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Homemade eggplant lasagna<br />
Wild Italian mushroom and truffle risotto<br />
room Truffle Risotto and the most wonderful homemade Lasagna<br />
with melted mozzarella and beef in a San Marzano Marinara sauce.<br />
The Lasagna was perfect in consistency, flavor, taste and presentation.<br />
As a special treat he also whipped up homemade Shrimp Bisque<br />
Soup in a light cream sauce that was a tribute to its namesake.<br />
Though we live in Florida the temperatures have been dipping quite<br />
a bit, hence the reason for appreciation of something as warm and<br />
nurturing as soup. But as Menna always says, “My guests who come<br />
here know they don’t have to look at the menu because I know what<br />
they like. I will custom make dishes specifically to please my customers.<br />
You can have anything from a fish dish to veal with freshly<br />
prepared sauces and ingredients.”<br />
That is why people come from all over to taste his homemade<br />
cuisine that is a far cry from those you see on typewritten menus.<br />
“This is the best Italian food in Delray, hands down. The owner Michel<br />
is amazing, warm and funny. From the delicious homemade<br />
bread to the tableside cooked vodka cream sauce to the simplistic<br />
caesar salad, everything is prepared with finesse,” said Aaron Bova.<br />
If you like Penne Vodka, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to find one<br />
of the best versions of this Italian staple at Il Contadino. Served piping<br />
hot this Penne Vodka is torched in the pan with fire and cooked<br />
with vodka sauce and a light cream sauce at your table. It is not<br />
only a delight to watch, but the flavorful rich taste of the sauce will<br />
please your palate immensely. “This is one of the best Penne Vodka<br />
dishes I have ever had,” said one enthusiastic guest.<br />
Il Contadino also has an extensive collection of wines from all regions.<br />
“I have 1000 different bottles of wine – some are vintage, and<br />
others are from as far back as the 20s. You tell me what wine you like,<br />
and I will find it for you,” said Menna, who keeps those bottles nearby,<br />
some on the wall right behind you. The Chianti Reserve is our favorite.<br />
Chef Michel’s passion and personal attention shows in every<br />
aspect of your dining experience. His dishes are creative, the presentation<br />
is outstanding (flower pedals abound) and there is always<br />
something special being cooked up in the kitchen. There are<br />
specialty homemade pastas, table side cooking, fresh fish (he only<br />
serves what is brought in fresh that day) and other Italian favorites.<br />
Chef Michel also has special Wine Dinners, but you must call to<br />
inquire about dates and times. Il Contadino is also the perfect place<br />
for private parties and special occasions. “We can rent out the entire<br />
restaurant for your party – whether it be for business or a family<br />
affair. The interior space (or outside patio) is so romantic it will<br />
leave a lifetime of memories.”<br />
Joanne Frenzel sees the beauty in the calm of Chef Michel’s restaurant<br />
as well. “If you missed this incredible gem, tucked away on<br />
NE 2nd <strong>Ave</strong>nue in Delray, away from the hustle, bustle and noise of<br />
<strong>Atlantic</strong> <strong>Ave</strong>nue, make a point to treat yourself to the IL CONTADINO<br />
experience. Chef Michel’s passion and personal attention shows in every<br />
aspect of your dining experience. His dishes are creative, made of<br />
the best and freshest ingredients - a far cry from standard Italian fare.<br />
Spaghetti with Roasted Peppers, Short Rib Meatballs and Key Lime<br />
Pie are just a few of the treasures. The wine selection is exquisite.”<br />
The outdoor seating under the trees – weather permitting –<br />
makes you feel like you’re in Italy or a romantic island. The oldworld<br />
restaurant interior has comfortable seating, crystal chandeliers<br />
and is the perfect setting for Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day<br />
or any holiday. “Our recipe for corned beef and cabbage is the best<br />
you will ever find,” he said.<br />
James found this out firsthand. “This is my favorite restaurant<br />
in South Florida. Michel has the largest wine selection available in<br />
any restaurant I’ve ever been to. The food is all made to order and<br />
is the absolute best in Delray. Want something you don’t see on the<br />
menu? No problem. Michel will prepare anything you want, any<br />
way you want it. You will never be hurried either. Michael is a most<br />
gracious host and goes out of his way to make your dining experience<br />
memorable.”<br />
He sure does.<br />
Homemade mozzarella with beets and peppers<br />
IL Contadino Ristorante<br />
165 NE 2nd <strong>Ave</strong><br />
Delray Beach<br />
(561) 330-0004<br />
Catering and take-out available<br />
www.<strong>Atlantic</strong><strong>Ave</strong><strong>Magazine</strong>.com | <strong>May</strong> <strong>2019</strong> | 99
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