We Wish You a Merry Christmas... a Restaurant Review!

Wednesday, December 14, at  Cafe Sapori  West Palm Beach, Florida

Undoubtedly, you know the song...but seriously, in case I forget to wish all of my dear blogger friends, a peaceful and Blessed Holiday Season! As far as baking, I'm so not ready, as for Christmas shopping...same issues, but I did make an awesome Chocolate Chip Date Nut Spice Loaf...for recipe, click on to Claudia's blog...my Florida friend, @ What's Cookin' Italian Style Cuisine! She has all the old fashioned Italian style recipes, from her dear mom. and grandmother!

Linking my Chocolate Chip Date Nut Spice Loaf to:
  Full Plate Thursday, 12-15-2011 @ Miz Helen's Country Cottage

 

I was so impressed with this old fashioned Date Nut...(minus the nuts) bread, with chocolate chips, and the dates steeped in Kahlua liquor! ...but as in my case, I had to substitute the Kahlua, for my homemade coffee made instantly, with 3/4 cup cold espresso coffee, 1/4 cup vodka, sweetened with 1 Tbsp. Organic Blue Agave nectar. I added all this to 1cup of halved seedless dates and stored in a Mason jar for overnight!

I remember, Christmas pasts, my Hungarian aunt would make coffee liquor, with vodka, and strong espresso coffee, but it was too sweet, just like any other sweet liquors are. The only time I would have sweet liquors around, if a recipe requires it, but then again...they are way too expensive, and as for vodka, I had to use my son-in-law's, since I don't keep that around, either. I just keep nice bottles of wines...both red, and white! So, now you know what I keep in my liquor cabinet!

Allow me to take you on a fabulous tour and check out the most beautiful Christmas tree...just wait to sample the desserts, as well!

For the past six years, Cafe Sapori has been quite the "spotlight" of Northern Italian cuisine, at affordable prices. It's not often I dine there; even though my son-in-law, Executive Chef Fabrizio, and Francesco, his long time friend own it Can't go there, just unexpectedly, but invitation only...with my daughter Lora, and grandchildren. They are quite busy at this time of the year, and of course during the Florida busy season.

Simple, elegant sign, no flashy neon sign.Tuscan gold color building is easily recognized with beautiful tall neatly manicured shrubs, all around the building, located close to the Intracoastal waterway, which divides West Palm Beach from the island of Palm Beach...an easy access from the Palm Beacher clientele to find the restaurant, as well as the locals.

The entrance to the restaurant is from the side, since it's located on a busy main road...Southern Blvd. It gives you such an incredible feeling with the beautiful green plants, the happy gold color of the building, the Christmas lights festively and tastefully decorated all around!

So here we are...just look at the healthy and vibrant plants literally growing on the wall. (somebody has a green thumb, around here...which is Fabrizio) He has the same method with gorgeous plants at their home.

note: these photos are all taken with my little Canon camera...no flash!

We arrived about 6:15, still early before it gets real busy.
Huge beautiful Christmas tree is the first thing we notice, of course!

I would have loved to dine on the beautiful and charming patio, but my grandchildren wanted to be close to their daddy, popping out from the kitchen to keep checking on use with each portion (I was banned from taking photos of the several courses, so I just sneaked in a few of the most important ones....desserts...yeayyy!)

We were seated at this little corner table...the closest to the kitchen, so my son-in-law could pop in and out to check on us, and the kids couldn't be happier!
(you guessed it, that empty corner seat was mine...no patio for me!)...but all was good. Got a good spot of the entire dining room!

Didn't even have to get up from the table...taking photo of the gorgeous tree from the corner where I was sitting!
I noticed an elderly gentleman wearing a Christmas light garland around his neck, with the lights flashing...again, I was cautioned not only by Lora, but Gabby as well!
"Don't take a picture!)...OK, no picture! It was quite a sight, couldn't take my eyes off the flashing lights around his collar. Wonder how his seating companions put up with the distraction?...eventually he shut the flashing lights off!

Now, if you think I'm kidding...I am not...see the finger of my 10yr old granddaughter Gabby? ...what does that mean, Nonna?..."Stop! or was it wait?)...OK, now you've witnessed it for yourself. Three generations of "bossy" females...seriously. All three of us are so alike...

Took a photo of them anyway...while they were smiling for their mommy, but not for me!

I sneaked a photo of one of the appetizers...what seemed to be sliced salame, sauteed with roasted chestnuts, and the most enticing delicious sweet and savory sauce!


...after this, my camera had to be turned off for the main courses...ordered by my daughter, Lora; but in the meantime, I kept telling her "eat"...why are you eating so slow?...courses just kept coming out, and my grandchildren ate everything that was on their plate!

Desserts are up...no stopping me! Grabbed my camera, and took quick photos! We shared all these amazing desserts...most with various gelatos, and semi freddo, also with a coffee creme brulee which was my favorite!

Gabby's favorite and mine too!

Coffee Creme Brulee...with puff pastry and vanilla cream!

This was a traditional cheesecake, with cranberry sauce, and fresh cranberries, sauteed! Lora's favorite!











 Lemon cake with lemon curd...lemon gelato...yumm!!