I stopped in at Rocco’s the other evening and sampled some of the items owner Rocco Potami is featuring on his summer menu. Every time I have dinner there, I leave with the reinforced feeling that this is one of the best Italian restaurants in Central Florida — and one that is under appreciated.
And I think it’s under appreciated only because it falls outside the casual diner’s radar when they’re considering their dining options. After yet another terrific meal, I convinced Rocco to let me offer a special SJO Dining Deal: $40 of food and drink for $20. Use this as an opportunity to try Rocco’s for the first time or to return if it’s been a while since you’ve last visited.
One of the items you must have is Rocco’s bolognese. You think you know bolognese? You probably know Americanized versions of the meat sauce. Rocco’s is the classic Italian preparation, and once you taste the real deal, you’ll wonder how you’ve lived this long without it. (Well, maybe that’s a bit hyperbolic, but it’s really good.)
Also try veal alla Rocco, a scallopine topped with roasted peppers, prosciutto and fontina cheese with
a demi-glace tinged with a bit of white wine. For a lighter dish, perfect for summer supping, have the swordfish with artichoke and a bit of a lemony/buttery taste, served with a contorno of sauteed spinach.
If you’ve been to Rocco’s before, you already know that service is first-rate — these aren’t a bunch of college kids just working a side job, they’re professionals whose job is to make the evening as enjoyable as possible. And Rocco himself is usually on hand to greet you and give you insight into his authentic Italian cuisine. So use this opportunity to try Rocco’s for yourself, or return if it’s been awhile. You’ll see why it’s won so many accolades over the years.
Click here to go to the SJO Dining Deal.
Rocco’s is at 400 S. Orlando Ave., Winter Park (there’s plenty of parking in the back). It’s open for lunch Monday through Friday and dinner Monday through Saturday. Note that the SJO Dining Deal certificate is valid for the dinner a la carte menu only. Here’s a link to Rocco’s website. The phone number is 407-644-7770.
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