COLUMBUS Ohio Bravo! Cucina Italiana, part of the 63-unit multiconcept Bravo Development Inc., has upgraded its seasonal menu following a research trip to Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region. This change is the latest in the 36-unit chain’s move toward more authenticity, said Matt Harding, corporate chef, who changes the menu three times a year.
Check averages are approximately $20 for dinner and $13.50 for lunch, Harding said. He noted that same-store sales were positive in January despite severe winter weather in many markets.
Harding said the 15 new menu items highlight specialties of the Emilia-Romagna region, such as prosciutto di Parma, Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, mushrooms, truffle oils and such pastas as the rice-shaped orzotto.
The new menu items include:
-Orzotto with Mushrooms and Prosciutto, which combines orzo pasta with mushrooms and mushroom pesto, Boursin cream cheese, prosciutto di Parma and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
-Shrimp and Prosciutto Insalata, made with spinach and tricolore lettuce tossed in lemon vinaigrette and topped with chilled shrimp, red onions and roasted prosciutto
- Prosciutto and Arugula Flatbread, made with thinly sliced prosciutto and arugula, topped with grated Fontina and shaved Reggiano cheeses and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil
-Fresh Mahi with Orzotto, which include grilled mahi served over roasted tomato-basil orzotto, topped with fennel and arugula and drizzled with a blood orange and balsamic glaze
-Mushroom Fontina and Truffle Pizza, made with thinly sliced portobello mushrooms, roasted garlic pesto, and Fontina, mozzarella and provolone cheeses and garnished with Reggiano and truffle oil
-Fonduta al Forna, a dipping sauce meant for sharing, made with marinara, sun-dried tomatoes and Boursin cream cheese and served with bruschetta bread
-Spumoni, an Italian ice cream dessert combining chocolate, pistachio and cherry flavors
Bravo Development plans to open seven more Bravo! Restaurants and seven Brio Tuscan Grille dinnerhouses this year. The company also operates one Bon Vie Bistro & Bar. Bravo Development currently has restaurants in 26 states, with a concentration in lifestyle centers.
