Westport’s Largest Patio Offers Regional Italian Dining Along the Saugatuck River

Published June 27th 2016

New Sun Deck Enhances Event Space at Arezzo Ristorante & Bar

 
 
JUNE 27, 2016, WESTPORT, CT: Chef Vinicio Llanos recently became the sole owner of Arezzo Ristorante & Bar, Westport’s charming Italian restaurant and event space situated along the beautiful Saugatuck River. Llanos, along with family members Sergio and Bolivar, have taken their striking Tuscan-style restaurant and added a covered, all-weather sun deck, steps away from Arezzo’s popular open-air patio and bar. In addition to the enhanced space, new menu items and a refreshed cocktail and wine list compliment the gorgeous scenery.
 
Truly one of the nicest views of the Saugatuck River and the Post Road Bridge which leads into downtown Westport, Arezzo’s stunning new sun deck, patio, and gardens accommodates up to 150 people. A recent renovation introduced a brick-faced wood-fired oven, in addition to an expansive wine bar dressed in dark wood furnishings with rich brown leather furniture accents. The dining room, which seats 65, is framed in rustic wood beams and stone archways, Tuscan orange stucco walls, and panoramic river views.
 
The menu features inspired dishes developed throughout Chef Vinicio’s years of experience, which includes a 10-year history at famed Italian chef / restaurateur Pino Luongo’s New York City hot spots such as Le Madri, Centolire and Coco Pazzo. Many of Arezzo’s dishes utilize the fabulous high-heat and smokiness of the wood-burning oven. New insalata options highlight seasonal ingredients and robust flavors as seen with; organic greens and chicory with fresh tomatoes and red wine vinaigrette; shaved artichokes with parmesan cheese and truffle vinaigrette; and watercress and pears with almonds and gorgonzola cheese. Newly introduced wood-fired pizza creations include; Pizza Contadina with organic eggs, mushrooms, fontina cheese, truffle oil, and prosciutto di Parma; Four Seasons with basil, artichokes, mushrooms, and prosciutto; and Pizza al Pesto e Gamberetto with pesto and shrimp.
 
In addition to Arezzo’s signature dishes and customers favorites, Vinicio has added more of his house-made pastas dishes, including; Ravioli alla Aragosta, homemade lobster and burrata cheese ravioli with cherry tomato sauce; Orecchettie con Salsiccia e Broccoli, fresh pasta with hot and sweet Italian sausage and broccoli; and Trofie con Gamberi al Pesto, fresh pasta with shrimp and green beans. Featured entrées include the Melanzane al Forno with roasted eggplant, ricotta di buffalo, parmesan cheese, and tomato sauce; and various carnivorous preparations of veal rib chop, rack of lamb, prime steaks and organic chicken share the stage with wild salmon and market fresh seafood. Must-have desserts include seasonal fruit tarts, moist cakes, brulees, traditional Italian tiramisu, and a variety of gelato flavors including olive oil and pistachio.
 
Arezzo’s global wine list highlights many varietals and wine makers from Italy and beyond, and the new cocktail menu features top shelf spirits and elevated traditional Italian recipes as seen with the; Antico Negroni made with Campari, St. George Gin, cherry balsamic
, and an orange garnish; Limocello Pop with homemade Limoncello and a prosecco float; and seasonal craft cocktails including a Cucumber Fresco with organic cucumber vodka, fresh lime juice, St. Germain, and a splash of seltzer. Domestic and imported beer, as well as a selection of port and 
grappa, round out the beverage program.
 
 Upcoming Event:
“A Virtual Tour of Italy” - Tuesday, July 12, 6:30 p.m.
A wine event in partnership with Ortensia Blu Italian Adventures and Valdo Wines
Five delicious courses with wine pairing
$75 all-inclusive

NEW WEBSITE
http://arezzowestport.com/