Lots of restaurants try to do “authentic Italian”, but Osteria Pronto does it right. Located in the JW Marriott hotel right off the lobby, this restaurant is the perfect blend of impromptu dining, regional Italian cuisine and every day elegance.
Its menu is unpredictable, but that’s what I believe makes them so good. For folks who believe Italian food is lasagna and Caesar salad, Osteria Pronto makes it happen, but there is a healthy balance between the familiar and dishes you can’t get at most Italian restaurants.
But when they do the more popular dishes, they nail it!
I started out my meal with the best minestrone soup I had EVER had. I’m not kidding. I knew it could only go uphill from there. My dining partner tried out the antipasto platter, which had a wonderful blend of authentic Italian meats and items that you’d expect celebrity chef Giada de Laurentiis to prepare.
He ordered the pollo parmagiana (chicken parmesan), which was flavorful and downright delicious. I desperately wanted to order lasagna (I’m one of those people I talked about above) but I decided to take a chance and ordered the cappellini.
My meal consisted of shrimp, mascarpone, fava beans, tomatoes, garlic, basil and truffle Fontina fonduta. It was the perfect dinner for a hot, summer day. I almost decided to appeal to my healthier side and order the penne primavera that came with seasonal veggies, peas, cherry tomatoes and Parmigiano Reggiano and gorgonzola cheese.
For those who would rather eat hearty, Osteria Pronto offers several entrees such as lamb chops, braised veal shanks, beef tenderloin and even pizza.
Osteria Pronto is one of those restaurants that you must put on your “To Do” list for this summer. The fact that it’s located at the brand spankin’ new JW Marriott makes it more of a reason to head downtown.
Plus, the head chef, Rino Baglio, walked around the restaurant to survey diners’ eyes rolling back when they tasted their food. Now that’s dedication!
With gas being the price of your first born son, take a “staycation” and head to 10 S. West St. for dinner at Osteria Pronto, some downtown entertainment and back to the blue high rise hotel for a good night’s sleep.
For more information, call (317) 860-5777 or visit www.osteriapronto.com.
