“We have dishes from different parts of the world,” Toolis explained. “There’s lamb and chicken, as well as some steaks–plus a full Italian menu. We serve lots of fresh fish, too. There’s swordfish, sea bass, salmon, mahi‑mahi.” 

Each meat dish is charbroiled to perfection on Baci’s huge grill.

“A lot of people aren’t familiar with the differences between charbroiling and cooking on a flat griddle,” Toolis said. “The griddle tends to dry the meat out and make it tough. When we charbroil, we cook over an open flame and cook the flavor into the meat. You’ll see the grill marks on our dishes.”

Toolis chose the decor for Baci, an inviting yet subdued ambience, creating a romantic atmosphere in which to dine.

The elegant interior exudes Old World charm, offering a inviting and warm environ created to make each visit to Baci one worth remembering.

The dimly lit dining area features spacious yet intimate booths along the outside windows offering views of the desert mountains to the north. Additional individual tables occupy the center of the room. Old World art prints adorn the walls, giving the surroundings an authentic Italian warmth.

The elegant marble entryway joins the bar to the main dining area, in effect, offering two separate, relaxing environments.

The bar is constructed from glass block with blue backing lights that emit a soft, soothing glow.

Rowdy is not in style at the Baci bar.

Now that the bar is open, Toolis said she is planning a series of special events offering nightly drink specials as wells as a daily happy hour.

“I’m very excited about our upcoming martini nights,” Toolis said. “Customers will be able to choose from lots of different, delicious drinks.”

Diners from all over the North Valley have made Baci a regular dining spot.

“When we want to eat out, a lot of times we have to go to Happy Valley Road for the closest restaurant,” Toolis said.  “About 35,000 cars pass by here every day.

“The best part about Baci is our customers don’t have to feel like they have to dress up to come in,” Toolis says. “If they want to wear jeans and a T‑shirt, that’s fine, too. Whatever they’re comfortable in. We don’t care. This is a neighborhood restaurant,”

 “There are no pretensions here,” she said.  “We like to greet our customers by their first names.”

House specialties include Linguine Bella with shrimp, scallops, chopped asparagus, basil, fresh tomatoes and garlic in a lobster sauce.

Or, how about Lobster Ravioli? Savor fresh lobster layered with shrimp and scallops in a nice  ravioli dish.

For those not inclined to try a seafood entree, veal or chicken piccata might be more to your liking. The delicious dish is cooked in lemon, butter, capers and white wine, served with a side of vegetables and pasta.

All of these dishes and more are prepared by Head Chef Juan Manuel Valdez and Chef Ernesto Rodriguez, both with many years experience in the preparation of fine, international cuisine.

“It’s my responsibility to choose only the highest quality ingredients for our diners,” Toolis said. “We serve only the choicest meats and freshest vegetables.”

Reservations are not required but are recommended for parties of six or more.

“It just helps us get ready for bigger parties,” Toolis said. “It gives us time to set up, so you won’t have to wait.”

Lunch is served from 11 a.m.‑2 p.m., and dinner from 5‑9 p.m., seven days a week.

Children younger than 6 eat free.

Your server will have a list of daily specials including meat and fish combinations for you to choose from.

“Although alcohol is not the most important attraction to Baci, it gives our customers another reason to choose us for a truly delightful dining experience,” Toolis said.

Baci Restaurant is located on the southeast corner of the intersection at 7th Street and Carefree Highway in Tuscani Pointe Shopping Center. Call (623) 582‑2326 for information or to make reservations.