The Wait Is Over For Melograno; New Restaurant In Cape Coral

For months, Melograno has been tempting people at Tarpon Point Marina in Cape Coral, with its chic yet rustic interior, imported Florentine tiles, and beautiful Italians with their intoxicating accents, promising to open soon.

Soon is finally here! In it's second week of operation, Melograno is only open for dinner, Wednesday through Saturday......for now. So much more is in store. Serving foods from Italy's 'cradle of cuisine,' Lombardia and Emilia Romagna in northern Italy, the food here has an authentic yet modern touch.

I was so excited to finally check it out and didn't know where to start. Choosing a plate of grilled vegetables, mozzarella and prosciutto di Parma we had it with a beautiful, crisp sparkling rose. Manager Robert Loseto takes great pride in the wine list and offers expert advice when it comes to at pairing.

Green Florida Soup

Next up was the Green Florida Soup, made creamy by pureeing avocado and potato. It also had onion, cilantro, tomatoes, peperonino and perhaps some other goodies, but nothing was overpowering. It was very thick, rich and balanced in flavors.

Insalata Melograno

The Insalata Melograno was even more unique; a stack of chickpeas, quinoa, artichoke and pomegranate. Vegetarians are going to love this 'meaty' dish. I wasn't sure what to think of the combo at first, then I got one of those bites, the perfect amount of each flavor, and I was hooked. Wine could be a challenge with this one. We had a refreshing, yet substantial Gavi

Strozzapreti alla bolognese

Most of the pasta is made in house so I had to try some, opting for the strozzapreti alla bolognese. The pasta was al dente and I could actually taste it as it was not swimming in sauce. The combinations of meat in the bolognese were flavorful and once again, not over served. Chianti was in order for this dish!

I really wanted to try the prawns over caponata or the asparagus stuffed chicken with a light gorgonzola cream, but there was no room at this point. Darn, I'll have to return.

Melograno is adding items to their dinner menu a little at a time. Eventually they will be adding entertainment to the roster as well. Look for lunch and breakfast soon, and a bakery full of thoughtfully made treats with the highest quality ingredients. Bravo Melograno.