Dinner at Escopazzo

So I've been wanting to check out Escopazzo on Washington Avenue ever since I walked past months ago, saw ORGANIC ITALIAN RESTAURANT on the window, and then saw a RAW VEGAN section on the menu. But it's a little out of my league financially, so I kind of forgot about it until one morning, a Groupon Coupon appeared in my inbox! I snatched up that deal before I even get out of bed (love that iPhone), and a couple weeks later, made dinner plans with Gina.

Meanwhile, Gena from Choosing Raw was visiting South Florida and she ate at Escopazzo. Twice. If that wasn't a sign of its deliciousness, I don't know what is!

When I called to make my reservation, Owner/Chef Giancarla Bodoni answered the phone! She was super nice, told me that they actually have quite a vegan following, and said that she'd come out of the kitchen to say hello that evening.

And without further ado, the food:

We started with Salad. I wish I could remember what it was called, but there were walnuts and pickled mangos and the dressing was (to quote my mom) outrageous!

For our entrees, Chef Giancarla made me a Pesto Risotto (it wasn't on the menu) that was absolutely out of this world (I apologize for the blurriness, I guess I was too excited). It was so wonderful being in a restaurant where they not only knew what a vegan was, but actually cared about their vegan clientele. Such a delight!

Gina had this beautiful Pasta dish in tomato sauce. It wasn't vegan, but it looked phenomenal. Those pastas are filled--I wish I could remember what they were called, because I definitely want to try to replicate them in my kitchen.

And finally, what is in my opinion, the most important part of the meal, dessert! Check out that beautiful Vegan Chocolate Pudding. SWOON! I came dangerously close to licking the bowl.

And Chef Giancarla did come out to talk to us. I worked really hard to be as gracious and "normal" as I possibly could, but inside my head, I was totally wanting to be her protege and her new BFF.

I won't be going back regularly, because it's out of my usual price range, but I'll be there again for special occasions.... Mom? Dad? Do either of you have plans to come visit some time soon? ;)