Da Leo is Da-licious

“….We were the only patrons, who were actually inside this European style trattoria, on a recent busy Friday night.  The other 200 clients were grazing “al fresco” at the sidewalk tables, viewing the ongoing spectacle that is South Beach.”    

 
Mario and Marco

By Marguerite Gil
Food Preview 

Da Leo Restaurant, was one of the pioneer eateries to establish itself on Lincoln Road.  They opened their doors back to 1994, when The Road was full of starving artists. O.K. maybe not so starving, but most definitely hungry for a good meal.  Back then, few places had “al fresco” dining.  Clients were content with in door service and air conditioning. But as you know, things have definitely changed. So much so that we were the only patrons, who were actually inside this European style trattoria, on a recent busy Friday night.  The other 200 clients were grazing “al fresco” at the sidewalk tables, viewing the ongoing spectacle that is South Beach.    

Push open the States-side front door and step into an Italian inn. Smell the fragrant aroma of warm bread, roasted garlic and virgin olive oil.  Marcos, the GM ushered us to a table and introduced us to our waiter…Piero.  With a name like that, we knew he was the genuine article.  Straight from the old country, Piero has conserved that continental way of lavishing his clients with TLC.

A bruschetta (pronounced bru-sket-a) magically appeared on the table while we were checking out the menu choices. The chunky bruschetta bits of beefy tomatoes topped with fresh herbs, ($3.50) was served on pieces of toasted country bread.  While nibbling on the appetizer, my gaze fell upon the dozens of framed lithographs, depicting famous Italians such as members of the Medici family. Leo was an avid antique collector and visibly enjoyed sharing his finds.  The peach color décor also includes two Greek Corinthian columns that don’t quite repose on two peachy globes.  Very Dali-esque.  Also worth the scrutiny, are two 17^th century oil paintings that hang at the restaurant’s entrance. Terrazzo floors, dark oak wainscot with tongue and groove eye-high planks and white flowing, café curtains, polish off the trattoria look.  Tables, like in Europe are situated close to each other. Background music is soft and melodic and makes for easy conversations.

Da Leo offers specials such as a Broccoli puree soup (heavenly for $4.95) or homemade seafood ravioli in a delicate pink sauce for $15.95.  Specials, change on a daily basis and on Tuesday’s, experience the Pasta e Basta, a house salad or daily soup delight with a wonderful pasta selection, accompanied by a glass of complimentary wine for $11.95 plus tip. 

Chef Geraldo from Puerto Rico has studied extensively in Italy.  His menu offers a well-rounded selection of appetizers-antipasti, salads-insalate, soups-zuppe, risotto and pastas, entrees-secondi, fish-pesce and of course desserts-dolci. 

Piero the waiter

Piero reappeared with helpful hints concerning our next course.  First he suggested we share a dish of Gnocchi, smothered in Gorgonzola ($ 12.95) followed by the Red Snapper ($18.95) cooked in a light lemon sauce with capers, vegetables and served with roasted potatoes for me. For my dining partner, the generous portion of Ossobuco (veal shank) on a bed of linguine was recommended for $18.95.  I opted for a small sampling of tender Pesce (fish) with veggies and ‘tatoes.  The Ossobuco was an excellent choice!  The meat was flavorful and moist and just fell off of the shank bone.  All entrees are priced at less than $19.95.  Fish dishes, include Da Leo’s famous fresh seafood Zuppa di pesce: a fisherman’s soup that serves a hefty porzione da secondo for $17.95.  We managed one tiny sliver of incredible Tiramisu for dessert, while I secretly thanked the manufacturer of my pants, for the extra percentage of spandex included in the fabric.

Inside or outside, you’ll taste Da-licious, Da-lightful, Da-lectable dishes.