Silvestro's Restaurant, Cocoa Beach, Florida

Florida beach towns are not usually known to have fine dining establishments (except for SOBE of course)but we were pleasantly surprised to find that Cocoa Beach is the home to Silvestro's; rated 5 Palms by Florida Today Magazine. Silvestro's professes "authentic Italian cuisine" and from what we experienced, they are not exaggerating.

Located in the Publix Shopping Plaza on A1A in Cocoa Beach, first impressions do not lead one to believe that this is a fine dining establishment. However once you walk through the doors, one finds a simply, yet nicely decorated establishment, which could be located anywhere. The windows were blacked-out so that the view of the expansive parking lot was not a reminder of our location. The ambient lighting was dim but sufficient to read a menu.

The Maitre D, Tony, was friendly as he welcomed and showed us to our table. Our waiter brought the menus and we ordered before dinner drinks. The menu is moderate as you would expect in a restaurant that likes to serve its customers specialty dishes.

For dinner we shared the following;

Vero Carpaccio - Thinly sliced, grade A fillet mignon which had been marinated in garlic, lemon and extra virgin olive oil, surrounded with arugula and topped with authentic parmigiano-reggiano cheese. (excellent)

Cozze al Guazzetto - Fresh mussels served in a tangy, homemade, tomato sauce. The sauce could have been better if it had been with a little more olive oil, oregano. (very good) We shared some very nice Mondavi Pinot Grigio with our starter course.

Italian Spring Broccoli soup - This was the soup special. The table next to us recommended it. It was a little watery and unimpressive in texture and flavor. (ordinary)

Fettuccine alla Carbonara - Fettuccine pasta in a white creamy sauce with Italian smoked bacon, black pepper, eggs and parmigiano cheese. (excellent)

Veal Chop - This was one of the Entree Specials. The other was Chilean Sea Bass. The veal chop (medium)was so very tender in a wine reduction sauce served with mashed potatoes and mixed vegetables. (very good)

Cotolette di Agnello Cotto al Gril - Grilled rack of lamb topped with a demi-glace. The rack of lamb (medium rare to medium)was delicious. It did not have the usual "gamie" lamb taste. The best rack of lamb we have had in decades. (excellent)

The wine for our entrees was The Barolo Fratelli Castino 2003. The wine was excellent. It is described as the "king of wines and the wine of kings".

Overall the service was prompt and attentive, although our waiter did go out for a cigarette break and reeked when he returned. They should not smoke while attending to customers.

Silvestro's was a great place to finish what had been a wonderful day. We give this restaurant......................4-Forks