Palisades-News-July-8-2015

Page 26 Palisades News July 8, 2015DINING WITH GRACEVITTORIO RISTORANTE16646 Marquez Ave., Pacific Palisades • (310) 459-3755This Italian treasure hasthrived in the Palisades forthree decades, providingdiners of all ages everything fromNew York-style pizzas to pastas,entrees, salads and daily specials.While studying the menu andsipping a glass of wine, when askedif you would like bread—always say“yes.” It is nearly impossible to stopnibbling the little garlic-flavored “ballsof joy” that have been a trademarksince the restaurant’s opening.In addition to the appealingindoor atmosphere with its large oilpaintings, there is a partial outdoorsetting where my friend and I optedto dine. Large pots of colorfulbougainvillea shield diners from the sidewalk whileletting them take in the fresh air.There were so many tasty-sounding dishes it was hardto make a selection. Finally, we opted for the pumpkinravioli with sage-butter sauce, and the veal piccata.We started with a shared caprese salad that had alarge slice of tomato topped with mozzarella cheeseand sprigs of fresh basil with a fragrant basil-infusedolive oil dressing.The homemade pumpkin ravioli ($17.50) was excellent.Every bite, slightly sweet from the pumpkin, was freshand delicious.My veal piccata is on the regularmenu along with three other vealdishes. Tender and accented with asimple sauce and capers, the vealwas served with a side of freshpasta, or with vegetables. I optedfor the crisp broccoli and a smallside of the delicious simple pasta.My dessert memories of Vittorio’sunique homemade cannoli luredme to try it again. This memorabledessert is made with homemadecrisp cannoli shells stuffed withfresh sweet ricotta cheese andchocolate chips sprinkled withpowdered sugar.My friend ordered the chocolatemousse pie with its decadent filling of chocolate moussein a sweet Oreo cookie crust. While we both enjoyed abite of the scrumptious mousse, we devoured the crispcannoli to the last bite.Desserts are modestly priced: $5 for the cannoli and$6 for the chocolate mousse pie, or any of the otherdesserts such as an orange or lemon sorbet, spumonior tiramisu.The “Specials” menu offered everything from whitefishalla checca ($25) and linguini with mussels and clams($22) to a New York, or rib-eye steak ($26), to chickencannelloni with porcini cream sauce ($17.50). We alsomust not forget the regular menu with its array ofpizza specials ($18.50).Appetizers range from mozzarella marinara andstuffed mushrooms ($8) to mussels or clams marinara($17.50). Salads are $8 to $12. The more than two dozenpastas vary in price from $13.50 for lasagna and pastaArrabiata to $19.50 for linguine with clam sauce.Linguine with lobster is $25. But most pastas are pricedunder $14.Vittorio is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11a.m. to 10 p.m., Sundays from 4 to 10 p.m. ClosedMondays. Delivery is available.— GRACE HINEY