 It would be difficult to miss Ado. In these days when even unpretentious eateries require a multimillion dollar architectural extravaganza, Ado inhabits a modest, charming and rare dining space in Venice---a vintage 1908 wooden house painted canary yellow---with an intimate upstairs room holding candlelit tables and an airy balcony patio perched over Main Street. A funky, fashionable crowd, good food and great service have made this Italian restaurant a Westside hot-spot. Plan to be greeted by the gregarious co-owner Paolo Cesaro, and then be attended to by the jovial and efficient waitstaff. Chef/co-owner Antonio Muré (formerly of Locanda Veneta and La Botte Ristorante) presides over the open kitchen, which dishes out rustic, high-end cuisine that reflects his natural Sicilian exuberance. His dishes---at least the time spent to enjoy them---are a remedy against melancholy. We were sent into rapture as we tasted the quail prosciutto with generously shaved black truffles. Antonio presents his seared foie gras on a quail egg canapé and a caramelized pear. Quail (again!) is sautéed and served with porcini ragù and grilled polenta. The “Tartara di tonno,” tuna tartare, is sublime with blood oranges and caramelized balsamic. Main dishes might include daily specials such as branzino or veal chop, as well as traditional Italian game dishes like pheasant, rabbit or wild boar. If pasta is what brings you out for Italian, opt for the homemade red beets tagliolini with Marsala quail (quail again!) ragù resting on a bed of rich Taleggio cheese fondue, or the pappardelle al coniglio, porcini e prugne, homemade pasta served with a rabbit ragù, mushrooms and dried prunes. For dessert, save room for the sleek panna cotta or seasonal semifreddo. They serve a decent, affordable Prosecco and offer a nice selection of Italian wines. Altogether, a very pleasant Italian excursion.
|
Send to Phone 
Go behind the scenes of Ado! Watch our exclusive video interview with chef/co-owner Antonio Muré on GAYOT.com's YouTube Channel.
Hungry for a hamburger? From simple patties with a pickle to gourmet takes by top toques, we've compiled lists of the Top 10 Burgers in cities across the USA, including Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York and San Francisco.
