Westport's Tavern on Main Owners Open La Piazza Restaurant & Wine Bar in Ridgefield

Named after the gathering places in city squares throughout Italy, La Piazza is where folks gather over great Italian food and wine. La Piazza recently opened in the Branchville neighborhood of Ridgefield. Owned and operated by Helen and Demetri Zervos, seasoned restaurateurs with over 40 years of experience, including their popular Tavern on Main in Westport, their new venture is now a family affair with sons Anthony, John, and Leonardo joining in the excitement of the restaurant world.

The Zervos' Mediterranean heritage has had a great deal of influence on the menu, as well as the décor and family atmosphere. The space is divided into a full bar with tables for dining, and a separate dining room, replete with stone fireplace, dark wood furnishings and large bay windows that overlook a bustling Route 7. Every nuance of this modern Italian restaurant has been meticulously thought out, from the black and white photography on the walls to the large library shelves that house beautiful pottery, eclectic pieces of art, and olive oil from the Mediterranean.

La Piazza's modern Italian-American menu is created by Executive Chef Bob DelBuono, who began his culinary career 23 years ago while hanging around a family friends' restaurant assisting in whatever needed to be done. He then went on to graduate from Connecticut's Lincoln Culinary Institute's Center for Culinary Arts. A member of the American Culinary Federation and the Connecticut Chefs Association, Chef DelBuono enjoys pushing the boundaries of culinary excellence and surrounding himself with other chefs and keeping up with new food trends and ideas.

Everything prepared in the La Piazza kitchen starts from quality ingredients. It is a true scratch kitchen, from stocks and sauces to house made pasta and desserts. Chef DelBuono is even doing his own butchering of meat and fileting of market fresh fish. Chef DelBuono, along with his very talented Sous Chef, David Limon Romaro, offers a regional Italian menu with modern American influences. A variety of experiences can be had at La Piazza from a more sophisticated menu of daily seafood specials, filet mignon and pasta dishes to more casual fare such as cheese calzones, fried calamari, meatballs and even La Piazza's version of a classic Italian grinder with assorted meats, roasted red peppers, mozzarella cheese, lettuce, and balsamic vinaigrette.

Menu highlights include; Seared Sea Scallops with proscuitto di parma, grilled asparagus and a pomegranate drizzle; MUSSELS in a red curry cream sauce with fava beans and fresh basil; Octopus Carpaccio plated with endive, arugula, Kalamata olives, orange segments and capers served with a lemon oil; Milano pizza with sweet sausage, roasted peppers, red onions, marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese; Handmade Ricotta Gnocchi with fresh basil, shaved garlic in a Bolognese; Layered Lobster Napolean RaviolI with scallops, shrimp,grape tomatoes, and mushrooms in a lobster cream sauce; Horseradish Encrusted Salmon with a pistachio gremoulade and a lobster butter; and Veal Scaloppine served in a mushroom marsala sauce with spinach and mashed potatoes. Over the top tiramisu is light and fluffy and spiked with dark rum and espresso.

To go along with the beautifully prepared food is a global wine list that features a large selection of Italian varietals. Top shelf spirits, creative cocktails, and a selection of draught, craft and imported beers round out the beverage program. An active bar scene ensues from post work happy hour to late night socializing.

La Piazza is a neighborhood restaurant and bar that exudes warmth and genuine hospitality.

The restaurant is open 7 days a week.
Sunday-Thursday: 11 a.m. to 1 a.m.
Friday and Satuday: 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.
37 Ethan Allen Highway in Ridgefield
www.lapiazzact.com