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dining | restaurant review<br />
By diane feen | Photos by melisSa korman<br />
coconut shrimp on stirfry sesame salad<br />
Homemade Food Made to Please You<br />
IL CONTADINO RISTORANTE<br />
Michel Menna is a people<br />
pleaser – in a foodie kind of way.<br />
He dotes on his customers with homemade Italian fare at his<br />
intimate restaurant in Pineapple Grove.<br />
The restaurant, Il Contadino is a place where people<br />
come to celebrate holidays, birthdays or just want to luxuriate in<br />
the pampering and power of a homemade Italian meal.<br />
Menna likes when his patrons call ahead to tell him what foods<br />
they prefer. That way he has time to create the perfect version of<br />
their favorite dishes with élan.<br />
82 | may <strong>2022</strong> | www.<strong>Atlantic</strong><strong>Ave</strong><strong>Magazine</strong>.com<br />
Veal Siciliana<br />
Ken Chiarella came to Il Contadino with his mother Marilyn<br />
(who was celebrating a milestone birthday) and three of his<br />
friends. All are snowbirds and find themselves smitten with the<br />
culinary prowess of Menna.<br />
“Michel puts out food that is second to none. Everything is personalized<br />
and fresh, and the flavors are distinct and amazing. Every<br />
time we come here, he asks us what we want, and then he<br />
prepares it beautifully.”<br />
When Ken’s mom Marilyn asked for lamb chops for her birthday<br />
dinner, Menna didn’t have them. But within an hour they<br />
mysteriously appeared in front of her with all the trimmings. She<br />
beamed with delight as her son looked on with amazement and<br />
accolades fit for a prince.<br />
“I have been to the best restaurants in New York and Italy and<br />
Michel is as good as all of them. I always tell the truth; this place<br />
is amazing.”<br />
Others feel the same way. “Do not walk past this place when you<br />
visit downtown Delray. If you’re a true foodie tell Owner/Chef Michel<br />
you want to try the meatball first and you will be blown away!<br />
Then enjoy dinner and very fine wines! Support your local chef,<br />
there’s no one better!”<br />
Some of the dishes that Ken and his guests (Sam and Judy Maruca)<br />
had are steeped in Italian tradition and prepared artfully and<br />
tastefully. They raved about the artichoke hearts basted in garlic<br />
with a wine sauce, sprinkled with Reggiano cheese. As lovers of<br />
homemade Italian food, the group feasted on Zuppa di Mussels in<br />
a light tomato sauce with clam broth, as well as Cowboy Rib-Eye<br />
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