By: Marc Kent
Located at 718 South Federal Highway in Deerfield Beach (954-427-4909), the amazing fare is the celebrity here! This reviewer met with friend and Chef Tonino Orsino and was regaled with the specials offered this date. Not one or two, but eight dishes-mostly complex ones-were described in detail by this most creative and enthusiastic Chef. Fagottini, tiny dough purses were presented, filled with pear and mascarpone cheese, in sauce with asparagus tips and almond chips while Barratore was a plate with a marinated artichoke, red and yellow bell pepper strips, mozzarella pockets stuffed with yet another mozzarella, tomato slice and marinated eggplant slices. Each taste was fulfilling.
Carlene and Steve arrived and we decided that we would not sample the complex dishes on the standard menu-rather we would select the simple, “Italian Standards” to evaluate each dishes properly. Of the top ten appetizers presented we chose Polpette di Carne Damiano- meatballs made of equal parts beef, veal and pork, topped with ricotta cheese and served in a flavorful marinara sauce. The meatball, full flavor and light on the pallete. The Calamari Fritti were soft rings, lightly breaded then fried and served with the same marinara sauce-delicious!
Of the four salads we opt to try the Insalata Caesare-nice shards of romaine with crunchy croutons in a tangy Caesar dressing with just a hint of anchovy. Chef had us taste the anchovies he uses-personally purchased from sources in Italy.
We sampled Italy’s favorite soup-Zuppa di Pasta e Fagioli-delicious Tuscan soup of white cannellini beans in a savory stock with a touch of tomato and tobettini pasta- perfect! Another fine choice was Zuppa di Scarola e Cannellini- escarole and beans in a fine broth.
The Linguini con Vongole with fresh baby clams is available in red or white clam sauce- we chose the white, smooth sauce with a flavorful linguini and nice size large tender clams. The Rigatoni Bolognese had al dente pasta filled with and covered with a bolognese sauce of quality. These were but two of the thirteen La Pasta offerings –the others more complex.
Six chicken dishes grace the standard menu but Chef offered to have us try a special Chicken Breast Rigatoni with asparagus tips, roasted red and yellow pepper strips, almond slivers, mushrooms, wine and tomatoes! If it is on your menu-try it!
FYI-there are three fish dishes, 2 snapper versions with varied ingredients plus a jumbo sautéed shrimp dish.
Try a pan roasted pork chop with cherry peppers, fresh rosemary, olives, garlic and roasted potatoes or the braised short ribs over a lightly garlic potato puree and mixed wild mushrooms. There are two veal chop dishes and two veal medallions dishes listed as well. We loved tasting the Marsala and Francese versions-tender and tasty. Note that there are seven more dishes available as well as gluten free and whole wheat pasta.
As a treat, we sampled their homemade sausages, off menu, but superb tasting.
In addition to a full bar, there are a dozen wine, by the glass and 108 wines available by the bottle. There are 4 items in a kids menu and the four desserts offered change daily!
Seating 180 inside and 20 outside, Frank & Dino’s serves a luncheon Monday through Friday, 11:30AM to 2:30PM. Dinners Monday through Saturday from 5PM to 11PM, Sunday 4PM to 10PM. This is a fine, fine restaurant…we suggest you…Go and Enjoy!