Atlantic Ave Magazine November 2023
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DINING | RESTAURANT REVIEW<br />
BY DIANE FEEN | PHOTOS BY MELISSA KORMAN<br />
IL CONTADINO RISTORANTE<br />
Authentic Italian Cuisine In The Heart Of Delray<br />
If you ask Emma where she likes<br />
to eat in Delray she will rattle off<br />
a few names but it’s Il Contadino<br />
that has captured her heart.<br />
94 | NOVEMBER <strong>2023</strong> | WWW.ATLANTICAVEMAGAZINE.COM<br />
MICHAEL, CHEF-OWNER<br />
SHRIMP & SPRING VEGETABLE PRIMAVERA W HOMEMADE TRICOLOR TAGLIATELLE<br />
Like many of the guests who go there she savors the quiet and<br />
serene atmosphere away from the hustle and bustle of <strong>Atlantic</strong><br />
<strong>Ave</strong>nue. She also loves the food and authentic Italian vibe<br />
of this Pineapple Grove restaurant.<br />
“We were drawn into IL Contadino by the music and the ambience.<br />
Our experience with Michael, who is the chef-owner was<br />
amazing. The food was great, wine selection was astounding, and it<br />
felt like an authentic New York Italian restaurant.”<br />
The wine selection is something that Michael is proud of. This<br />
brownstone, in the heart of Pineapple Grove, is filled from the ceiling<br />
to the baseboards with wine from across the globe.<br />
“I have over 1000 different wines from all over the world. I even<br />
have vintage wines. We cater parties and welcome groups, families,<br />
and businesses to celebrate special occasions here. I feel good<br />
knowing I can offer them the best wine for any occasion.”<br />
One things for sure, everyone is captivated by the personal attention<br />
that Michael gives his guests. Though there is a menu, Michael<br />
enjoys creating everyone’s favorite meal with elan.<br />
Though presentation is important to this foodie, his primary<br />
goal is to create comfort food that makes guests feel good. He also<br />
buys fresh food daily, but only gets what is in season and available<br />
fresh from the market.<br />
“I like to create scrumptious meals for people who come to my<br />
restaurant. I also take pride in the fact that I offer my customers<br />
their favorite dishes cooked to perfection.”<br />
He sure does. His customers are vocal about Michael’s generosity<br />
of spirit and perfection in the kitchen. “All the food I make comes<br />
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