Viewing 1 of 5

Italian food holds a special place in my heart. Having worked in an Italian restaurant for three years, I have an affinity for freshly made pastas, meat dishes, and of course, the wine. In fact I love Italian food so much that after my fiancé, Paul, and I get married, we have decided we will honeymoon in Italy; visit every area we can, sample delicious foods at cafes and restaurants, and enjoy wine tastings from various countryside vineyards.

But until that happens, I can certainly be kept happy with the Italian fare in this area. In the heart of Richmond, Vt., is Toscano Café Bistro. This little restaurant is quaint from the outside in. From the outside the building is soft and appealing. And inside this "homey" restaurant, with its laced curtains and polished wooden floors, sports casual dining room that is both charming and inviting. Lucy Faith, the wife of the ownership team, warmly greeted my guest, Sheri Duff and me. Lucy and her husband, John, have jointly owned Toscano since May of 2003. Their son, Sam, was manning the bar the evening Sheri and I dined.

Sheri and I were truly looking forward to our dining experience. After Lucy sat us, we were eagerly anticipating Italian delights. Lucy explained that the menu was recently updated to include a few new additions: goat cheese ravioli and a grilled veal chop. The two additions to the menu completed an impressive list of fabulous-sounding dishes including mushroom ravioli, salmon, and filet mignon. As if all of those dishes do not sound delicious enough, I was also tempted to try the butternut squash gnocchi, but the grilled veal chop with crispy onions, garlic mashed potatoes, and a fire roasted tomato salsa, won me over. The fact that it was a recent addition to the menu was an immediate plus. From the moment we looked at the entrée portion of the menu, Sheri quickly decided on the house made goat cheese ravioli with spinach and sautéed vegetables. So we were both trying the newest additions on an already full menu.
For an appetizer, I chose the fried calamari which was a perfect start to a great dinner. Our second course was a house tossed salad that came with both of our dinners.

And for the main event, well, let's just say that neither party at the table had a single complaint. My grilled veal chop was still on the bone and I hardly needed a butter knife to cut off the tender, juicy morsels. The flavor was out of this world, and the garlic mashed potations and tomato salsa only added to the flavor and enjoyment of the dish.

Luckily, Sheri was willing to part with one of her raviolis and I was amazed. The cheese stuffing was rich and creamy, and the light homemade pasta made for a perfect combination.

When it came time to put down the forks, both Sheri and I just knew we would not be able to try the raspberry panna cotta that I had spied on the special's page at the beginning of the meal. Other dessert possibilities included lemon mousse tart, bread puddings, cheese cakes, crème brulee, and cappuccino chocolate mousse. Although it was terribly tempting, my stomach was full and happy, and I even had some left over for lunch the next day.

Toscano is located on 27 Bridge Street in Richmond, and is open from 11:30 to 8:30 during the week, and until nine on the weekends. The restaurant is closed Mondays. On Sunday, enjoy Toscano's brunch from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. For reservations call 434-3148.