A couple of months ago, a customer named James came into Costco. He talked to me about wine and the restaurant he owns in East Orlando. Perpetual road construction and a troubled economy have taken a toll on his business...a business that was started by his parents in 1965. Wow...1965! Over 40 years in business is amazing. I think it qualifies as an Orlando institution. As James described his mom's homemade cheesecake and homemade ravioli, I knew this was a restaurant I had to visit. I promised James I would come to dine the following week. And then came the holidays, baking, more baking and work. My promise was unfulfilled and almost forgotten.
A couple of weeks ago, James stopped by Costco again. I was embarrassed that I didn't live up to my vow to visit. Once again I promised to stop by his restaurant. And tonight I fulfilled that promise with friends Kenda and Carolyn in tow.
Walking into Cafe Italiano was like stepping back in time. The decor had a comfort about it and we immediately felt at home. James warmly greeted us and showed us to a curved booth in the corner. He described some of his favorites from the menu and we followed his recommendations. Carolyn ordered Mahi Piccata - a nice size piece of fish served over angel hair pasta and topped with a delicate lemon butter sauce. Kenda chose Chicken Cacciatore - chicken tenders cooked with chunks of mushrooms, onions and peppers in a deliciously rich tomato and wine sauce. I opted for Homemade Cheese Ravioli with Meatballs - little pockets of cheese topped with a flavorful meat sauce and two yummy, nicely spiced meatballs.
No matter how full we were, we had to try Mom's Homemade Cheesecake and James' Homemade Tiramisu. Both were incredible. The New York Style Cheesecake had a silky smooth consistency that melted in your mouth and was topped with a drizzle of homemade strawberry sauce that added just the right amount of sweetness. The Tiramisu was one of the best I have ever had. It was light, creamy with a wonderful espresso flavor. What a perfect ending to a promise fulfilled!
Many hugs,
Kathy
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