By Michelle Cloutier
When Massimo Sabetti and his wife Dana Galietta moved to Lutz, they wanted to open a restaurant where everyone could feel at home. Nabruzzi Trattoria is the fulfillment of their dream. Having worked in the bakery and restaurant business since he was 13, hospitality runs through Massimo’s veins – so much so that he’s passed it on to his son Anthony, now the talented Executive Chef at Nabruzzi.
Massimo’s love of serving guests shows up in the atmosphere at Nabruzzi. No loud music or high metallic ceilings here. Comfortable and cozy surroundings invite you to sit and stay awhile. The service is impeccable, and, while dining is leisurely, you are never kept waiting for your next course or drink refill.
If you and your Valentine want to experience dining in Abruzzo, Italy, Massimo’s hometown, then dive into the always-fresh cuisine here. My friend and I had the pleasure of dining here recently. We started with Bruschetta, toasted Ciabatta bread topped with plum tomatoes and mozzarella di bufala. The mozzarella also graced the generous Caprese, which featured heirloom tomatoes and cut basil. The Calamari Fritti was delicate and definitely not chewy – the way Calamari is supposed to be! Massimo should bottle his Caesar salad dressing, a bright, lemony delight with just a hint of anchovy.
I indulged in the Ossobucco Maiale Caterina – pork shank braised to crispy deliciousness on the outside, fall-off-the-bone tender on the inside. A side order of the mushroom and asparagus Risotto was such comfort food that I could have curled up in it and fallen asleep. My dining companion had the daily Pesce special – perfectly-cooked salmon served with fingerling potatoes and green beans.
Although delightfully full, we had to try dessert. My friend had the house made Tiramisu, full of fresh Marscapone cheese. I chose the Spumoni Bomba, a large scoop of Spumoni ice cream surrounded by a crispy dark chocolate shell. Sadly, I had to leave half of it behind because I simply could not eat more. Bring your Valentine to Nabruzzi, knowing that you will be treated like family and leave satisfied and satiated.
Located at 6062 Van Dyke Road in Lutz, Nabruzzi opens at 4pm Tuesday through Sunday, and closes at 9pm, except on Friday and Saturday, when it is open till 10pm. The menu is available at www.nabruzzitrattoria.com Reservations are recommended. Call 813 304-2583. All major credit cards accepted.