Honesty found in restaurant's food, prices and service
If anyone remembers the famous scene in Roman Holiday, where Gregory Peck explains to Audrey Hepburn the story of La Bocca della Verità, "The Mouth of Truth", they will understand the restaurant, Bocca Trattoria, loosely translated to "home-style eating".
The story itself relates to honesty, and nothing could be more honest than the food and service here at Bocca Tratorria, also in a Romanesque setting. As told, once the statue detects a lie, a person could lose a hand (ouch!), but diners can be assured they will never lose their appetite at this time-tested restaurant.
Formerly known as Franco's, it is still owned by Master Chef Franco Zuluaga, who has offered premium Italian cuisine for the past ten years in Brookfield, and formerly owned the Red Lion Inn in Ridgefield. The new menu offers the same high quality cuisine, but with some modern twists and originals not found elsewhere in this area.
Most notably are the new, lower prices. The dinner menu, which is also available for lunch, is $3 less on the average. The highest priced dinner entre' is the Filet Medallions at only $18.95. The Tapas menu ranges from Soup of the Day at $4.95 to Pan Seared Trout at $12.95. The Grilled Asparagus, with crumpled pancetta bacon and parmesan cheese has been popular at $6.95.
The formal Mediterranean décor remains the same, as it should. Nothing surpasses the Tuscan-themed colors, formal draperies and furnishings quite like it. This explains the popularity of wedding rehearsal dinners, memorial lunches and other formal functions at the restaurant, known as a banquet destination.
Franco, who has been in the fine food industry his entire life, has lived in Columbia, the Bahamas, and New York, but is well-known in Brookfield for his fine catering over the years. He speaks fluent Italian and Spanish.
Local wine-maker Giovanni Petretta, is a frequent guest who appreciates the traditional Italian as well as modern fare. For a light lunch, he chose the Steamed Clams ($5.95) with garlic and white wine sauce with an Arugula Salad ($7.95), combined with endive, beets, gargonzola cheese and lemon vinaigrette, served with assorted breads.
"I've been coming here for years and I am never let down," he said.
The dishes were served with flair by long-time waitress and manager Rose, who has worked with Franco for twelve years.
Other new, popular dishes on the menu include Fettucinni Di Mare ($13.95 lunch, $16.95 dinner), served with generous scallops, shrimp, clams and mussels tossed in a cognac cream sauce; or Baby Lamb Chops ($13.95 lunch, $16.95 dinner) with balsamic reduction, herbed potatoes and fresh vegetables.
The bar is cozy and separated from the dining area, making for a romantic, intimate dinner or casual get-together for a group of friends.
Entertainment will be provided on occasional Saturday nights, beginning tonight, June 8, with jazz musician, Bill Wurtzel.
Hours are: Tues.- Thurs. 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Fri.- Sat. 11:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Sun.- 12:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Closed Mondays
Location: 265 Federal Road in Brookfield. Call (203) 775-1625 for reservations, www.francoristaurante.com