Italian restaurants may be a dime a dozen in South Florida, but the vast majority are far from authentic -- it's not always easy to weed out the good stuff from the overly red sauced selections.
Coral Springs has cause to celebrate later this month. The city is about to get a good dose of la dolce vita when Angelo Elia Pizza, Bar, Tapas (rebranded from D'Angelo Pizza, Wine Bar, Tapas) opens its doors later this month.
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On Thursday, September 25, 2014, the fourth location of the casual tapas concept from local celebrity chef Angelo Elia is opening its doors.
"We're excited to continue to expand our brand and restaurants to new locations," says Elia. "Coral Springs is a community with lots of young families and we're eager to share our Italian family-style cuisine with them."
The eatery will offer the same classic (and authentic) Tuscan fare found at the other outposts. Under the direction of corporate executive chef Rickie Piper, the menu will feature new additions, such as gourmet paninis served on house-made wheat or ciabatta bread, pulled Short Ribs with asiago cheese and red onion with kale slaw on the side, and the Angelo Burger with fontina cheese, fried egg and black truffle arugula mayonnaise.
Lighter options are also on the docket, including Mediterranean-style salads like the chopped chef salad (romaine, ham, turkey, eggs, tomato, avocado, and Swiss cheese in balsamic vinaigrette), chopped antipasto (prosciutto, ham, salami, fresh mozzarella, ceci romaine, radicchio, roasted peppers and black olive lemon vinaigrette), and roasted beets with arugula, gorgonzola, candied walnuts and balsamic vinaigrette.
Just like the other locations, expect to see a wide array of small plates ranging from veal and pecorino cheese meatballs and arancini with veal osso buco and mozzarella to sautéed clams and mussels, crudo, and capacci.
That's not to say that tapas are the only option. The concept offers a selection of large plates as well, like homemade pastas (think seafood lasagna and gnocchi with marinara, mozzarella, and basil), chicken parmigiana, and veal milanese.
And make sure to sample the wood-oven pizzas -- the fico pizze bianche made it to our list of 100 favorite dishes a couple years back. Signature pies include the Porcina (porcini mushrooms, mozzarella, tomato sauce, truffle oil, and basil), Diavola (smoked mozzarella, tomato sauce, and spicy salami), smoked salmon pie (brie cheese, chives, and lemon oil), and the Angelo (white pizza with buffalo mozzarella, prosciutto, and arugula topped with shaved Reggiano).
Wash it all down with a glass of vino from Italy. The wine list includes a wide selection available by the glass or bottle, each of which has been handpicked by Elia and award-winning sommelier Koen Kersemans. Elia's own Jankara Vermentino from Sardinia is included in the selections.
Indoor and outdoor seating will be available for lunch and dinner.
Angelo Elia Pizza, Bar, Tapas is located at 5920 Coral Ridge Drive in Coral Springs. Call 954-344-1233, or visit angeloeliapizza.com.
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