It was with great trepidation, therefore, that we ventured into Vesuvio's Bistro. Located in the Best Western (yes, you read that correctly) you would automatically worry that the food and atmosphere would be somewhat sterile, generic, or mediocre (no offense intended for Best Western). But what you step into is a small, intimate dining room with simple elegance, white table cloths, well dressed wait staff, an old-fashioned bar, and a comfortable feel.
We've been several times now. We usually start with the Chef's Antipasti-- an ever revolving charcuterie board with various meats and cheeses, olives, etc. The bread is warm and delicious and crusty, and the olive tamponade tangy and balanced. Usually a bruschetta is served as an Amuse-bouche.
One of the main attractions is the gigantic parmesan wheel that occupies a corner of the restaurant. This wheel is used for one of their signature spaghetti dishes, in which they toss fresh pasta, mushrooms, and a bit of olive oil and lap up some of the surrounding cheese. It's fantastic. The marinara found in some of their dishes is also one of my personal favorites, and I have, on occasion, finished my meal by ingesting the remainder of the sauce with a spoon.
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| The Parm Wheel |
Menu: ★★★★☆
Good selection with lots of classics. Several vegetarian options, both listed and by request. Everything from appetizers to desserts, cocktails to Italian wines. It's all Italian, which should surprise none.
Food: ★★★★☆
Some rustic, some elevated, all delicious. Don't skip the fresh pastas. The seafood is fresh. Sit back and enjoy a glass of wine.
Atmosphere: ★★★★☆
Just the right amount of pomp to make it a great date restaurant, not overly done though so as to be stuffy. Sound is usually mid-to-high, knocking off a star. Soft light, white linens.
Service: ★★★★☆
Great service. Knowledgeable. Friendly. Well dressed.