Bruschetta’s amazingly popular Mediterranean appetizer paired with a chilled glass of Pinot Grigio Villagio

BY JOANNA BRADY

Bruschetta is fast becoming everyone’s favorite ‘go to’ eatery for terrific Italian food. I’d been there to try different meals from the various sections of the menu, and really liked the way this new restaurant prepares its fare. I’d already had some of their pastas smothered with delicious sauces, and I loved their superb entrees, especially the ones that included grilled vegetables, Italian style. Like the fabulous medley of eggplant, zucchini and mushrooms drizzled with olive oil, herbs and garlic.

This week I dropped by Bruschetta to taste an appetizer I’ve been hearing other foodies rave about. Grilled octopus—something that, being picky, I’d never thought of ordering before.

I’m happy to announce that I’m now a convert. The octopus, which I had expected to be rubbery and tough, was instead a divine, tender confection redolent with flavor. Chef Marco Delzetti told me he simmers it to a melting tenderness flavored with lots of lemon, oil, parsley, oregano and salmoriglio. Then he grills it to perfection, and serves it with a sauce of olive oil, garlic, and parsley.

The serving was large enough that I shared it with a friend, savoring every bite, and we washed it down with a generous glass of crisp, chilled Pinot Grigio Villagio, a light-bodied delicate white wine that pairs perfectly with appetizers. Served with the octopus, it was a lovely combination.

Bruschetta is not your ordinary, run-of-the-mill Italian restaurant serving the same tired dishes. This place sings of the Mediterranean better than Andrea Bocelli. It’s very special, and if you close your eyes when you enjoy the octopus and Pinot Grigio, you’ll swear you’re in Sorrento.

Buon appetito!

Bruschetta is located at 112 Fitzpatrick St. Open daily from 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Reservations recommended. Call 305 517-6282. Take-out available.

(Joanna Brady is a Key West writer, author of a historical novel of Key West, The Woman at the Light, published by St. Martin’s Press)

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