Whenever I experience serious cravings for authentic and delicious Italian food, my instincts now take me directly to B.L.L. Rotisserie Factory: Pizzeria and Italian Restaurant—a great Winston-Salem hotspot for good Italian cuisine.

Located in the heart of the Stratford area, B.L.L. Rotisserie Factory opened its doors to the Winston-Salem public in 1993. To this day, the restaurant continues its tradition of serving the community as an established family business, spotlighting its flawless rotisserie chicken and hearty Italian dishes.

The B.L.L. Rotisserie Factory is very reminiscent of an old, Mediterranean grotto. The restaurant’s small space coupled with traditional, Italian music playing lightly in the background creates a warm and relaxed ambience for visitors wanting a good, casual dining experience.

After customers decide between their choice of booth seating or small tables, members of the wait staff eagerly offer menus, take drink orders, as well as present newcomers with suggestions from the restaurant’s all-around delicious menu. Although the establishment seems to have one large room for all dining customers (one side is for smokers, the other for nonsmokers) B.L.L. Rotisserie Factory presents itself as catering more towards intimate or family dinner groups instead of large parties.

After ordering drinks (there are many choices and beer and wine are both available), customers can choose form a wonderful array of antipastis, as well as the variety of soups and salads found on the Rotisserie Factory’s menu. One popular antipasti favorite is the homemade “Bruschetta Napoletana," or homemade toasted bread topped with fresh diced tomatoes, garlic, basil, and olive oil—a true Italian favorite ($4.25). Another well-liked option is the Rotisserie Chicken Salad which features warm rotisserie chicken piled high on a bed of shredded lettuce, radishes, black olives, provolone cheese, and is topped with onions and hot peppers ($8.25).

Following B.L.L’s tasty first course selection, customers are greeted with a wide variety of dinner entrees including numerous pasta dishes, veal and chicken combinations, seafood specialties, and enticing pizzas.

As one of the restaurant’s managers, Antonio, explained, “We are known for our fresh tasting chicken combined with our flavorful Italian dishes.” In keeping with its tradition, the Rotisserie Factory makes a special effort throughout the menu selection to showcase traditional Italian plates and perfected chicken, but most importantly, it also allows customers to integrate the two.

Some recommended entree favorites include: for pasta lovers, the Lobster Ravioli in Vodka Sauce ($12.10), which is served with 8 large ravioli filled with lobster meat in light creamy vodka sauce with baby shrimp. For meat lovers, the Chicken Parmigiana ($12.75), a pure white chicken breast breaded, lightly fried, and served with tomato sauce and mozzarella over spaghetti.

For fans of both rotisserie chicken and Italian entrees: the Fettuccini Alfredo is topped with the restaurant’s classic B.L.L. chicken ($10.60)—a most definite crowd pleaser! Not only is the fettucini covered with a delicious and creamy sauce, but the chicken mounted on top of it is tender and full of juicy and roasted flavor! All entrees are served with complimentary salads as well as freshly baked bread.

For those customers with a sweet tooth, numerous Italian desserts, such as tiramisu, cannoli, and New York cheesecake (all $3.80), are showcased on B.L.L.’s dessert menu to complete a visitor’s dining experience. All desserts are large enough for couples to share, yet for those up to the challenge, B.L.L.’s waiters say they can also serve as a treat for one!

All in all, B.L.L. Rotisserie Chicken Factory is wonderful place for savory rotisserie chicken as well as hearty Italian food. So next time you are craving Italian food and comfort, remember that this place should not be overlooked. Buon Appetito!