Re-Reviewed. East Boca Raton, Italian.
During the past three years we have received 6 requests to re-review Villagio at Boca. Today finally we had the chance. Arrived at about 8:00 PM on a Friday night. Restaurant was half full. No wait to be seated. Harold, the waiter, advised that they had a wood burning oven for pizzas and recommended the Focaccia Villagi, however I opted for Focaccia Salmon ($15) and House Salad ($7). They had lots of dishes in the high $20’s however decided to dine on more popular dishes.
Regarding flavor … I’m sure you have had the chance to eat a burger at a local restaurant where the burger’s flavors mix with the charbroiled tastes to become something that you can enjoy and savor each bite. Then there is McDonald’s burgers, and there is practically no flavor at all. Well this comparison will help you understand Villagio at Boca. The House Salad included lots of vegetables, but no flavors. The Focaccia Salmon was a joke … it includes two very thin layers of pizza dough, slightly blackened (over cooked) with lox and goat cheese inside. Now, although lox and salmon are related, lox does not go on a pizza. I think the Focaccia Salmon was Villagio at Boca’s attempt at a bagel with creamcheese and lox! It might be great at a deli, but not at an Italian restaurant. The lox makes the pizza incredibly salty. Harold was kind enough to replace the Focaccia Salmon with his recommendation of Focaccia Villagi. Here, the lox and goat cheese were replaced with sausage and peppers and mozzarella cheese. At least the flavor here wasn’t offensive, however there was no flavor.
Perhaps it is the politically correct thing to do when you own a restaurant. With so many people’s allergies and food restrictions, it is probably the PC thing to do by not adding flavors or spices to dishes. I asked Harold if he could provide me with some tomato sauce and parmesan cheese. Within moments I had these items. Harold is good. And, as a matter of fact, the service was significantly improved over my first visit. The tomato sauce was flavorless. “Doctoring up” the dish helped, however didn’t really make a difference. Both Focaccias were the same price at $15 (or at least that is what they charged me). I like thin crusts, but burned thin isn’t good … couldn’t even pick it up, crust crumbled. In summary, McDonald’s flavor at twice the price.
The best food item was their pre-diner crackers. Full of flavor. I understand that they make these, however don’t sell them. I guess these crackers may be Villagio at Boca’s only drawing card for an otherwise BORING food that is overpriced. I need to learn to stick with my first reviews especially when they are better than the second time around.
Originally reviewed on March 8, 2009.
East Boca Raton, Italian.
Replaced Marks at Mizner. Moderately priced (most entrees under $20) Italian food, especially during an economic downturn. Only problem is that the food taste is marginal. Tried several dishes … Pollo Piccata ($14.95), chicken with capers and broccoli; Risotto Dolce di Fruiti ($14.95), seafood risotto with goat cheese; and Spaghetti & Meatballs ($10.95). By far the Spaghetti & Meatballs was the best, risotto very creamy with very little seafood, and chicken dish was boring and tasteless. When I mentioned the tasteless chicken to the waiter, he told me he hears that complaint often! Another fact is that this place is extremely loud … the noise is almost unbearable. Service is okay, although they do have you wait for grated cheese, hopefully you get it before your food becomes cold. If you find yourself eating at Villagio, eat outside, the noise isn’t as bad outside as it is inside.
Located at 344 Plaza Real, Boca Raton.
Reviewed, March 2009.
