RESTAURANT REVIEW

Trattoria Bella Cibo (cont.)

Tommy makes a not on the menu appetizer where he floats homemade mozzarella in a pool of Sambuca, dotted with balsamic and pesto, he flames it, melting the cheese and making you want to scream again, louder.

Even salads, which take half a menu page are superb. Each comes with bread baked fresh ON-premise daily and a choice of homemade dressings. The Margate Steak ($10 lunch/$12 dinner ) takes grilled center cut filet mignon, grilled eggplant, roma tomatoes, marinated artichokes, sweet, crisp onions, roasted pepper and Portobellos and makes seasonal greens sizzle. 10 others easily can be shared or a meal. So can the Stromboli, Calzones, Paninis, specialty pastas, and gourmet pizzas. (Every Tues. from 11am-10pm) they do a 16” stone pizza for $6.95.

But their evening entrees are where they shine. Elegant and beautifully prepared, not only are the portions huge, the food is honestly excellent. Frutti Di Mare ($18), came packed with excellent seafood in a delectable Tuscan tomato broth, served with angel hair, it is reminiscent of the finest Cioppini I ever had. The grilled Tuscan Swordfish ($18), prepared with capers, tomatoes, Vidalia onions and roasted garlic was so tender, it melts in your mouth. Linguine Bolognese ($12), Eggplant Parmesan ($12) and a selection of chicken, veal, and fish will please even the fussiest, and wallet-conscious.

Dessert? Hanky said the Espresso Vodka Bread Pudding ($8) is THE BEST he ever had anywhere. And Hanky no mince words. The Godiva Chocolate Tower ($8) is enough for a birthday party! Rich chocolate cake stacked with chocolate cream is doused with chocolate glaze. There’s White Chocolate Praline Mousse ($8), Tiramisu Cheese Cake ($8) and homemade gelatos! When he says, “Never trust a skinny chef,” you can trust Valdes’ culinary passion to send you home sated.

Lunch 11-3. Dinner 6-10 Mon-Thurs, later Fri. and Sat. (55+ Sunset Dinner 4-6pm 7 days, is just $10 and the deal of the century). Sunday brunch too! 5801 Margate Blvd. Margate. 954.969.1100. Trattoriabellacibo.com. Reservations for 8 or more , or to be on the safe side, weekends.