New Jersey Shore - La Dolce Vita

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Italian Food is enjoyed by more Americans than perhaps any other national cuisine. It comes as no surprise that the landscape is dotted with sub shops, pizza parlors and even Italian fast food (Olive Garden). With all these choices why bother to visit yet another Italian restaurant? Answer: This restaurant is so authentic that you may be temped to close your eyes and listen to the music while enjoying the anticipation of a classic dish made under the watchful direction of Giuseppe Salpietro (Uncle) and Nicola Fuccilli (Nephew).

Our waiter, Leno is a seasoned veteran of the restaurant and head waiter. If you allow him to lead you thru the menu all the decisions are best left in his hands. Of course he is anxious to please and will take your order with the care and concern that is shown by all the staff.

We started our dining experience with hot fresh bread delivered with well seasoned extra virgin olive oil. The wine list consisted of about thirty fine white wines and fifty or so reds. Most were recognizable labels with modest prices. Leno recommended a super Tuscan that did not disappoint. We started our meal with Buffalo mozzarella and ripe tomatoes garnished with fresh basil and scallops nestled in a bed of endive. This is the kind of simple and delicious food that makes Italy famous.

As we sipped our wine and nibbled on bread dipped in olive oil, it occurred to me that the marble columns, dark mahogany bar, carefully placed track lighting and candle lit tables reminded me of a small restaurant in southern Italy.

The main event was a spectacular display of culinary artistry. My meal was a Swordfish steak lightly seasoned and accompanied by baby roasted potatoes and Broccoli Rabe. My wife’s meal was Pessce linguini, loaded with fresh fish, clams, mussels, lobster meat, shrimp, scallops and calamari.

For desert we enjoyed a zabaglione with fresh strawberries. The finale was a demitasse and lemoncello. This is the traditional drink in a Italian village restaurant.

Now it may seem to you that the meal described here is available anywhere. Not so, the quality, careful preparation, presentation and attentive waite staff made this meal unique and well worth the eating. La Dolce Vita 400 Ocean Ave Belmar, NJ 07719 732.749.3177 La Dolce Vita Italian Seafood Grill is open ALL year, with live music Wednesday to Sunday. La Dolce Vita invites you November 8th to their Fourth Fall Wine Dinner. Click here for your invitation.