Authentically Amazing

Not a week goes by that I don't hanker for Italian food. Now, I know where to go when I crave spectacular Sicilian cuisine: Trattoria Pizzeria Vespri Siciliani and Bar.

Your exemplary culinary experience at this cozy Boca Raton eatery begins with a warm greeting from staff and Chef Rino Balzano, who has treated many of Hollywood's best and brightest to his fresh and flavorful creations. His menu at Trattoria Pizzeria Vespri Siciliani and Bar brims with choices for fans of meat, seafood, poultry and vegetables, and the star of the show is his homemade pasta.

First, a thoughtful collection of Italian wines demands your attention, and you'll have the opportunity to try selections that will likely be new to you.

For Antipasti, try the Zuppa Di Clams Mondello: juicy and tender clams served with cherry tomatoes, garlic and basil. Other favorites are the Burrata or Bufala, Prosciutto and Roasted Peppers; Fish or Meat Carpaccio; and the Classic Seafood Salad, with mussels, clams, squid, octopus, prawns and red king prawns. The Vespri Siciliani Salad is a rich combination of lettuce, roasted peppers, black olives, gorgonzola cheese, cherry tomatoes and chickpeas with olive oil, lemon, white vinegar and parmesan.

When it comes to Primi, pasta and rice choices abound, and those with a sophisticated pasta palate will especially appreciate the selection. We thoroughly enjoyed the Risotto Bronte, a deliciously unexpected combination of rice, shrimp, pistachio cream, tomato sauce and basil, as well as the Bucatini Amatriciana, comprising guanciale, tomato sauce, basil and pecorino cheese.

For Secondi, order the Involtini De Pesce Spada if it's available. This complex dish contains swordfish rolls with white prawns, anchovies, bread crumbs, raisins, pine nuts, mint, orange, lemon, pecorino cheese and extra virgin olive oil.

There's also a similar version made with chicken. If you love veal, you'll thrill to the Veal Scaloppine Conca D'Oro and the Veal Scaloppine Pizzaiola but will also want to try the incredible Ossobuco Palagonia, braised veal shank with red wine and demi glaze, served over risotto.

Finally, end your journey through Sicily on a sweet note with the stand-out Tiramisu and Cannolo Siciliano - accompanied by homemade limoncello.

I'm always ready for seconds at Trattoria Pizzeria Vespri Siciliani and Bar. O

Trattoria Pizzeria Vespri Siciliani and Bar is located in Royal Palm Place, 507 S.E. Mizner Blvd., Boca Raton. For more information, call 561-430-5110 or visit vesprisiciliani.net.