Torcello: extraordinary Italian cuisine By LYNN AZZOLINA Posted:04/12/09
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RED BANK, Many of you are familiar with the expression "The old is new again." Although the former Osteria Dante isn't really very old, it has taken on a new prospective with the original owner Mike Bitici returning to bring you the finest Italian cuisine possible. He has created a new menu that is now even better than ever! That is because Bitici has hands on approach as well as having over 25 years of experience in the restaurant business. Together with his wife Zoya, they have created an exceptional Authentic Italian establishment, which offers the finest cuisine possible. The Bitici's treat all of his customers like family making sure that they are comfortable and happy as if they were in their own home.
With guidance from Mike Bitici, his kitchen has always been known for using the most perfect blend of flavors, seasonings and textures possible. Assisting Bitici is Mario Spar, a renowned chef from Manhattan, who has brought his culinary experience to Red Bank. Torcello is a favorite of many for its seafood dishes, especially Orata and Branzino. Their pastas are homemade, which is vital when preparing exquisite dishes like Gnocchi with a crème of truffle and walnut sauce.
Torcello is named after an island near Venice and the focal point in the restaurant is the life-size Venetian mural that gives you the feeling of actually being there.
Torcello has an ideal location on Broad Street offering a great opportunity for business lunches as well as for social gatherings. The restaurant offers a charm all it's own and soon you will be able to dine al fresco as they have French doors, which open, completely onto the patio outside.
"Dining here is an experience, it is not just eating" says Zoya, who is also a fashion designer.
Everything on the versatile menu is appealing from the exciting appetizers to the extraordinary entrees, pizzas and luscious, homemade desserts. The most difficult decision is what to order, as every dish offers a gastronomic appeal to even the most discriminating diner.
Almost everyone loves Calamari, and we absolutely loved the crisp, (not at all rubbery) calamari enhanced with fresh garlic and extra virgin olive oil, like an Italian grandmother would have made with a touch of spice that added to the delicious flavor.
If you love beets you will really love the Beet Salad here at Torcello, made with fresh beets drizzled with a lemon, honey dressing.
We just had to try Mario's Gnocchi and they were even better than anticipated, one of the best that I have ever tasted. I now know why this is one of his favorite dishes as you too will positively agree as he puts a lot of love and care into the preparation.
Another one of my favorite pastas which I feel that I should mention is their signature selection of Tortellacci, home made strips of ravioli, stuffed with fresh ricotta and spinach, a dish of distinction that should not be missed.
Our main courses, which were equally as enticing, included the Orata, a Mediterranean Sea bass from Greece, (that literally almost melted in our mouths) and a generous portion of Marinated, grilled Rack of Lamb prepared perfectly. The two main dishes not only beautifully presented, but they were both delicious beyond words and tasting just as good as they looked. Compliments to the chef! Dine here for lunch or dinner and you will surely want to return soon to sample some of the enticing items that you missed. Buon Appetito!
ADDRESS: 91 Broad Street, Red Bank. TEL: 732-530-0602 FAX: 732-530-1370 www.torcellorestaurant.com HOURS: 6 days lunch & dinner closed Mondays. Appetizers range from: $8 for Caesar Salad to $12 for Grilled Portobello. Dinner entrees range from: $16 for Garganelli Bolognese to $27 for Veal Scallopine.
