Gusto! Ristorante Italiano

It’s Restaurant Week in Cleveland. Like last year, we took the list and circled the places that we like, but for one reason or another, have not visited recently. Absence could be for a number of reasons. One of us might like the place less than the other; parking is difficult, the last meal was only, “OK.” We all bring these prejudices into the decision making process. Time goes by and a good kick, like Restaurant Week easily sends us back for another taste.

We had hoped to go to Flying Fig, but a table was unavailable. We then tried a second, third and forth place on the list. All were booked. Guess Restaurant Week is working! Finally, we called Gusto and secured the last table before their evening rush started. Unfortunately, Gusto did not have a 3 for $30 special. Their name was inadvertently added to the flyer. The folks apologized and we decided to stay. As compensation, desert was complimentary.

This was indeed a kismet visit, because we enjoyed the meal thoroughly. Michele started with the Caesar salad and declared it, “OK.” Jeff fully enjoyed his gorgonzola salad with poached pear and candied walnuts with a pear vinaigrette. The sweet pear contrasting the tangy cheese was perfect. Michele ordered the Lasagna di Mare, layers of crab meat; rock shrimp and arugla were topped with a collection of mussels and a tomato-cream sauce. It was flawless and made-up for the lackluster Caesar. Jeff has a week spot for pasta with prosciutto, peas and cream sauce. Gusto’s was over veal stuffed tortellini. Rich, you bet! Tasty, ditto! We shared a poached apple with caramel and gelato dessert. Like the whole meal, it was unique and enjoyable.

As we ate, we tried to figure out why it had been a while since our last visit. With such a wealth of eateries in Cleveland, sometimes old favorites slip by. We are going to try to avoid letting that happening again with Gusto! Thank you, Restaurant Week!

http://www.gustolittleitaly.com/ 12022 Mayfield Road Cleveland, OH 44106 216-791-9900

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