New World Taste,

Old World Atmosphere

Tambascio’s Italian Grill at 1 Dodgingtown Road (Route 302) draws from owner John Tambascio’s 20 years of experience as partner in My Place Restaurant on Queen Street and as owner of DiPalma’s New York Pizza in Southbury, but customers experience something very different at his most recent venture. From the smoked trout appetizer to the roasted tomato and goat cheese ravioli to the homemade panacotta for dessert, the restaurant provides a haven for diners as they relax in a down to earth and elegant environment.

Since taking over the 75-seat restaurant the summer of 2007, Mr Tambascio and his head chef, R.J. Moody, a Culinary Institute of America graduate, have gradually introduced new offerings, opening up the cuisine to a menu that reflects the feel of trattorias across Italy. The menu is built around tradition-based contemporary Italian appetizers, salads, and entrees.

“Our Bolognese sauce is very traditional, for example,” said Mr Tambascio, “and the baked eggplant Fiorentina is very much what you would get in Italy.” The sauces are lighter and cleaner than many Americanized Italian eateries offer, allowing the flavor of the high-quality meats, fish, or pastas used at Tambascio’s Italian Grill to shine through, he stressed.

Mr Tambascio is also excited to offer hand-cut steaks in two different sizes, and is particularly pleased with the positive response the Tuscan T-bone has received from customers. Topped with rosemary butter, the grilled 16-ounce steak is served with fresh baby spinach and roasted garlic mashed potatoes and is priced at $24.99.

“It is exactly how it would be served in Tuscany,” Mr Tambascio said.

Other menu items popular with Tambascio’s clientele are the polenta torte appetizer, a creation of Chef R.J.’s consisting of creamy polenta with roasted vegetables surrounded by sundried tomato pesto and goat cheese; the penne and shrimp Basilica with fresh basil, roasted red peppers, and roasted garlic; and the roasted apple and goat cheese salad, a variation of a My Place favorite.

The nine appetizers range in price from $5.99 for hand breaded fried mozzarella to $10.99 for a bowl of Prince Edward Island mussels and clams in a pink vodka sauce. A small garden salad is available for $4.99, or make a meal of a large Mediterranean salad of Feta cheese, Kalamata olives, romaine, tomatoes, onions, and roasted peppers for $8.79.

Dinner entrees are priced between $9.59 and $23.59, and encompass items such as pasta with homemade meatballs, chicken parmigiana, tortellini certosa, and fruitti di mare. Weekly dinner specials are offered using the freshest of ingredients and innovative techniques. Seasonal changes to the menu mean that palates will not quickly tire of the same fare, said Mr Tambascio.

Tambascio’s stresses quality ingredients, using only the best pastas and meats, said Mr Tambascio, and white and seven-grain breads are baked on premises every day to accompany the meals.

Pizza lovers will not be disappointed with the Italian pan pizza made at Tambascio’s Italian Grill. The Old World pizza baked in a pan on top of a stone and featuring Italian cheeses will be enjoyed by those who love a pizza with an al dente crust. A paper-thin low-carb crust is available upon request for any of the specialty or classic pizzas.

Burgers made from ground sirloin and hot or cold grinders are available for a lighter meal, but each is prepared with the same care and attention to detail bestowed upon the full entrées.

Included in the dessert menu are several made on premises. These specialties change from week to week and may include a chocolate mousse cake, carrot cake, or crème brulee. Gelato from Buck’s Ice Cream in Milford is featured at the restaurant.

From a $20 bottle of Calabria to an $80 bottle of Brunello, the wine list at the restaurant offers something for all tastes. The house red wine is from Italy, and wines not carried locally are featured. A weekend special wine by the glass is available and wine connoisseurs will be pleasantly surprised, Mr Tambascio believes, at some of the wines found on the list or carried as specials.

 “I truly want people to be happy and enjoy their meal,” Mr Tambascio said. “Eating out is more than filling your belly; it’s a whole experience.”

Experience Tambascio’s Italian Grill, 1 Dodgingtown Road, Newtown, from 4 to 10 pm, Monday through Friday, and on Saturday and Sunday from 11:30 am to 10 pm. Take out for all menu items is from 11 am to 10 pm, seven days a week. For takeout or party planning, call 426-2715.