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March 30, 2006

Visit Gusto to sample 'art of Italian living'

By Stephanie Janucik

Warm weather is something we all can relate to. The slightest hint of a rise in temperature and we’re all ready to get out. The first 60-degres day in Connecticut and you can catch people smiling in their cars in 5 o’clock traffic, holding their arms out of the window or popping open the sunroof. It’s like we’re all coming out of hibernation.

When that happens, you should have a plan. And what’s better than going out for dinner to spice things up when the weather warms? Not to take away from what diners or fast food or chain restaurants can offer us when we’re hungry, but when you order a burger and fries, or even a Caesar salad, you pretty much know what to expect. It can get boring after a while. Even your own home-cooked meals need a little extra zing to keep things exciting.

On a recent Thursday evening, the last thing I felt like doing was going home to cook after a long day in the office. And as tempting as that burger and fries sounded, I was in the mood for something out of the ordinary. So I met some friends at Gusto (255 Boston Post Road, Milford; 876-7464).

Technically, the definition of gusto is vigorous enjoyment; individual taste; artistic style; and Gusto included all of the above.

I had heard that Gusto had great food (a lot of people I know had been there for lunch), but when I walked in I was shocked at the beauty of the place. Not only was I about to experience flavorful enjoyment, but visual enjoyment as well; the name spoke for itself.

Gusto features a cathedral ceiling in the dining room and dim lighting to emphasize an elegant Italian atmosphere, and I was looking forward to the presentation of its dishes as well as their flavor. As our waiter brought us past the amazing display of wines and into the stunning dining room, we passed the friendly and charming Charles “Piano Man� Thomas (who also plays for other special occasions; 203.645.8119), a regular player at Gusto. While enjoying your dinner on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, Gusto provides live piano.

After a glass of the Smoking Loon pinot noir (Gusto’s wine list is fancy and extensive), I was ready to taste almost everything on the menu. And that’s just about what we did. After four appetizers and six main dishes (between the six of us, of course), I was able to try much of what makes Gusto so successful.

Stuffed fresh mozzarella, portabello mushrooms over spinach or with shrimp, shrimp cocktail with pesto sauce, swordfish, pastas and even personalized pizza dressed up our table. And while the dining room was filled with others exquisitely dining, the noise level was controlled so that you could still here the piano in the background and maintain a normal-toned conversation without hearing those of others.

We finished off the night with an array of scrumptious desserts. I shared a truly delicious raspberry almond tart with a friend along with some espresso. Although it wasn’t warm enough to dine outside at the time, I look forward to re-visiting on the patio for another experience at the “art of Italian living.�

For more information you can visit www.gustotrattoria.com

Posted by getout on March 30, 2006 8:00 AM