Reviewed by a Galpal
A Galpal Review - Via Sforza
Sunday, August 10, 2008
In our latest Galpal Review - Jill visited Via Sforza in Westport.
I just got back from Italy, and on this night it seemed a mere 20 minutes away!
As soon as you walk through the large, antique wooden door to Via Sforza in Westport, you are transported to Tuscany. From its stone façade to its warm color palette, it is as cozy as can be.
And then there's the food. We started with the artichoke appetizer, which was not only fantastic but also generously portioned. The tender veggies were sautéed in what tasted like white wine and butter, and were sprinkled with just enough cheese to provide a nice textural contrast. Be sure to save some of the terrific, crusty bread to dip into the leftover juices.
Next came the best linguini in red clam sauce I've ever had (note that the restaurant normally prepares it with capellini but they were more than happy to accommodate the substitution). Perfectly cooked pasta was tossed with a light, garlicky tomato sauce and teeming with littleneck clams. Well worth the effort to remove the meat from the little morsels.
My husband had the risotto with seafood that was equally delicious, topped with scallops, shrimp, clams, and calamari. In a delightful twist, the creamy rice was surrounded by a flavorful tomato broth.
For dessert, the server brings over a tray so that you can peruse all of the yummy selections-on this trip we opted for the Italian cheesecake (citrusy and light) and the molten chocolate cake (decadent and rich).
At one shared appetizer, two entrees, and two desserts, the bill came to around $70 - a veritable bargain considering the top-notch food, atmosphere, and service. The wine list is chock full of reasonably priced selections, including a heavy presence from Italy. There is also a small dining room in the back that looks like a rustic wine cellar - perfect for an intimate gathering on a special occasion.
A takeout menu is available with prices that are a bit lower than for dining in, and also includes brick oven pizza.
Via Sforza
243 Post Rd W
Westport
846-1116
viasforza.com
I just got back from Italy, and on this night it seemed a mere 20 minutes away!
As soon as you walk through the large, antique wooden door to Via Sforza in Westport, you are transported to Tuscany. From its stone façade to its warm color palette, it is as cozy as can be.
And then there's the food. We started with the artichoke appetizer, which was not only fantastic but also generously portioned. The tender veggies were sautéed in what tasted like white wine and butter, and were sprinkled with just enough cheese to provide a nice textural contrast. Be sure to save some of the terrific, crusty bread to dip into the leftover juices.
Next came the best linguini in red clam sauce I've ever had (note that the restaurant normally prepares it with capellini but they were more than happy to accommodate the substitution). Perfectly cooked pasta was tossed with a light, garlicky tomato sauce and teeming with littleneck clams. Well worth the effort to remove the meat from the little morsels.
My husband had the risotto with seafood that was equally delicious, topped with scallops, shrimp, clams, and calamari. In a delightful twist, the creamy rice was surrounded by a flavorful tomato broth.
For dessert, the server brings over a tray so that you can peruse all of the yummy selections-on this trip we opted for the Italian cheesecake (citrusy and light) and the molten chocolate cake (decadent and rich).
At one shared appetizer, two entrees, and two desserts, the bill came to around $70 - a veritable bargain considering the top-notch food, atmosphere, and service. The wine list is chock full of reasonably priced selections, including a heavy presence from Italy. There is also a small dining room in the back that looks like a rustic wine cellar - perfect for an intimate gathering on a special occasion.
A takeout menu is available with prices that are a bit lower than for dining in, and also includes brick oven pizza.
Via Sforza
243 Post Rd W
Westport
846-1116
viasforza.com
