To express appreciation or call for encore some people hold a lighter, or a lighter app, say thank you, or a give a hearty pat on the back. If you like Italian food you might just start saying "Bravo." Bravo! Cucina Italiana has something for everyone, and for every occasion.
Open for brunch, lunch and dinner, Bravo! serves fresh food against the back drop of Roman ruins.
Brunch is served both Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. There is a menu to please those who want breakfast with Eggs Florentine Al Forno or stuffed French toast. Oven-roasted rosemary ham, bistecca benedict, crab cakes and eggs usually appeal to those looking for heartier lunch foods.
Primi, or appetizers, include battered Calamari Fritti served with horseradish sauce and marinara, and classic cheese-stuffed ravioli. There are also a medley of flavors served on crispy flat bread. If you are looking for a quick snack or don’t want to order from the children’s menu all these are good choices.
Soups and salads reflect the Mediterranean style as well. Caesar salad and the house salad are very popular. There is also insalata rustica with apples, cherries, pecans and Pancetta. Add chicken, shrimp or salmon to any salad to make it a meal. Italian Wedding Soup, Lobster Bisque or soup of the day are a good complement to any salad.
Although Bravo! is not a pizza place it holds its own against others that specialize in pizza only. The pizzas are single serving enabling you to get exactly what you want. If you feel adventurous and want to try new flavor combinations consider Verduta Pizza with asparagus, portobellos, Fontina and Boursin cheeses.
For the main course for lunch, or similar choices for dinner, the menu is a cornucopia of red and white sauces, seafood, meat and vegetarian options. Try Mezza Lasagna Insalata, which is half order of lasagna with choice of salad, or cheese ravioli al forno, which is striped ravoli with basil-pine nut pesto and tomato sauces over Alfredo sauce. Either choice spans comfort food and brings Beachwood a little taste of the Mediterranean diet.
The wine list is “belissimo”, and there lots of bottled beer options as well. Be sure to register for their email promotions or stop in at the bar between 3 and 7 p.m., or after 9 to sample a large appetizer menu for only $2.95. There are three revolving lunch specials for $7.95 and $5 martini specials as well.
Visit the Italian flavors just down Chagrin Boulevard and you’ll be saying “Bravo” all the way home.