Armani's Cucina 1920 14th Ave. Vero Beach, FL 32960
5 Stars
In the mood for some 5-star food, I reset the parameters on my random name generator to the more food-friendly climes of Indian River County. The closer one gets to a big city in the Sunshine...
Read MoreArmani's Cucina 1920 14th Ave. Vero Beach, FL 32960
5 Stars
In the mood for some 5-star food, I reset the parameters on my random name generator to the more food-friendly climes of Indian River County. The closer one gets to a big city in the Sunshine State, the better the food. Go figure.
Paris is our service professional, and let me tell you, the stars and planets really aligned for this meal. Paris is an outstanding member of the team and one thing you don't normally see is good food with good service. Usually, the better the food, the worse the service. I'm not exactly sure of the correlation here, but I do have a few theories worthy of a dissertation or two. I put in an order for Kerry's Steak Marsala, the Pear & Gorgonzola Fiocchi and the Polpo alla griglia with a side of Asiago garlic bread.
Enjoying the warmth of the place, I snapped a few pics and soon witnessed Paris returning with my order. Keeping the phone out, I quickly took some pics of the cuisine and eagerly dug in. The aromas emanating from the plates laid out before me were mesmerizing to the food inspired. Before digging in, know that I do not hide behind a screen of fustian and fluffery. For those reviews, see the now defunct Florida Today food section. What I write is what I got. I don't care if they like it, you like it, or the President likes it. Someone needs to tell it like it is.
First up on my no-holds-barred palate was Kerry's Steak Marsala. I am a huge fan of anything Marsala as it is quick, flavorful and adds a splash of gourmet to any protein if done correctly. And this? This was done superbly. The chef took a medium-grade hunk of cow flesh, cooked it to a perfect medium rare, and nailed the Marsala sauce. If there was any minus to his production, it was the casting of canned mushrooms instead of fresh ones. Not my choice, but acceptable in this sauce.
Forcing my fork to move on, I turned my taste buds toward the Pear & Gorgonzola Fiocchi. As the flavors exploded on my tongue like so many pop-rocks of days gone by, I had to close my eyes to truly savor this divine moment. This dish was bursting with flavor and an absolute out-of-the-park home run.
This brings me to the final dish ordered today (I'm pretty sure I will be back) the Polpo alla griglia. I admit this is a more advanced dish, if only for the visual, than your average Italian fare, but it is one of my favorites. Once again, our James Beard impersonator in the back was obviously taking his job very seriously as this was exceedingly exquisite and obviously prepared with love. I would be remiss if I failed to mention the side of Asiago garlic bread. One bite and I knew the bread person was on the same page as the head chef. This was to die for.
It's sad that we have to leave Brevard County to experience dining of this level, but here it is, right next to my #1 Breakfast place in Florida. It is what it is.
The Big Boy says, “Come here and taste fantastic Italian food—food that does not exist in Bree-vard.”
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