Kitchenetta

Written by David DiCrescenzo on . Posted in Dining Out

Nona’s Meatballs!  That’s what Victor said after the first bite of the best meatballs I’ve had in years, and maybe ever.  A very close friend of mine and I have been to Kitchenetta in Ft. Lauderdale on several occasions, and we’ve been raving about it to Victor, who is my friend’s dad, for months.  Bear in mind that we’re all very spoiled, ‘Guido food snobs’ from Boston and not usually impressed by any of the marginal swill that passes for Italian food in Florida.

Anyway, we started with the Tomatoes and Homemade Mozzarella, the Steamed Mussels, Roasted Potatoes with Rosemary, the Zucca Zia Nina, (which is Grilled Peppers, Soprasats, and Sausich, and is no longer on the menu, but they do offer it as a special once in a while) and the Meatballs.  By the way, I had to restrain myself from eating all of the Zucca Zia Nina, because that just screams to be wolfed down with some great Italian bread, and enjoyed with a glass of fine Chianti.  My friend took home what little was left with plans of buying a crusty loaf at a local bakery and enjoying what I know had to be a killer lunch the next day.

Kitchenetta just does everything right from the minute you enter the place.  My taste bud choir had barely finished singing its best chorus, with the entire orchestra playing in the background, that it sang during the Mussels and Peppers, which I was already about stuffed from, when they brought out the Meatballs as the last of the appetizers. 

Mind you, the Meatballs arrive the way they’re supposed to, on a separate plate, and they are the size of baseballs.  They really should play the theme song from ‘2001, A Space Odyssey,’ when they serve these things, but I digress.  The aroma is so enticing; you can almost taste them without even taking a bite, but please, do bite into them.  We waited for Victor to be served and try them first, and we watched his eyes just gleaming as his fork slid, nay, fell through the tender creation.  After he took that first bite and the flavors just started dancing around his taste buds, it looked as if he was thinking of a time long ago in his mum or favorite aunt’s kitchen, where the whole family had gathered for Sunday dinner, and he’d get a wooden spoon across his butt for even thinking about sneaking away with one of these to die for culinary gems.  I even thought I saw a tear forming, and he just said, “Nona’s Meatballs.”  You’re not going to find a stronger endorsement than that, anywhere.  After that, we all just dug into them.  Perfectly spiced, with the exact, delicate blend of beef, pork, and veal.  While I ate them the thought occurred to me that if I was suddenly struck dead at that moment, it was okay.  My last earthly experience would have been taste bud bliss.  Yeah, it’s safe to say that I really, really like them.

And we hadn’t even gotten to the main course yet.  I ordered the Beef and Pork in Tomato Sauce with Pasta, and Victor had the Tuscan Seafood Stew.  To be honest, I’m not even sure what the others had, because I was just thoroughly enjoying every bit of my meal and didn’t notice.  But I’ll happily wager that no one ever dines at this, not so secret anymore, authentic slice of Italian Heaven in Ft. Lauderdale, and leaves dissatisfied. 

The atmosphere is casual, but no one will look at you funny if you arrive in a Tux or Gown after a special event.  No matter how you’re dressed, or what the occasion, bring your appetite, and stop by to visit with Vincent and Maria Ferrari-Foti, you’ll be so glad you did.  They and their wonderful staff will greet you and treat you like family.  They’ve set the bar, and it is very high.

Kitchenetta is located at 2850 No. Federal Highway in Ft. Lauderdale, Fl.  Their phone number is 954 567 3333.  Reservations are encouraged, and I would dare say, necessary.  They are closed on Mondays.