DANVILLE — The mustard-yellow building gives no hint that an exotic world lies beyond its doors. Once a month, however, the hot dog/pizza palace is transformed into an Italian experience, complete with a seven-course meal and live music.

“We’re not just that yellow building that serves hot dogs,” said Dick Christenson, owner of Mustard’s Last Stand/Pizza Palace on U.S. Route 150. “We’re more than that. Italian Night has become a tradition.”

The first Italian Night was in June 2007, seating 40-50 people. However, it’s evolved over time, expanding its offerings and its seating to 80.

Not only is the concept unique for the Danville area, but Christenson and his wife, Susan “Moe” Mahoney-Christenson, operate the only mom-and-pop authentic northern Italian restaurant in central Illinois, he said.

Christenson, a native of the Chicago area, specializes in Tuscany cooking.

The Christensons also do something else that’s unusual: They donate a portion of the proceeds from the drawings on Italian Night to Holy Family Church, where they are members.

The Rev. Ted Pracz, pastor of Holy Family, helped Christenson set up musicians for the first Italian Night and also recommended a florist. In appreciation, Christenson takes a pizza to the Holy Family office staff every week and makes a monthly donation.

In fact, Christenson is a big believer in businesses helping each other.

“We try to help others in business like us,” he said, such as through recommendations. “I just want to keep Danville going.”

Christenson also thinks people should slow down, and the 2½ –hour Italian Night is a good way to unwind.

“People are always in a hurry,” he said. “Sit down and enjoy (the meal) the right way, the Italian way.”

Italian Night begins with pizza appetizers and introductions of the staff and the band. A seven-course authentic Italian meal is served. Christenson stressed he uses only fresh ingredients from the Chicago area, and nothing comes from a can. Among his suppliers are Lezza Bakery and Gonnella Baking Co.

The meals include items such as spaghetti pie, gravy and meatballs, garlic bread, tortellini, homemade Alfredo, herb-baked chicken, steamed asparagus, bruchetta bread and cannoli.

He even teaches the diners how to twirl spaghetti with a fork and teaches simple phrases and toasts.

Besides being part-Sicilian, Christenson also claims Irish in his background, so you might find him singing “Danny Boy” on Italian Night.

There’s dancing and music, and each woman gets a flower from Blossom Hill Florist in downtown Danville. There are drawings for items such as clothing and food, with a portion of the proceeds going to Holy Family.

“The people love it. They have such a great time,” Susan said. “The whole room is laughing.”

“We have more fun doing Italian Night than anything,” her husband said.

The diners chat with each other, and Christenson helps promotes businesses run by people in the room.

The music is a big draw, too.

“The talent of the bands is exceptional and everybody enjoys it so much,” Susan said. The different bands have their own following.

On the first Italian Night, Christenson followed his priest’s recommendation and signed up Dave Schroeder, who has been playing and teaching piano and organ for 30 years. Schroeder directs choir and music at Trinity Lutheran Church, in addition to playing organ at Holy Family.

That first night, the musicians were Schroeder on piano, Alan Wait on bass and Doc Ashton on saxophone. They called themselves “Mustard’s Last Band.”

Wait, who has been teaching and playing guitar for more than 40 years, coordinates the bands every month.

Another popular musician is Steve Rodman, who sings songs by John Denver, James Taylor and the Beatles. He brings a Denver or Beatles tribute to Mustard’s several times a year.

Other musicians are Lane Baldwin, who sings with the Deeper Blues Band, and Chris Taylor, whom Christenson described as the “meanest lead guitar ever.”

Christenson also sings Sinatra and Irish tunes — when he’s not cooking, serving and telling stories. His wife works part-time at Provena United Samaritans Medical Center and helps at the restaurant on weekends.

During the week, people come in for the pizza, Chicago hot dogs, polish sausage, Italian beef (his own recipe), tamales, pasta and other dishes. The restaurant also features a drive-through window and will make deliveries.

On a recent afternoon, Kyle and Amber Barrett of Danville were enjoying their first visit to the restaurant, along with their 5-month-old daughter, Kylina.

Amber described their pizza as “great,” adding, “We’ll definitely be coming back.”

To top off their meal, Christenson gave them a pistachio cannoli on the house.

The pizza chef at Mustard’s is Susan’s son, Mike Wheeler, who makes every pizza a work of art.

The employees make it a point to get on a first-name basis with the customers. Other workers include Alex Anderson and Sherry Jones.

Christenson owned his first hotdog cart in 1969, and was a general contractor for 20 years. He also cooked for 65 men while serving in the Merchant Marines.

So, on Italian Nights, he said, “Cooking for 75 people is nothing — it’s a piece of cake. It’s like eating a cannoli.”

Looking ahead, Christenson has plans to add an outdoor eating area this summer and he’s planning his first New Year’s Eve party in December with a special menu and Schroeder on the piano.

People also may reserve the restaurant for special occasions, such as birthdays and anniversaries.

FYI

Italian Night is held from 6:30-9 p.m. every second Saturday at Mustard’s Last Stand/Pizza Palace, 1½ miles west of Danville on U.S. Route 150. Seating is limited to 80 people. Call 477-1100 early for reservations. Cost is $17, and diners must be at least 21 years old.

The next Italian Night will be Saturday, March 13.

The restaurant also is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday.

MUSIC LINEUP

March 13: John Denver Tribute

April 10: Beatles Tribute

May 8: Deeper Blues Band

June 12: Doc Ashton’s Jazz Band