Playboy: This place is jamming.
Nicholle: Yep, the lunch rush at Porcelli's Bistro is serious.
Playboy: What's good to eat here?
Nicholle: Everything-we have the best Italian food in Cleveland.
Playboy:The place does have that old-school Italian feel.
Nicholle: It's like being in the Porcellis' dining room. We're a big Italian family.
Playboy: Lottman doesn't sound italiano.
Nicholle: I'm honorary now; I'm in the family. The owners are like my parents, and the other bartenders are my sisters.
Playboy: Is this strictly a lunch spot?
Nicholle: No, we have a happy hour crowd, too. We have great chemistry with the customers.
Playboy: They must have needed you during LeBron James's "decision."
Nicholle: We poured more than a few drinks the night he announced he was leaving for Miami.
Playboy: What's your drink?
Nicholle: I enjoy wine. If I have a martini it's on the rocks, and I like it a little bit dirty.
Playboy: Of course. We're swept up in the Italian feel. What do you suggest?
Nicholle: How about a basil cocktail?
BASIL COCKTAIL
Muddle two sugar cubes and four basil leaves. Pour in four ounces of Hendrick's gin and add ice. Shake, shake, shake and serve in a cocktail glass.
