Emilio's Italian Ristorante, Southington, Ct.

When all hope fails a ray of sunshine enters. Emilio's Italian Ristorante's new owners Alex and Danielle Cirikovic have managed just that in the old Giovanni's Restaurant in downtown Southington,Ct.. My stance in prior reviews that downtown Southington has become nothing more than a hoard of third class restaurants has since been revised with Emilio's moving to the top of the list as first class all around.

With a quiet and alluring Italian atmosphere the Cirikovic's have brought back the small town restaurant, once called Giovanni's, to delightful heights. During our entire dinner, Alex and Danielle were cordial, welcoming and a joy to be around.

We began our meal with a Tap and a Bloody Mary. One of our nicest surprises was the bread basket delivered with the most delectable dipping oil I've run across. With a supple taste of sun dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese and olive oil we couldn't resist a second serving. Alex's brother comes in each morning to make a fresh batch and I dare say he deserves a standing ovation for an excellent prelude to any entrée.

Our entrée's consisted of Mussels Fra Diavolo and Eggplant Rotalini. The salads were an adequate portion, leaving room for the main course. There was a pleasant surprise when the Mussels Fra Diavolo arrived and we discovered the use of New Zealand Mussels. Espousing a pungent taste of the sea, the portion was generous, fresh and tender. The Eggplant Rotalini was presented nicely. I would have liked to see a bit more cheese and less spinach but the tomato quick sauce made up for the lack thereof. Although the Eggplant entree was not large it was deserving of the prices on the menu and left no room for dessert.

All around we were pleased that the old Emilio's was gone and that both Alex and Danielle were trying hard to bring back a taste of the original Giovanni's. The menu leaves you with enough variation to choose from. We found that Sunday's bring an additional veal and pork dish.

We spoke with both Danielle and Alex. As former employees of the original Giovanni's they are hoping to keep the ambiance, menu, tastes and service that they knew so well. To date, they have accomplished more than that. It is with great hope that they will receive their request to use Giovanni's On Main as their final restaurant signature. Welcoming back a familiar face would be a definite asset to Southington's now, less than cozy, downtown atmosphere. Danielle expressed a desire to bring back the bar booths as well. A sure winner in family entertaining over the high tables and chairs left behind by the prior owner.

We wish Alex and Danielle the very best in their new adventure and we can assure them, we will be back, anxious to try another entrée and languish in Alex's brothers dipping sauce.

Buona fortuna i miei amici !!