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Frugal – Three Course Lunch for $20

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photo: Christina Mitchell

Bellanico just celebrated its 5 year anniversary, and the neighborhood wine bar is still going strong.  I was happy when a friend invited me to lunch last week because it’s been about 3 years since my last visit.  At $20, the three course lunch prix fixe is a bargain.  The seasonal menu is delicious and thoughtfully prepared, plus there’s an optional wine pairing.  There are two choices for each course and we tried everything.  The Sausalito Watercress, with Bull’s Blood, Strawberries, Sapore del Piave and Chardonnay Vinaigrette was peppery, refreshing and perfectly dressed.  I also tasted the flavorful and silky Yellow Gypsy Pepper Zuppa with Fregola, Sheep’s Milk Ricotta and Foccacette.  Now, after the antipasti course, you can design your meal to be either light or rich.  For example, the Prosciutto and Red Onion Frittata was airy and perfectly seasoned.  On the other hand, the pillows of Swiss Chard Malfatti were served in a caramelized Browned Butter sauce with Sage and Grana Padano.  Both were delicious – it just depends on your mood.  For dessert, you can go with the light and refreshing Ricotta Pound Cake with Meyer Lemon Curd, Berries and Whipped Cream or the Laura Chenel Goat Cheese Cheesecake (pictured) with Bing Cherries and Pistachio Brittle, which was creamy on the inside, crunchy on the outside, with saucy cherries drizzled all around.  That dessert was a work of art!  Bellanico is a friendly, comfortable restaurant, which makes it a good place to learn about Italian food.  Have you heard of Mondeghili?  What about Cazunei?  Me neither, but I’m excited to go back and find out.

4238 Park Blvd.,Oakland

510-336-1180

$20

Christina Mitchell

Christina Mitchell

Christina is the founder of East Bay Dish. Her writing has also been featured in East Bay Express, Berkeleyside, Oakland Magazine and Edible East Bay.
Christina Mitchell

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