Because quite a few of you insisted, we checked out “Il Paesano Italian Gourmet Food & Wine Bar,” located over at 2645 East Oakland Park Blvd in Fort Lauderdale.
Paola and Vergilio Peixoto, the husband and wife team who co-own this restaurant, opened their shop because they found it “difficult to find the authentic Italian products and a good home cooked meal the way Nonna made it. So they set out on a mission to deliver just that .... A simple fresh, home cooked meal. All the ingredients used are of the best quality and prepared fresh daily.”
Based on our recent visit, it appears that the couple succeeded in their quest.
Even though their store would strike some as more of a deli (and retail wine space), don’t let that fool you. There are some amazing things going on in that kitchen.
On the the day of our visit, the menu featured a “Chicken Cacciatore” — a classic Italian “hunter’s stew” — which is typically made with chicken, garlic, onions, mushrooms, peppers, tomato, herbs with a bit of wine.
Hearty, bold, rich and flavorful, we enjoyed every bite of this truly outstanding $14.99 offering, and scored it yet another quasi-stellar “A-“.
Points were lost because some thought the dish was a “mess,” and that it needed some seasoned roasted potatoes to enhance the plate; maybe a side of spinach or broccoli rabe to add a little color and variety. But please ignore all that, you must check this place out.
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