Ventano Italian Corner & Oyster Bar Menu

Ventano Italian Corner & Oyster Bar Restaurant Review:

An antique wooden wine press in the garden at the restaurant’s entrance sets the tone for diners at chef Arnauld Briand’s Ventano. There’s an oyster bar with a view of the kitchen’s big-flame pizza oven, a wine closet with a decorative wrought iron door, and a massive dining table on a mini-mezzanine level for a bit of privacy. The half-pound of shrimp presented on a sizzling hot stone is a standout appetizer, and a conversation piece. Steamed clams, served in a tomato and basil sauce or wine, garlic and butter, are addictive. For lunch, Ventano offers sandwiches such as meatball heroes and Philly cheesesteak. Among Ventano lunch and dinner specialties are lobster bisque in a bread bowl and the savory rigatoni Portofino with ham, peas, mushrooms, onions and a creamy tomato sauce. Go for Briand’s version of chicken Parmesan: roasted chicken breasts stuffed with Parmesan and mozzarella and topped with fresh tomato sauce. The extensive wine list complements the cuisine. Suggested beverage pairings are offered with desserts, such as the caramel pecan ice cream cake with bananas Foster paired with Sandeman Tawny Port. After-dinner cocktails such as the chocolate martini enhance the experience.