I found Karen & Jasper’s Bistro by accident. As my husband and I drove past the Kinney’s Plaza on Washington Street in Watertown, I noticed a sign that read "Homemade Italian Food". I was surprised - I didn’t even know that there was a restaurant there.

After we finished our business on that side of town, my husband announced that he was hungry, and asked me where I'd like to eat. He loves Italian food, so when I told him about the sign, he wanted to go there.

I walked in expecting a small diner, but when I saw the real tablecloths and candles on the tables, I knew that it wasn’t. There is a bar in the front and a dining area that was small but not crowded with tables.

The menu had plenty of Italian specialties, including Lasagna, Manicotti, and homemade Gnocchi and Meatballs, plus steaks.

I had the Spaghetti and Meatballs, which was very good. The sauce was tasty and a little spicy. Be forewarned - I don’t know how many meatballs the dinner portion comes with, but the lunch portion came with only one meatball. At least it was it was a good-sized one.

My husband had Chicken Parmesan, his favorite dish. He pronounced it delicious, and I have to agree - the portion I stole off his plate was delicious. Our salads were fresh and also very good. Bread and butter came with the salad.

After our meal, we talked with our waiter, who told us that the owners used to own Benny’s Steakhouse, a well-known restaurant on the other side of Watertown. It closed last year and was torn down to make room for a car dealership.

He also told us that the owners had totally renovated the inside of the building, which used to be another restaurant and that the owner built the bar himself in his garage, and then brought it into the bistro.

We left, delighted that Benny’s legacy lived on, even if it was under a different name. My husband already wants to go back - and so do I.

Info

You'll find Karen & Jasper's Bistro at 1322 Washington Street, Watertown. Their phone number is 315-788-4110.