SAVORY & SWEET SISTERS | Gaetano’s In Batavia

February 2017 – EAT DIFFERENTLY AT THIS BATAVIA EATERY Everything is unique about this dining destination– from the eclectic Italian and Mediterranean design of the cozy space with spacious tables, to the creative use of every inch of the three levels. The informed personable staff and the dynamic duo that owns and passionately operates this amazing find in Batavia truly stand out. Gaetano’s isn’t your ordinary Italian stop. Chef Gaetano describes it best as, “bringing older flavor to newer dishes...we do fusion. No meatballs!”

Coming here from Palermo Sicily in 1995, his passion and knowledge of food drove him to open his first Gaetano’s restaurant in Forest Park with his wife Wendy Benedetto. In 2014 they brought their flair and food out to Batavia. The building itself was a labor of love. They covered their wood burning stove, imported from Italy, in a mosaic using pieces they gathered from their travels. They then hand stained the wood in a true creative chef manner using balsamic vinegar and red wine.

We recommend trying the Chef’s Choice Four Course which consists of six appetizers, a pasta and risotto course, a meat and seafood course and the final dessert course.

The items are constantly changing and it is a great way to sample a little of everything Gaetano’s has to offer. Our waiter, David Fitzpatrick warned us that “although the focaccia with garbanzo bean tahini dip is hard to resist, save room for the delectable food”. Great advice! Just a few dishes that we enjoyed include crab cake cannelloni, shrimp and chicken rigatoni, tenderloin with a mushroom ragu, salmon topped with butternut squash stuffed pasta and cocoa covered scallops in a chocolate mushroom sauce.

Inspired by the central Ballaro street market in Palermo, Chef Gaetano opened his own market on the lower level of the restaurant offering all items made in-house such as pastas, breads, cookies, crackers, aged cheeses, sausages, smoked and cured meats, sauces, pastries and even chocolate salami. Call for market days and times. Another unique offering at Gaetano’s is Parent’s Night. The third Monday of every month is a great time to make a reservation for dinner with your family. Your children will enjoy pasta, pizza, dessert and a craft with other kids in a separate room while you enjoy your meal uninterrupted.

Gaetano’s offers affordable quality taste inspiring food. Each plate that arrives at your table is exquisite in both taste and design. A note from the menu, “Tomato sauce Momma Anna style if you don’t like it, please call my Mom @ 091-905581 and tell her, good luck”

Gaetano’s 15 E. Wilson St, Batavia (630) 406-3009 • www.gaetanos.us

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