That's Amore!
by Kurt Epps—The PubScout
I suppose the search for good Italian restaurants here in the South is a challenge, what with the growing mass exodus of NY, NJ and other northeast states to climes that offer better weather, lower taxes and, in many cases, smarter government.
But keep in mind, those folks are accustomed to great bagels and bread, great pizza and incredibly good, authentic Italian food. Ketchup on spaghetti doesn’t cut it with these folks.
And to its credit, the South is responding to the need for classic Italian fare both in southern Brunswick County and just “across the SC Line” in Horry County.
One such place that will satisfy even the most persnickety Italo-phile is located in North Myrtle Beach on Rt. 17 South, just before the Robert Edge Parkway. It’s a small, unassuming establishment called Villa Tuscanna, but what comes out of the kitchen would impress even my most Italian buddy, Alex Costa in Jersey (that's him, at the top above). Tell him The Olive Garden is real Italian, and he’ll either laugh in your face or walk away.
I was tipped to the place by my chiropractor, the peripatetic, multiple dish-spinning Brian Lank (left). A craft beer lover himself, we frequently compare notes about great places to dine and quaff, and during my latest session, he asked if I’d ever visited Villa Tuscanna.
Not that he had—yet—but a number of his friends and clients had raved about the place, and he put the bug in my ear. Apparently, the chiropractor’s bed is an ideal place to share food news. Hey, a good tip is a good tip, even when your back is being snap-crackle-popped.
My back being reset to “perambulate,” the missus and I headed down to North Myrtle Beach to see if Brian’s clients and friends were reliable. We had reservations at 6:30, and we found a parking space around back. I mention this only because there wasn’t a single space available all around the building when we came out at 7:30. Somebody clearly knows something here.
We were greeted upon entering by a small, cozy bar at which a few customers were enjoying drinks, food and fellowship. We were ushered to our table in the clean, nicely appointed dining room, and within sixty seconds, greeted by our server Adi. Blessed with beauty, charm, a winning personality and a dedication to efficiency, she was an asset to the restaurant.
Interestingly, every table seemed to have their own server, so no one was waiting for anything. The service alone was worth an “A” rating.
Adi (left) recommended an appetizer for the missus that was not regularly on the menu, but it certainly should be. Pear Fiocchi with Walnuts in a Gorgonzola Sauce. A Mass at St.Peter’s Basilica doesn’t have as many heavenly exhortations as this dish garnered from the missus. She insisted I try it, and I did. Twice. It was fabulous. I can only suggest that when you go, you ask if the kitchen can make it specially for you. You won’t be sorry.
For her entreé, she ordered an Italian Insalata with Blackened Shrimp which she declared to be, not just among the best, but the absolute best she ever tasted.
I had settled on one of three chicken dishes—Marsala, Piccata (love those capers) or Francese. Adi told me she orders the Franchise all the time—but asks for extra capers.
“On Chicken Francese?” I asked.
“You will be amazed,” she retorted.
And who am I to doubt a gal that eats at the place probably six nights a week? So I went with her suggestion.
Thin, pounded, tender chicken covered in an exquisite lemony egg batter, and the added flavor of capers which provided a wonderful new taste experience. Wine at just $6 a glass complemented the dishes.
Had I not committed my usual cardinal sin of eating too much fresh bread dipped in an olive oil, red pepper, garlic bath (with fresh-grated real parmesan cheese spread on top), I’d have definitely ordered one of the sinfully mouth-watering desserts on the menu above.
Next time, for sure, and as a Charter Member of the LLC (Lasagna Lovers Club), I’ll probably give that a try. Adi shared that it’s made in a very unique way, and, since she didn’t steer me wrong about the appetizer and the capers, I’ll go with her recommendation.
As mentioned earlier, the place began to pack out, and the dining room was full when we left. A pleasant outdoor section was pretty full when we arrived, so al fresco dining is available, though not required. Villa Tuscanna observes all the strictures imposed by the government regarding masks, but I still think donning a mask to walk twenty feet to your table past people who aren’t wearing any is dumb.
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