Tucci’s & 13 American Table – Two Restaurants, Same Great Taste
By: Quezia Salgado
The term “Melting Pot” was originally used as the title of Israel Zangwill’s play about immigrants in America in 1908. Since then, the term has often been used to describe the immense diversity in the population of the United States. This mixture of nationalities, religions, and traditions has made its way to restaurant kitchens all over the country. Bringing all these elements together Alberto Aletto and chef Anthony Fiorini started 13 American Table, “It’s all about American cuisine. America is a melting pot, so we are a melting pot; we add a lot of different ingredients to the foods we serve,” says Aletto.
On an interview for the Boca Raton Wine and Food Festival, chef Fiorini revealed where the idea came for the name of the restaurant, as well as what impacted the decision for what items to include on the menu, “The name 13 American Table is based on the 13 stripes on the American flag, as well as the 13 colonies. We talked a lot about what America is now: it’s a melting pot; there are many different types of cuisines, so we wanted to feature as many as we possibly could.” In addition to offering a variety of dishes to please every palate, an interesting item that makes the difference in the food at 13 American is the Josper oven, a charcoal-fed oven/grill, which gives the foods that extra smoky flavor. In fact, one of the restaurant’s best sellers, the octopus, is grilled in the Josper. Fiorini describes, “it gives it a nice smoky flavor and crispiness from the grill marks. We serve it with marinated chick peas, romaine hearts and watercress, a little hummus, red onions, poblanos, and salsa verde; it’s a pretty special dish.”
Prior to opening 13 American Table Aletto already had some experience in the restaurant business as the owner of Tucci’s Fire N Coal Pizza, for over five years, “It’s been successful; we have a lot of local customers that come with their kids and families; it’s a family-oriented establishment.” Although Tucci’s has a set menu since the main item offered is pizza, Aletto says, “We’re working on changing the menu for the summer, but for now it’s simple: pizza, salad, chicken wings, pasta, and cannoli for dessert.”
Whether you’re hungry for fresh out of the oven pizza, or you’re feeling adventurous and want to explore other cuisines, both Tucci’s and 13 American Table are places where you can be sure all of your gastronomic cravings will be satisfied.
Tucci’s is located at 50 NE 1st Ave, Boca Raton, FL 33432
Mon: 5:30pm – 10pm; Tue-Sat: 12pm – 3pm & 5:30pm – 10pm Sun: 4:30pm – 10pm
*Parking behind restaurant*
13 American Table is located at 451 East Palmetto Park Rd. Boca Raton, FL 33432
Tue-Thur: 5pm – 10pm; Fri-Sat: 5pm – 11pm
*Valet Parking Available*
