by Alex Gonzalez
Dallas’ is certainly not short on restaurants, especially ones that specialize in Italian fare. But very few specialize in family-style dining. At Saint Rocco’s, parties of four or more are encouraged to order from Saint Rocco’s family menu and sample the best of what the New York-style Italian restaurant has to offer.
Yes, you can order individual items from Saint Rocco’s, but ordering family style makes for a great cultural experience. For the first course, your party can choose two different appetizers. The house Caesar salad with anchovy crackers is always a safe bet, but if you really want to step things up, go for the arugula cacio e pepe. This blend of greens has a pleasant bitterness packed with flavor. Equally as good is the caprese salad, with basil pesto and aged balsamic.
For the main course, definitely try the fennel crusted beef tenderloin. It is has a crisp outer layer and comes topped with sundried tomato and oregano. It is thick, juicy and more flavorful with each bite. Even if you spring for lighter options, like the skillet seared salmon with tomato and basil butter, you’re in for a damn good plate.
Assuming you’re not too full for dessert, you’d be remiss if you didn’t try the ricotta cheesecake. The cake cuts so easily, and is a pleasurable mound of thick, creamy joy. The amaretto cherry sauce which tops the cake is sweet, fruity and intoxicating.
At $31 a head for family style dining, Saint Rocco’s can’t be beat. There is something for everyone at this New York Italian joint in Trinity Groves. Who knows? You may even leave here having found a new favorite.
