By Marguerite Gil (famae.org)
Il Grissino Ristorante is located in the Restaurant Row part of Coral Gables. It's a casual yet romantic new Italian restaurant that is bringing foodies a taste of traditional Italian favorites at reasonable pieces. The walls are peach hued with cloth napkins of the same color. Chairs are beautifully tailored and the dark (ceramic) wood stained floors add a touch of the old country to this modern, 3,000-sq. ft., eatery. The facade, which faces the sidewalk is totally made of glass from ceiling to floor so that dining inside feels like dining outside without the discomfort of car exhausts, street noises and the South Florida heat.
I chose the Dentice Intero Steccato al Romarino con Olio Profumato which translates into a moist local Yellowtail Snapper covered with aromatic olive oil topped with fresh rosemary and is grilled to perfection ($21). The fish is accompanied with fresh veggies, including some quarter-cut morsels of artichoke, thinly sliced potatoes and strips of pepper in a lovely white wine, lemony sauce. Everything on the menu is very finely sliced, which I believe gives the preparations a delicate taste and looks really nice on the plate. My dining partner tried the Ravioli di Pesce all 'Erbette ($13) home-made ravioli, stuffed with Branzino fish, slightly tossed with fresh cream and herbs. Also on the regular menu, Linguine, Spaghetti, Tortelli, Tuna, Fillet Mignon, Rib eye steaks and a variety of additional meat and fish platters.
From 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Monday - Friday the eatery offers a special "Corporate" 2-course meal plus dessert for $13 which include Chicken Parmigiana or Mahi-Mahi Pesce with caper and a lemon sauce or even grilled jumbo Calamari.
Il Grissino also has a wide selection of Pizzas (wood-fired) with prices ranging from $11.50 to $13.95. There is of course the traditional Margherita with rich tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese.
It Grissino is located at 127 Giralda Ave., Coral Gables, South Florida. Details: 305.461.3391
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