Lavish Yet Laidback; LUCKY

Be Those That Visit Tutto Fresco

You know it is going to be a good experience when there are suited valet runners as you approach a restaurant; this is no exception. Seven days a week, at Tutto Fresco; conveniently located immediately west of the I95 exit on St. Lucie West.

With several distinct “zones” within the restaurant, there is a space and time of day for all in this anchor venue of the PGA area in Port St. Lucie. The back enclosed patio hosts several local regulars that enjoy the fans and camaraderie after an afternoon of golf, yet in time for Happy Hour (available throughout the entire venue from 2-6pm daily). Yet this space is big enough to host large networking groups equipped with music, televisions, and its own bar on one side and private tiki party room/communal space on the other.

Insidea large bar accented with liquors of all kinds, giant multi-screened television, pizza oven, and table seating for nearly fifty. Through the hallway, a linen covered dining room abounds. Big enough to host a party of nearly 150, reserved often for weddings and gatherings, it is elegant yet non-pretentious. Separated by a sleek, built-in wall with sliding doors, you will find the “Mafia Room.” It is quintessential Godfather class from its art on the walls to the statues outside the window; perfect for groups up to thirty people.

My guest and I were greeted by the daughter and son of owner, Joey Gambina. Joanna and Francesco clearly take pride in their family’s awardwinning restaurant and caliber of their team. Alex, our server, presented Saratoga flat water and brought a crisp, New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc (White Haven) out with all the pizazz you would want when feeling a bit fancy in the main dining space. The impressively sized clams, bathing in a white wine butter sauce full of shaved garlic and fresh parsley, were perfectly steamed and created the ideal broth for dipping with Tutto’s signature garlic loafs. Just as impressive, yet the extreme opposite, Fra Diavolo Mussels were dancing in their dish. Topped with cherry tomatoes and peppers, inside a flavorful light broth, laced with garlic; these slightly spicy morsels were addicting. Though, the Caprese Salad, with fanned creamy buffalo mozzarella slices layered between locally grown tomatoes and accented by a light salad; all drizzled in a rich balsamic glaze.

The Chicken Tutto Fresco. Pan seared to perfection, then topped with slivered garlic, mushrooms and sun dried tomatoes the true stars of the dish were the jumbo blackened shrimp and crab meat chunks, delightfully drenched in a creamy white wine and lemon garlic sauce.

The Salmon Piccatta was also a hit! Grilled for a crispness that cut the oftenstrong profile this fish can give, it was evenly seasoned with everything needed to make a big eyed, “I love this” face! Alongside the generously sized salmon, halved artichokes crisped on the grill with fresh lemon were the perfect accompaniment.

As a fan of odd numbers, the third entrée could steal anyone’s heart. The Cappellini Positano, with pasta spun in a blush sauce and topped with blackened jumbo sea diver scallops and shrimp crowned the dish. Pan seared mushrooms, sun dried tomatoes and garlic brought this pasta entrée to a new level when mixed with the cream sauce. Best part, no guilt. Reasonable pricing and portions with stellar service, which included attention to detail like ground pepper, shaved parmesan and classy to-go packaging that feels fancy to unpack once home.

Ending any meal of this caliber with anything other than a limoncello and/or coffee should be illegal. We did both. Sip on some airy cappuccino and savor the Kahlua Coffee Cake, with a chocolate mousse that is somehow dense yet light. Or enjoy other sweet endings like the Italian Lemon Cake with its terrifically tart custard or the decadent Tiramisu. Salute!

Spacious