Del Vecchio's - A Great Place to Eat!

Six of us had dinner there last Saturday night, and I have to say that it was spectacular! The menu is heavy on Sicilian and Napolitano comfort food and very well done. The owners, Lou and Belinda Del Vecchio, were ever present, as was the well known Chef Luciano Balzano.



We started with a selection of appetizers and two of them stood out as clear winners. The Clams Oreganato were so fresh and delicate they melted in your mouth like cotton candy. And everyone was using the fresh baked bread to sop up all of the herb garlic oil in the bottom of the serving dish! And Lou's grandmother's meatball and sauce recipe was a crowd pleaser.



Then the Chef sent out a complimentary dish of a new item that he is thinking about adding to the menu. Al dente pappardelle noodles in an "uncooked" tomato sauce. We couldn't get enough! Hopefully, it'll be on the new menu...



At this point, we were already getting pretty full, but when the entrees came out, our appetites miraculously reappeared. Two of us were lucky enough to order the very limited Hog Snapper that the Chef had had specially delivered that day. It came in the Naples style, as a whole fish, swimming in "acqua pazza" or crazy water - a very flavorful and delicate fish broth. I had the other special, Osso Bucco over Saffron Risotto, and it was to die for. The meat just fell off the bone and the risotto was aromatic and a perfect complement.



Believe it or not, we actually had room for dessert, so we enjoyed a selection of Tiramisu, Sfogliatelle and mini Cannolis with Lou's homemade Grappa. Unlike most, Lou's Grappa was smooth, refined and perfumed - a perfect accompaniment to the sweets and a terrific way to end the evening!

Del Vecchio's Italian Fishery is no longer the best kept secret in Deerfield Beach. They're getting a lot of buzz in the local community, so be sure to call ahead for a reservation. Trust me, you won't be disappointed!