Vito's Piazza

My first published article...

(LOGO)

It was a great evening, the evening that the USS Spruance was commissioned, a very moving experience. After the ceremony, my friends and I decided to have dinner at the new Italian Restaurant at 1019 White Street, Vito’s Piazza.

I had been watching the space for several weeks, after I noticed the Italian Water Ice truck outside. I was wondering what would replace “Out of the Blue.”  I saw the papers go on the windows, and the red, white and green pennants hung behind the papers. As the time passed this space was transformed into an Italian Restaurant, and the curb appeal was really good.

Since I was on my bicycle, I arrived before my friends. Peddling up, I heard the mellow tones of Frank Sinatra, singing a lovely song. I entered, and sat at the bar to await the arrival of my friends. I saw a few people enjoying their meal; it was still a little early. There are 2 red wines, a Chianti and a Cabernet Sauvignon, on the menu, and the bartender gave me a good pour for a taste of each. Thank you, Peter!

My friends arrived, and we were seated outside, in the back of the casual tropical courtyard; a unique location in Key West.  This was a very comfortable table, with the fan blowing gently, and the cooler night breezes. We had the choice of sitting in air conditioned comfort inside, or eating under the stars in the garden. Since the weather was so comfortable, we chose the garden and the stars.

The menu arrived and we searched for what would tantalize our palates. The menu is small, with some select items. It can be viewed at: http://www.vitoskeywest.com/#!menu. The wait staff were friendly, and well acquainted with the menu and daily specials.

At our table, one person chose the Pasta Aglio E Olio, and a Caprese salad, another, the Chicken Parmesan, the third had the house salad, and I went for the fish of the day accompanied by a mini crab cake. We also ordered garlic bread for the table.

As we waited for our food, I noticed that several more groups had arrived. As the tables filled, the hum of people eating mixed with the strains of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Tony Bennett, Louis Prima, Frankie Avalon, and many more singing those wonderful songs we all remember; creating a comfortable ambiance.

The Caprese salad, bread and garlic bread arrived, the garlic bread was done in a press, with good flavor, and the bread service was of a light texture, and good flavor. The Caprese salad was beautifully presented, fresh and tasty. We all enjoyed sharing the bread and Caprese.

The entrees arrived, large portions and well presented. The Pasta Aglio E Olio looked very good too, with a generous portion, the parmesan cheese mixed with parsley wreathed the plate, appealing to eye and palate at $10.95.

The Chicken Parmesan, served with linguine and Vito’s Classic Red Sauce, filled the large plate, more than one man could eat and a generous portion of chicken priced at $15.95.

The fish also, looked wonderful, grilled to perfection, and topped with a delicious mini Crab Cake, drizzled with Vito’s Fire Roasted Red Pepper Sauce, very delicious. The garlic mashed potatoes were excellent and the asparagus was still crisp. This special of the day was $23.95.

The House Salad looked wonderful, a generous portion, crisp greens, tomato, cucumber, and crouton with the delicious house dressing. It was very reasonably priced at $6.95, a good value. They also serve a smaller salad for $4.95.

Portions were so large that we each took home our leftovers, and I had the opportunity to taste each of the other’s meals for lunch today, finding them tasty, I was very pleased.

The appetizers range from $2.00 for the garlic bread, to $14.95 for an Antipasto for two. I was very tempted by the Mussels Fra Diavola. I plan to have that next visit.

The soups are a favorite, Italian Wedding, and the soup of the day.

Many of the entrees are served as sandwiches and subs at prices varying from $8.95 for the Meatball, to $14.95 for the Maryland Lump Crab Cake.  All sandwiches are served with fries.

The entrees start at $9.95 for the Spaghetti and Vito’s Classic Red Sauce, and end at $27.95 for the Thick Barrel Cut Filet Mignon, for an additional $6.00 they will add the mini crab cake; a different type of surf and turf.

They have a children’s menu, 3 items at $5.95 each.

They are starting to serve Pizza as well, and I would like to try that.

The desserts also caught my eye, Tiramisu, NY Style Cheesecake, Limoncello Flute, Spumoni and, the fantastic one that I took home, Cannoli, either chocolate chip or regular, for $6.50 each.

Don’t forget, Vito’s Loves Locals, and offer Free Delivery.

Surprise your family with an incredible meal tonight. Call (305) 509-7716 for your to-go, delivery order, or just stop by and dine in.

To surmise, the food was delicious, and reasonably priced with generous portions. They know what they are doing. If you are thinking of anywhere else, fuhgeddaboutit!

Barbara Blackmore