Celebrate a romantic Valentine’s Day meal at La Vigna Italian Restaurant and Bar or make any night special at this classy, cozy restaurant on Metropolitan Avenue in Forest Hills. La Vigna, which means “the vine,” offers regional Italian dishes and daily specials, all made fresh to order for a delightful and memorable meal. A Prix-fixe 3-course dinner for $34.95 is a great way to sample some of La Vigna’s fine Italian cuisine.
Chef Giuseppe Vitale works his magic in the kitchen, making his own mozzarella and pasta that go into many of the delicious dishes, while son Anthony works the front of the house, greeting the regular clientele and newcomers alike with warm hospitality. Crisp, white linen tablecloths and expert service add to the overall experience at La Vigna. Settle in to your softly lit table and order a cocktail, a cold beer, or bottle of wine to accompany your meal while your well-dressed waiter describes the specials of the day.
Cold antipasti include plump shrimp cocktail with zesty sauce and an Italian antipasto platter with savory cuts of cured meats and cheeses ($18.95). Creamy burrata mozzarella is plated with prosciutto, roasted peppers, and tomatoes for a mouth-watering starter. Vibrant salads are composed of arugula with pears, walnuts, grapes and honey Dijon, or the house salad with baby lettuce, tomato, fennel, goat cheese, red onion, and walnuts with balsamic vinaigrette. Hot appetizers include crispy baked clams with a heavenly sauce that we swiftly soaked up with crusty bread. A combination of tender, fried calamari and fried shrimp are served on a bed of mixed greens ($15.50). The special appetizers of the night were asparagus gratinata, stuffed peppers with rice and cheeses, and steaming pasta e fagioli soup to warm your soul.
Pastas rule at La Vigna and one of my favorites is Orecchiete “little ears” pasta tossed with verdant broccoli rabe, sweet Italian sausage, garlic, and fine olive oil ($24.50). Gnocchi Bolognese are homemade potato dumplings with rich, hearty meat sauce and spaghetti carbonara is a classic Roman dish tossed with egg, guanciale (pork cheek), and Parmigiano cheese. Pappardelle ribbon pasta really hold on to the wild mushroom sauce for a woodsy, wintery meal. The same is true for the toothsome arborio rice risotto with wild mushrooms and Parmigiano. Linguine with fresh Little Neck clams is a house favorite, especially on Fridays.
La Vigna serves fresh fish and seafood in delectable ways such as Bronzino Livornese with olives, capers, onions, and a touch of tomato. Salmon with Dijon sauce is simple and elegant while fillet of sole is rolled up with sweet crab meat and rock shrimp.
Pollo alla vecchia maniera or “Old style chicken” bursts with flavors and juices from layers of prosciutto, fresh mozzarella, and a light tomato sauce. The accompanying oven roasted potatoes and sauteed vegetables made this dish shareable after two previous courses. Fork-tender veal scaloppine is gently sauteed with lemon, butter and white wine, or stuffed with spinach, prosciutto, and mozzarella in mushroom sauce. A hefty veal chop alla Vigna is sauteed with grapes, walnuts, and aged balsamic for a satisfying meal. Veal Caprese was the evening’s special.
La Vigna has Prix-fixe menu for just $34.95 where you choose a hot appetizer, soup or salad, then a main course from four choices, followed by coffee or tea. You’ll want to try Chef Giuseppe’s tiramisu, light and fluffy, or any of the other confections of the day.
Plan your next private party or off-site catered event with the experts at La Vigna and make your affair a success! Business luncheons, funeral luncheons, and church groups are welcome. Visit their website for catering packages.
Cozy La Vigna Italian Restaurant is open six days a week for a fabulous lunch and dinner from 12-10pm and until 11pm on weekends (closed Monday). Parking is easy too on Metropolitan Avenue and visit their website for tantalizing photos and reservations. Call now for Valentine’s week reservations and woo your special someone with the fine Italian cuisine at La Vigna Italian Restaurant and Bar.
100-11 Metropolitan Avenue – Forest Hills – 718.268.4264
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