The Blogger Union has partnered with CreativeMornings/Miami for a collaborative storytelling marathon. Tune in to read the story of our city told by local creatives, bloggers and entrepreneurs. Each week, a different member of CreativeMornings will take over to post what inspires them about South Florida. Do you want to take over the CreativeMornings/Miami blog and share your take on our community? Email Paola at info@thebloggerunion and we’ll get working on it! 

(This following article was originally published on The South Florida Sage)

The SoFla Sage: Italian Food Takeover Part 2: Quattro Gastronomia Italiana on Lincoln Road Celebrates 10 Years with New Executive Chef in Miami Beach, Florida

For 10 years, Quattro Gastronomia Italiana, one of the longest running successful restaurants on Lincoln Road, has been serving up authentic Italian cuisine to locals and visitors alike. The restaurant has just renewed its lease and promises to remain a South Beach staple for those seeking sophisticated regional Italian food in a stunning indoor-outdoor setting. With a newExecutive Chef, Dario Bellofiore, and an array of new dishes, Quattro continues to bring genuine Italian fare to Miami Beach’s premiere pedestrian corridor.

Chef Bellofiore has just introduced several new seasonal items that expand on the award-winning restaurant’s mix of Italian favorites and inventive dishes. According to General Manger/Partner Roberto Sanso, “We are thrilled to have Chef Bellofiore join the Quattro team. There is definitely a parallel between Miami and his hometown of Venice – both cities are surrounded by water and feature access to fresh and delicious seafood. His years of experience are a welcome addition to the restaurant and Miami Beach.” The Italian toque’s seafood expertise is apparent in new plates such as Polipo del Mediterraneo con Farro Legumi Pomodorini – grilled Mediterranean octopus with farro, legumes, cherry tomatoes and a lemon dressing.

Polpette Umido – Stewed Meatballs with San Marzano Tomato, Fresh Mozzarella Cheese and Olive Oil

I asked the manager Roberto Sanso – “are these San Marzano Tomatoes?” He replied with “yes, that is where I am from. The smell of the fresh tomatoes growing in Italy is unforgettable.” I thought that was pretty awesome. Also, our waiter was from Italy too. When the staff of an Italian restaurant is actually from Italy, you know the food has to be good!

Quattro fans will be happy to see beloved signature plates remain on the menu, such as theParmigiana di Melanzane in Forma  – baked eggplant layered with mozzarella and parmesan cheese, the Agnolotti Alessandrini alla Stufato – braised beef ravioli with Piedmontese sauce and the Branzino Intero in Crosta di Sale Marino – whole Mediterranean sea bass baked in salt crust.

Preparazione Casalinga del Ravioli di Casa Savoia Tartufati – fontina and taleggio cheese ravioli drizzled with white truffle oil

To quote what I said about this dish on Instagram “I’m pretty sure I would be ok with it if this was my last meal on earth.” But seriously, it was amazing. It was very rich, creamy and just flat out delicious.  This is a signature item on the menu and I am happy to report that the addition of a new chef has not altered the integrity of the dish.

Cavolini Di Bruxelles Con Prosciutto –  Brussels Spouts‏ With Crispy Prosciutto

I love to have some greens on the side with a pasta dish. Yum-o! When they say crispy they mean it, that prosciutto was uber crispy.

Costatine Brasate Di Manzo E Risotto – Braised Short Ribs With Risotto Parmesan and Shaved White Truffles

Well, this was epic. Another one of Quatto’s signature dishes holds true. We swapped out the mushroom risotto for a parmesan truffle variation. After I eat the ravioli as my last meal, I would then like to have this risotto as my pillow to lay my head on as I rest in peace. Ok, maybe I am going overboard here – I think you get the picture!

Mozzarella gelato? Sort of. At least that is what it reminded me of. I am forgetting the Italian name for the flavor. So simple and fresh!  Quattro offers Gelati E Sorbetti Della Casa (Homemade gelato and sorbet).

Tiramisu Piemontese Della Casa – House made classic tiramisu

The tiramisu was airy and delightful – what a great meal! Walking up and down Lincoln Road can be intimidating at times. With many hostesses standing outside, greeting you with persuasion in hopes you will eat at their restaurant. Personally, this technique makes me not want to eat at any of the restaurants. I don’t know if this is a strategy that Quattro implements but I can’t imagine they would even need to do so. I am so glad I got to try this authentic asset to the iconic Lincoln Road!

Quattro Gastronomia Italiana is located at 1014 Lincoln Road in South Beach. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner daily. Quattro offers a two-course lunch for $25 Monday through Friday. Reservations are strongly suggested. Telephone: (305) 531-4833. Follow Quattro onFacebook, Twitter: @quattromiami, Instagram: @quattromiami. www.quattromiami.com

Holli Lapes, RD, LD/N is a Registered and Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist in South Florida. Holli is the founder of The South Florida Sage (http://thesoflasage.com/) a food & drink blog featuring culinary experiences from the Miami, Broward and Palm Beach area. For more on her work in the Nutrition & Wellness field, please visit https://mywellnessrd.com/

The South Florida Sage on social media:

Follow on Instagram: http://instagram.com/thesoflasage
Like on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheSoFlaSage
Tweet on Twitter: https://twitter.com/SoFla_SageSays

All images appearing in this post photographed by Holli Lapes, property of TheSoFlaSage.com