Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/13061
The creator, operator, and head chef, Fred Kazempoor, envisioned the concept for years before constructing Gazzella — which has become the city's most uniquely European, and arguably most beautiful setting. Though everything in this half-restaurant, half-banquet hall is prepared from scratch, the menu blends authentic Italian delicacies with Americanized dishes like the Asiago salad, a pear, walnut, and butter lettuce starter, or a cabbage-based vegetable soup with rich oils and spicy broth. Likewise, one can often hear the patrons submitting requests for more common, well-known dishes, such as their chicken parmigiana or the traditional spaghetti and meatballs. Kazempoor's cookery has few limits after 37 years in the restaurant business. But, his highlights are undoubtedly his most unique entrees. The menu includes the cannelloni toscanini, crepes stuffed with veal, ricotta, and spinach in a tomato béchamel, the sliced filet mignon in a white mushroom Roquefort sauce, a signature calamari oreganate, a crusted calamari filet grilled with olive oil, oregano, and capers — in effect, a more tender, Mediterranean version of breaded cutlets. Their pastas do not disappoint and stand quite well on their own, or as complements to the meat and seafood. Rich and creamy, the Formaggi offers baked penne shells with blended and melted but re-solidified cheeses. The Pomodoro is a much fainter, airier angel hair, with roasted tomatoes, garlic, and fresh basil, tossed in a light olive oil that mixes wonderfully with the calamari filet's more forceful flavors. The service at Gazzella matches the restaurant's character and personality in terms of uniqueness — servers tell stories, slip in jokes, and learn all their patron's names. Some might sing along to the romantic overtures playing in the background. They even bring warm strawberry and peach cobblers, sprinkled with powdered sugar and a small scoop of melting vanilla bean ice cream. Gazzella is best suited for a group or party, or equally a romantic evening where the aim is to bask in ethereal beauty. It's one restaurant where the whole is much greater than sum of its individual parts. Gazzella Restaurant 525 E. Broadway 562.495.7252 gazzella.net The service at Gazzella matches the restaurant's character and personality in terms of uniqueness — servers tell stories, slip in jokes, and learn all their patron's names. MAIN DINING HALL STRIPED BASS BAKED WITH LEMON AND CAPERS AMARETTO CREME CARAMEL