I'm always a hesitant to try new restaurants here in South Florida because usually I walk in hungry and walk out with a depleted wallet and a belly full of ... disappointment. With that said, I've been craving Authentic Italian food for months with little luck finding anything. When I saw the many positive reviews for Prosecco22 with a bonus that it's literally right around the corner from my home I determined to give it a shot.
My wife and I went for a late-lunch/early-dinner with the intent of doing a full meal. In summary we ordered a bottle of Prosecco (because how can you go to a restaurant named Prosecco22 and not), appetizer (Charcuterie Board), entrees (Lobster Ravioli for her, Seafood Linguini with Lobster Tail for me), and dessert (Ricotta stuffed Cannoli followed by Cappuccino for her and Espresso for me). Our waiter was Ernesto, and the Chef, Mimmo came out to check on us personally.
Passing over the play-by-play details of each menu item I can say that everything, without exception, was beautifully presented, flavorful, and cooked to perfection. Portions were more than generous, and the quality was superior. The server was amazing, and the Chef clearly knows his business. Thumbs-up on every aspect of the dining experience; for a change I left a restaurant feeling like I won.
So short and sweet ... but when I write a review, I always start by reading other reviews, and I'd like to make three points regarding some of the less-positive reviews posted about Prosecco22.
First, some of the reviews state bluntly that the food is not "Authentic Italian". That's like saying the Barbecue restaurant you visited in Texas isn't "Authentic Barbecue" because you're from the Carolinas! From the Aosta Valley and Piedmont in the north to Sicily in the south, Authentic Italian cuisine spans a great many flavors and styles, and every real Chef puts his or her own character and spin on the dishes they create.
Sadly, many of us (Americans) never have the pleasure of enjoying Authentic Italian cuisine, spoiled as we are through a lifetime of Chef Boyardee ravioli and SpaghettiOs. So, if you think tomato sauce + oregano + overcooked pasta = "Authentic Italian" this restaurant will probably be a real disappointment. I was fortunate to enjoy real Italian cuisine in Boston's North End for many years, also in Little Italy in NYC, and in Lombardy in Italy; the food at Prosecco22 is as authentically Italian as you are likely to find anywhere here in the USA.
Second, some reviewers expressed dissatisfaction with the price/value of their dining experience. Whether the point is valid is hard to judge; every dining experience is unique and is influenced by personal tastes, expectations, and budgets. In my opinion, the meal prices at Prosecco22 were perfectly aligned with the quality of the food and service, and my dining experience was exemplary. But again, this is based entirely on my personal tastes, expectations, and budget.
Remember, this isn't the Olive Garden and "that the guy in the kitchen" isn't some hourly wage-slave being paid by a corporation managing everything from advertising and rent to inventory control and menu creation. The Chef is the owner. He is invested in every aspect of the business because it is his. He cares about his ingredients, his food, and most of all the satisfaction of his customers. This is his livelihood and his passion. If you are seeking cheap-eats there are plenty of restaurants to choose from. But if nobody patronizes chef-owned independent restaurants we are left with nothing but corporate owned chains spewing out least-common-denominator food that we know is good only because everyone in the TV commercial looks so satisfied.
Third, there seems to be some criticism about the location in "a strip mall in Southwest Ranches". I live in Southwest Ranches, and I get the point, but let's be honest - just about everything here in South Florida is located in a Strip Mall somewhere. If you look at rental prices for commercial space anywhere in South Florida it becomes clear that this may be the only option available and not a cheap one at that. I've eaten at many fine restaurants in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Palm Beach that are no longer in business because despite their prime location (or perhaps because of their prime location) their receipts couldn't keep up with the rent.
Also, I've eaten at top Michelin-starred restaurants in New York, London, and Paris and I've eaten amazing food cooked on a hot rock by the roadside in the middle of the desert in Egypt. So, Southwest Ranches, strip-mall aside, my point is that great food is where you find it. Just saying. read more