You might not think to head to Woodstock, Ga. for dinner, but Vingenzo’s gives you plenty of reason to trek to this small historic downtown area in Cherokee County. Inside a quaint locale on Main Street you’ll find plate upon plate of authentic southern Italian fare. At Vingenzo’s, simple ingredients, fresh flavors and time-tested technique combine for fabulous eating whether you’re in the mood for Neapolitan pizza, hearty pasta or just some antipasti to nibble on while sipping Chianti. Here are four don’t-miss dishes.
Grandioso Tasting: Cheese lovers should kick off the meal with the Grandioso Tasting. Currently, the platter comes with four house-made mozzarella cheeses, including: mozzarella di bufala, mozzarella fior di latte, smoked mozzarella and stracciatella di burrata whose rich, buttery flavor comes from due the addition of cream. Accompaniments like Calabrian chilies, roasted cherry tomatoes, red peppers, capers, roasted nuts, blackberry jam and reduced balsamic vinegar bring sweet, spicy, savory and briny all on one great plate.
Credit: Yvonne Zusel
Credit: Yvonne Zusel
La "margherita" 1796 pizza: If you're in the mood for casual food, try one of Vingenzo's traditional Neapolitan pizzas—with crusts cooked to a balanced combo of fluffy and crispy thanks to the mega-hot wood-burning oven. You can't go wrong with the simple but tasty margherita, topped with a bit of San Marzano tomato sauce, mozzarella di bufala cheese, basil and olive oil. Don't bother trying to share one of these pizzas; you'll want it all for yourself.
Credit: Yvonne Zusel
Credit: Yvonne Zusel
Pollo Arrosto: A comforting go-to at Vingenzo's is its pollo arrosto, featuring tender roasted chicken that's been brined and herb marinated for maximum flavor. Served atop roasted seasonal vegetables – currently eggplant, squash, zucchini, onions and red peppers, this melt-in-your-mouth dish is one you'd imagine eating at your nonna's kitchen table.
Credit: Yvonne Zusel
Credit: Yvonne Zusel
Fettuccini pomodoro e ricotta: Vingenzo's makes its pasta fresh daily. The uncomplicated fettuccini pomodoro e ricotta doesn't sound like a wowzer—after all, it's just tomato sauce, ricotta and noodles. But this crave-able plate will lure you with each mouthful of al dente fettuccini, the slightly sweet piquancy of Roma tomatoes and melty cheese that clings to the pasta ribbons. Before you know it, the whole thing will be gone.
Vingenzo's, 105 E Main St., Woodstock, 770-924-9133, vingenzos.net
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