CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – Ilona Rivera had a fascination with beautiful cuisine at a young age, and the German-Italian woman’s dream was one day to follow her passion and cook for people in her own restaurant.
She fulfilled that dream when Ilona’s Table opened its doors on June 17 and had an official ribbon-cutting with the Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday, Aug. 12.
Rivera, a disabled military veteran and a Le Cordon Bleu chef with an associate’s degree in applied science, worked at a Las Vegas resort with renowned chefs and became a “perfectionist at heart.”
“When I was a little girl in Germany, my grandfather Giovanni, who is from Italy, inspired me to look at food from a different view,” Rivera said. “He was a chef and we would go to his house and he’d do six- to eight-course meals. I was 6 or 7 years old and I’d watch him make roasted chicken, salad, warm olives and so much delicious food. I was in awe! He inspired me to cook this way.
“It’s started as a little girl and I developed a love of food, and I always resorted back to that passion of food and serving it with love. It comes from deep down inside my soul. My love transfers into the food and into the people.”
Illona’s Table is full-service and offers German and Italian food made from family recipes.
Rivera and her family also own and operate Caprigios Pizza, named after her children Carlos, her late daughter, Priscilla, and her son, Giovanni-her grandfather’s namesake). Caprigios Pizza is located right next door to Ilona’s Table.
Ilona’s Table has scored a 100 on their health inspections and are focused on a wonderful European dining experience, where you relax, don’t rush and enjoy each bite of authentic food.
“It’s German and Italian authentic cuisines passed down from my family and taste like its from Germany and Italy. I’m a stickler for presenting things the way it’s supposed to taste. I’m a true chef at heart,” Rivera said. “I want customers to experience the European vibe and enjoy themselves.”
What they serve
Ilona’s Table offers traditional German cuisine like pork schnitzel, homemade cold German potato salad, German red cabbage, roulladen, spaetzle and more authentic cuisines, and Italian dishes such as homemade lasagna and spaghetti Bolognese.
The menu will be expanded in the future.
Prices range from $10-16.
When are they open?
Ilona’s Table is open Wednesday-Saturday from 3-8:30 p.m. Those who are dining in are strongly encouraged to make reservations due to COVID-19 regulations.
To make reservations text or call 931-272-7756 and give them the date, time, number of people dining and a phone number. They will confirm your reservation.
Takeout and carryout are also available. For carryout, hours are Wednesday and Thursday, 3-5 p.m. and 6:30-8 p.m., Friday, 3-5 p.m. and Saturday, 3-5 p.m. and 5:01-8:15 p.m.
Delivery is not available.
To order takeout go to: http://ilonastableclarksville.com.
Where are they located?
Ilona’s Table is located at 620 Dunlop Lane, #117, Suite 117.
For more information visit their Facebook Page.