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Bravo Margate Italian
• Mr. G’s Ristorante celebrates more than two decades in Margate
Sunday,
March 7, 2010
As a kid in the seventies I remember messages on Mr. G's billboard-sized-sign along State Rd. 7 that were both entertaining and informative of specials and events at the restaurant.
At the time, Mr. G’s was part of a typical night on the town, where couples came from miles around to enjoy fine Italian food, friends and dancing in Margate.
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As my husband and I found out Saturday night over Mr. G's classic baked stuffed shrimp and zesty chicken piccata—those days are not gone.
We sat next to two couples who drove from Boca and Boynton to enjoy a Saturday night meal together and to reminisce over fond memories they’ve shared at Mr. G’s over the years; at the table next to them, three ladies who year after year celebrate birthdays at the popular Italian eatery.
Going on nine years, Mr. G’s latest owners, John Francis and wife Jeannie, continue to deliver their brand of personalized service to a loyal following night after night, not only by preparing the menu, but by helping to serve it as well, making guests feel welcome like they would in their own home.
"If not better," said one guest.
Since our last visit, Francis has pared down his menu a bit, but still features Mr. G’s house crab stuffing--making culinary contenders of dishes like the Chef's classic baked stuffed shrimp, crab cakes and stuffed mushroom appetizer. Butter is a key ingredient in the stuffing and the flavors are well-balanced. Francis' Prince Edward Island muscles screamed out for garlic toast to sop up every last drop of marinara, and we did.
More Italian in Margate
Other popular Italian restaurants in Margate include Zuccarelli’s and Mannino’s—and new guards to Margate Italian, Pasta & More and Trattoria Bella Cibo, serving what Chef Tommy Valdes calls, ‘honest fare at a good price,’
It struck me odd at first, Bella Cibo promoting itself as the Las Olas of Margate, but then again I thought, "my family was here before the Coral Square Mall, when Publix was in the now demolished plaza on Margate Boulevard and State Road 7—so who knows what the future will bring?"
Besides, Bella Cibo probably has more going on now for families and night owls than most places on Las Olas, especially since the economy fell out.
Cibo's getting good reviews
Recent reviews show promise for Trattoria Bella Cibo. The Tuesday Pizza special is a hit and their 'now perfected' authentic Italian recipes are something even old Blue Eyes might sing about. My husband said his Veal Milanese the other night was as good as Mamma Leone's used to be, and the broccoli rabe was al dente to the bite, just the way he likes it.
Trattoria Bella Cibo owners Gary and Tommy seem to be pressing the flesh with newcomers and regulars alike.
Margate eateries surviving to see stronger economic times will be the ones serving up good value, great service and something you just don’t find everywhere, owners that are personally attentive to their customer’s needs.
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