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Fradelizio?s Ristorante Italiano
35 Broadway, Fairfax
phone: 415-459-1618

Surprise! I know, I usually write reviews for theatre, but last Friday when we stopped for a pre-show dinner, we happened upon a gem! Fradelizio?s is a [tag]small Italian restaurant[/tag] in [tag]Fairfax[/tag]. It was one of those happy accidents that make life special. We will be going back; I?ve requested it for my birthday in September.

When we arrived, my husband and I were immediately struck by how much Fradelizio?s reminded us of a little place where we dined when we were in Genoa, Italy. It has the same feel of a family-owned restaurant nestled in a downtown storefront. The decor is not fancy or ostentatious, but is comfortable and the tables are graced with tablecloths and linen napkins. There are paintings on the walls, and wine bottles here and there.

They have a variety of Italian entrees as well as appetizers and desserts. More about the desserts later! In addition to their regular menu, Giovanni, the owner, has a special menu that takes advantage of fresh ingredients available this summer. My husband ordered the home-made pasta filled with butternut squash. The ravioli came to the table napped in a delicate cream sauce that in no way overpowered the superb flavor of the dish. It was beautifully presented with roasted vegetables and a garnish of nuts. I ordered the saffron risotto with fresh seafood. The creamy yellow rice arrived piled high with prawns, shrimp, clams, mussels and perfectly prepared scallops. It was piping hot and simply delicious. We shared a half-carafe of the house red, a light and flavorful Zinfandel.

After our leisurely meal, we decided to have dessert. Fradelizio?s prepares all of their desserts except for the ice cream. Trust me, skip the ice cream and order the Zabaglione for two. It was such a delicious and unexpected surprise. Giovanni offers his customers an authentic zabaglione, warm, as they are served in Italy. If you are used to the usual, bland, colorless and cold offerings found at most American restaurants, be prepared to change your mind on how zabaglione should be served. The dessert was without question one of the five all-time best desserts I?ve ever had (and that is saying a lot!) It not only looked luscious, it smelled divine. The flavor defies description. Suffice it to say that the strawberries hidden beneath the creamy warm zabaglione tasted quite extraordinary. There is a surprise in the bottom of the tulip glass too. A dollop of Italian liqueur that made us wish we could have eaten the glass so as not to miss a drop.

If you are searching for a little slice of Italy, and have time to enjoy an un-hurried meal, Fradelizio?s is the place to go. It makes dining an event. The staff is friendly and welcoming, the food is marvelous, and you can even enjoy live music on occasion. Our cup of cappuccino with dessert was smooth and perfect, the best I?ve had since we returned from Europe. You can find Fradelizio?s at 35 Broadway in Fairfax. Tell them Julie sent you.

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