by Nikki M. MascaliStaff Writer
PERFECT PORTAFINO
Last Wednesday, I dined at Portafino (900 Schecter Dr., across from Wachovia Arena) for the first time. What drew me in first was the goat cheese croquettes appetizer I saw on the menu online ( www.portafino.net). Once I arrived, the d�cor drew me in; with gorgeous Italian-inspired artwork mixed with a taupe-y color scheme and dark wood, the ambiance is magnificent. The bar is impressive, and the vodka martinis were expertly made, by the way.
The croquettes were just as tasty as I hoped — flash-fried and drizzled with an impeccably delicate orangeblossom honey — but it was my dinner that was the most exquisite. Since I had Internet-stalked Portafino, I also knew I wanted the salmon crosatata: salmon, shrimp, scallops, saut�ed spinach wrapped in Italian pastry with a lobster b�chamel sauce and Mediterranean rice.
I cannot do justice to how incredible my dinner was. The lobster sauce was rich and creamy, and inside that pastry pocket was quite possibly the best dinner I’ve had in a very, very long time (sorry Mom). Congratulations, Portafino, on not only providing a gorgeous restaurant to our area but having food I cannot stop thinking about. We’re going to be wonderful friends!
THE TEXT DRIVE IS OVER
Bentley’s, featuring Arnage Ballroom , Club Ice, Josef’s casual fine dining, Olives Martini Lounge and The Patio Bar will hold its grand opening Saturday, June 20 at 4 p.m. (Club Ice will open at 9 p.m.)
GET YOUR ROX OFF
Rox 52 (52 E. Main St., Plymouth) opened its doors on Tuesday. The new restaurant/sports bar/nightclub that features an outdoor smoking cabana will be open Tuesday-Sunday from 11 a.m.-2 a.m. Rox 52 is closed Mondays. For more info, visit www.rox52.com.
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