Love, Italian Style
By Todd Lyon
From the New Haven Register
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| Gamberi alla Griglia from Geppi’s. |
Ciao bella. Mi amore. La dolce vita.
True, I don’t actually speak Italian. But I do know that food is one of the languages of love, and that the Italian chefs here in New Haven do it right.
This Valentine’s Day, I’m suggesting that you join your beautiful friend or spouse at a table laden with fruits of The Boot.
Plenty of area Italian restaurants are preparing special menus and treats for Wednesday; here are a few that sound particularly alluring.
Bon appetito.
GEPPI’S
113 Grand Ave., New Haven
(203) 776-0100
One of New Haven’s oldest and coziest Italian restaurants, Geppi’s has remained a treasure in an ever-changing neighborhood. On Valentine’s Day, Geppi’s is offering roses for all the ladies; Vince Tortora at the piano, who will be taking requests; and a five-course prix-fixe menu with an assortment of sumptuous selections. What’s on the menu? Seafood bisque; a bouquet of raviolis including white wine and sage, roasted vegetable, lobster, and escarole and sausage; a salad of arugula, Belgian endive, radicchio and apples with balsamic gorgonzola; a pan-roasted Norwegian salmon filet with lemon-pepper sauce and Manilla clams with asparagus risotto. And, for dessert, a heart-shaped chocolate mousse. Reservations required.
ANTONIO’S RISTORANTE
672 Main St., East Haven
(203) 469-2386
Antonio’s is a romantic spot, with its stone fireplace and weathered shutters that whisper of the Old World. Chef Gina is a romantic, too, and Wednesday she’ll be offering specials in addition to her regular menu, plus a complimentary goodie bag.
TRE SCALINI
100 Wooster St., New Haven
(203) 777-3373
When it’s Valentine’s Day on Wooster Street, Tre Scalini goes all out. This year, the award-winning restaurant is offering a seven-course, prix-fixe meal, including extra-special desserts. Call ahead for details, and be assured that women will leave with a red rose.
CAFE GOODFELLAS
758 State St., New Haven
(203) 785-8722
Kiss-kiss, bang-bang: Cafe Goodfellas keeps it sweet with all valentines, no massacre. Three seatings, at 5, 6:30 and 8:30 p.m., feature a complimentary glass of champagne and a rose for the ladies. A special a la carte menu offers Goodfellas favorites such as lamb chops, ahi tuna, pork tenderloin, filet mignon with lobster and, for dessert, a chocolate fondue.
ADRIANA’S
771 Grand Ave., New Haven
(203) 865-6474
The venerable restaurant with the new owners is fostering romance with a Roman a la carte menu highlighting pasta, seafood, risotto, veal and antipasto with cheeses galore, plus extra-delicious desserts and what manager Francesco calls "our beautiful wine list." He also reminds us that, during the week, he’s offering a whole assortment of $13.95 veal dinners, the best deals in town.
LUCE
2987 Whitney Ave.,
Hamden
(203) 407-8000
Ristorante Luce is a perfect place for holding hands and gazing over a candlelit table, or perhaps winking and playing footsie under a well-napped table. Whatever your choice, the lovely Luce’s is offering an a la carte Valentine’s menu, with reservations available from 5-9:30 p.m. Specialties include tuna carpaccio, fresh oysters, lobster tails with lobster risotto and more.
Todd Lyon of New Haven is a freelance writer. She can be reached at toddlyon@earthlink.net.
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