Summering at Via Roma

From the sun-drenched fields of Tuscany to the open-air cafes of Rome, Italy is a country known for its summer cuisine, a celebration of light, fresh, refreshing dishes.

At Via Roma Event Center & Ristorante, the new summer menu has just been introduced and it’s already receiving a resounding “molto bene” from patrons.

A Fresh Spin on Classic Dishes

“Our chef, Neva Justham-Bennett, has an Italian background and has cooked in many Italian cities, with a focus on the best-quality, locally raised ingredients,” says Co-owner Tony Di Fiore, who, along with his wife Angela, just returned from a trip to Rome. “The new menu is a labor of love. Much like you’d find in the coastal cities in Italy, our Primi, or first courses, feature loads of fresh seafood, from squid to shrimp, calamari and mussels.”

The flatbreads are prepared with hand-tossed dough that’s lighter than air. Diners love sharing a traditional Roma style with roasted Roma tomatoes, garlic, chili flakes, burrata and micro basil. As Julia Child used to say, “Simplicity itself.”

Of course, pasta dishes are the backbone of the menu, and the chef has come up with nine irresistible dishes.

“I admit that two of the pastas stand out as my favorites—the Veal Stuffed Tortellini, with peas and prosciutto in a light parmesan cream, and the Sacchetti Porcini, with caramelized mushroom and onion, plus the unexpected zing of fresh fig in a gorgonzola dulce sauce. ‘Sacchetti’ in Italian means ‘beggar’s purse’ or ‘money bag.’” 

In addition to the new menu, Tony says they’ve also recently introduced a new weekly special called The Parmesans on Tuesdays.

“A couple can order veal, chicken or smoked eggplant parmesan for two for only $39,” he says. “Another popular special is Half Off Wine every Wednesday night for bottles under $100.”

Wonderful Weddings

Over the past year, Via Roma has earned a reputation as the perfect venue for everything from showers and family reunions to grad parties and anniversary parties, corporate events and lavish weddings.

Busy couples love that the wedding planning team here can do it all, from tables and chairs to linens and centerpieces, the cake, lighting, music, and photography.

“The Grand Ballroom seats up to 350 and is the great for weddings and large-scale events, such as galas and charity fundraisers,” says Tony. “The Florence Room seats up to 130, the Cantina Wine Cellar up to 20 guests, and The Grotto on the lower level seats 100.”

Via Roma is located at 8922 Ridge Road, in North Royalton. Don’t miss the Cruisin’ Car Shows every Wednesday this summer from 5-9 p.m. Find out more and reserve your table at ViaRomaCLE.com or call 440-672-7662.