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Eat. Love. Burg: It's Amore!
I was ready for a lingering lunch. Accompanied by my favorite dining companion (a book), today’s convivial spirit was Frances Mayes’ Under The Tuscan Sun, perfect for an Italian sojourn, famiglia style, at Moscato’s Bella Cucina.
This charming trattoria serves up Grandma Mary Iiorio’s Sunday suppers, thanks to Bill, wife Yolanda and her sister Maria. As a Jersey girl, I can give this the two thumbs up Snooki seal of approval because I grew up with serious Italian homecooking, thanks to our neighbors, the Pozzis.
What started as a take-out and catering small business in 2006 flourishes today on Central Avenue. Italian wines fill the armoire, while heavenly smells of garlic, basil and red sauce waft through the small bistro setting. On Friday and Saturday nights, live jazz adds to the ambience. Open Tues-Sat for lunch at 11 (and dinner Thurs-Sat starting at 4), you can count on extraordinary homemade pasta dishes, gourmet pizzas and paninis with pizzazz as well as warm, courteous service.
Whether you order the sandwich (grilled chicken wrap, meatball Parmesan, Italian Supreme with Boars Head meats, Caprese wrap with prosciutto), pizza, salads, soups (pasta fagioli, tomato bisque) or entrees, these family heirlooms are the real deals, much like Paesano’s on 4th or Campanella’s on Park Blvd.
Vegetarians love the thinly sliced eggplant parmesan or mozzarella and spinach with roasted peppers, tomatoes and black olive panini, seasoned to please. Other non-meat choices include the Italian grilled cheese made with provolone, pesto and tomato or mouthwatering pizzas such as spinach feta, mozzarella and fresh basil or vegetable pie (zucchini, squash, tomato). My favorite is the strawberry and Romana salad dribbled with goat cheese, pecans, mandarin oranges and a housemade honey citrus dressing.
Pastas star here, especially the homemade angel hair Alfredo tossed with prosciutto, mushrooms and peas or mixed with fresh mozzarella, zucchini, squash and spinach. We couldn’t decide among the chicken parmesan, cheese or meat lasagna and shrimp scampi over linguine, so we ordered all three and took the leftovers home, toasting Grandma Iorio while we watched the Bucs game Sunday with a bottle of Ducale Chianti Classico Riserva. Motto bene.
Moscato’s Bella Cucina: 449 Central Ave. (727) 322-4313
Photos courtesy of Moscato’s and Enchanted Forest Photography
Wiser is a freelance writer and executive editor of The Inquisitive Tongue. She reports on dining, travel and entertainment. Originally a syndicated writer and San Diego-based reporter and web producer, her articles have appeared in more than 500 papers and magazines, including AOL, Food.com, TBT, United Hemispheres, San Diego Magazine, California Magazine, San Francisco Examiner, San Diego Union Tribune, New York Post and more. Follow her blog, here.
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TONIGHT!
Moscato's is having its monthly wine tasting and food event on tonight, October 27th starting at 7pm. Wine tasting from 7-10pm! Experience some wonderful boutique wines from craft winemakers! A taste of penne vodka and chicken cacciatore along with the unlimited wine tasting and live salsa music! Purchase some of their wines at discounted prices. Reserve your spot by calling ahead. 727-322-4313
