The Salute Surprise

A welcome new addition downtown offers the feel of a true trattoria.

by Judi Gallagher

Salute is a welcome surprise to a location downtown that has been one too many fly-by-night restaurants in the past. This one seems destined to succeed from the start. The owners have over 30 years in the restaurant business in Philly and Italy, not to mention a vineyard in Tuscany. After extensive remodeling, the rooms are lighter, the patio extended and under canopy, and the overall feel like a true Italian trattoria overlooking the piazza.

The new wine room at Salute adds warmth and character.

The owners are friendly and delightful, especially the chef and manager. Look for 80 percent of the pasta to be homemade and the sauces, well…divine. The Agnolotti—half-moon-shaped pasta filled with ricotta cheese and spinach in a light cream sauce, served to the table in a copper pan—was a perfect al dente and rich enough to share with a salad and appetizer.

Veal saltimbocca at Salute is delicioso.

A favorite is clearly the imported cheese and dry cured meat platter. You can select your choice of three cheeses and three meats, served with bread, grapes and housemade marmalade. I see many an afternoon ahead with a glass of Chianti and a platter of Gorgonzola dolce, Pecorino and Taleggio Latte Crudo watching the downtown crowd go by, just like you would in Italy on a sunny afternoon.

The cheese and meat platter.

Salute will be open Christmas and New Year’s Eve, and it would be a crime not to indulge in the Zuccotto, a house specialty rum-soaked Florentine cake with layers of mocha, chocolate and vanilla mousse. A dessert that is light and a perfect complement to a wonderful lunch or dinner.

As this year comes to a close, I want to put the fork down for a moment and thank all our readers. Your comments have helped me be a better culinary reporter, and as always, I will look forward to a tasteful year ahead. Next week I will try and recap the best tastes of the year, and oh, what memories of flavors and senses that will delightfully involve. If you have a favorite dish of the year, please share it with us by clicking on the comment button.

Happy Holidays to all and to all a delicious night!

Posted: 12/20/2010 10:40:31 AM | 4 comments

	LORRAINE CLARK
	Overprice and over rated!Went there on a Thursday night,one of the Owner was pay attention only to one table,maybe a big " spenders",food overall was mediocre ,not great,not worth the price.
	4/13/2011 12:15:23 PM
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	Steve Seidensticker
	I needed a break from shopping and was in the mood for some great Italian. I was in for a treat!!!! I had heard Salute was good and I was not at all disappointed. The food was great the service was even better the wine list was very interesting. The price was just right . I am headed back soon.
	12/29/2010 10:10:08 AM
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	judi gallagher
	Dear loyal friends- thank you for joining our readership! of course you know I love dining in your areas as well- keep us posted when you come to Sarasota...our restaurant scene is booming
	12/23/2010 9:24:36 AM
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	Alexandra
	Dear Chef Judi, I live in Naples and my sister lives in Tampa and we are CONSTANTLY reading your blog! We've sent in comments before but they don't seem to get posted so I hope this makes it your way. We are big Foodie fans and we could not eat our way through Florida (and NYC) without your great advice! When can you start writing more? We CANNOT get enough of your Foodies Notebook!!! Your loyal friends both North and South
	12/22/2010 11:28:08 AM
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Chef Judi Gallagher's Foodie's Notebook

The Salute Surprise

A welcome new addition downtown offers the feel of a true trattoria.

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