Il Villaggio is a terrific Italian restaurant in Cherry Hill. Like many of my favorite dining spots in South Jersey it is a BYOB restaurant. During the present pandemic, it also has the necessary space outside to comply with current state mandates. Fortunately, it is more than a few umbrellas set up in the parking lot. In fact, my wife and I were seated in the garden area that is partially walled with grape vines clinging to the walled areas. While the rest of the outdoor dining area was also well done, with umbrellas and tented areas, we were very happy with our dining spot.
I was pleased to see that all staff and patrons wore masks (until seated). The management did a good job of handling a fairly sizable number of patrons and arranging everything to ensure social distancing. I was also pleased that the temperature had dropped a bit on Saturday night and fans were strategically stationed to ensure good ventilation, while cooling off patrons.
Though it had been awhile since we had eaten there, I knew the food would be good. We chose an order of their grilled calamari, which were marinated in lemon garlic and garnished with diced tomatoes and herbs. (Photo below)
Selecting our entrees was a more difficult task. The list is quite extensive (especially considering the food supply chain issues due to COVID19). I chose the Veal Il Villaggio (Veal served with porcini mushrooms, pancetta, mozzarella, and a brandy demi glaze sauce). It was amazing. No left overs for me. (below left). My wife chose the Veal Mare Monte. This consisted of veal topped with crabmeat, roasted peppers, spinach and lemon zest sauce. (below right)
The Entrees
The Wine
I chose the Hawk Haven Vineyards Signature Series Dry Pinot Grigio to enjoy with the calamari. Hawk Haven makes two Pinot Grigio and they are both very good. This Signature Series version is just a tad drier and very food friendly, with notes of grapefruit. My wife enjoyed it with her entree.
I chose the Turis Turdo Vineyards Sangiovese to enjoy with my entree. For my money, Turdo Vineyards makes the best Sangiovese on the planet. This one was a 2016, but Turdo wines are consistently excellent. Unlike some Sangiovese (even Chianti Classico Reserve) Turdo Sangiovese is a bit more full-bodied and equally enjoyable on its own merits. My wife helped me finish this bottle instead of dessert. Again, no leftovers.
Cheers!
If you have been binge watching Netflix and Prime and are running out of things to do during these difficult times, might I suggest a good book?
New Jersey Uncorked: A Snob-Free Taste of NJ Wine You can get the paperback for $19.99 at store.bookbaby.com/book/New-Jersey-Uncorked Use coupon Summer20. If you prefer you can also get the ebook at Apple’s iBook app for $9.99 with the same code.
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