

-Jenifer Groneberg