Thursday at Coppola's—It's a
Date!
For 15 years,
Coppola's Ristorante
has been a popular dining spot, combining great food with stellar
customer service and fair prices. I first wrote about Coppola's in 2006
and, since then, it has become a go-to place when I want to unwind, eat
delicious food and just enjoy the experience. The most recent addition
to Coppola's menu is their Thursday “Date Night” special. Dinner for two
includes a shared appetizer, salad, choice of one of five
entrées and a half litre of house wine.
We have taken advantage of this special twice.
Both were fine examples of dining done right. Appetizers included
portobello mushrooms stuffed with crab and spinach and topped with
asiago (photo above) and antipasto for two. The antipasto is a classic,
tasty composition of prosciutto, melon, seafood salad, bocconcini and
bruschetta. I usually go for Coppola's wonderful house salad, but on
both date nights we found ourselves enjoying the Caesar salad (photo
below). Fresh romaine tossed in just enough of the perfectly balanced,
creamy dressing, crunchy croutons, crisp pancetta and freshly grated
parmesan cheese add texture and saltiness. A hit of freshly ground black
pepper to finish—perfection!
The flavour of the tender veal
scaloppini with mushrooms (photo below) is enhanced with a touch of
truffle added to the thick sauce. Garlic mashed potato is a wonderful,
comfort food option with this dish. Veg is cooked perfectly—tender with
enough 'bite' to provide nice texture.
Other great entrée selections include penne with beef tenderloin tips, mushrooms, roasted red peppers and leeks in asiago cream sauce and cheese ravioli with lobster in mascarpone rosé sauce.
Penne with Beef Tips
Ravioli with lobster
The date night menu offers fantastic value,
priced at $59.95 for two (plus tax and gratuity). Wine included with the
special include a red and white import and domestic. The domestic
choices were Konzelmann riesling
and cabernet sauvignon, both are respectable matches for the menu
options. Coppola's service staff are well trained, some servers are
veterans of the hospitality industry, and some—like Patrick—have been at
Coppola's almost from the beginning. Patrick's service during our first
date night is exemplary, combining sufficient formality with well-timed
humour to make his guests feel right at home. The level of service
during our second visit, provided by Nathan, a relatively new employee,
is consistent with Coppola's high standards. On most nights one or both
of Coppola's owners, Luigi and Gerry Coppola, are on hand to greet
customers. Just another personal touch which makes this restaurant a
special place.
Coppola's does not take reservations for parties
of less than 6 so I recommend early arrival on busy nights. There is
plenty of on-site parking available.
3 1/2 Stars (Out of 5)
Coppola's Ristorante and Banquet Facility
203 Carlton St.,
St. Catharines, ON
L2R 1S1
905- 688- 6694
Twitter: @coppolasristo