I wish that everyone could have a mom like mine. She's in her young 80's but doesn't look like it at all! We just celebrated her birthday at Tuscany il Ristorante in Westlake Village last
week and had an amazing meal. I hadn't been to Tuscany for a year or so and was pleasantly surprised at the service, food, and atmosphere. First of all, the place is jam-packed on a Saturday night. The patio is nice too for a romantic dinner. Our server, Phil
took terrific care of eight of us, never missing a beat. Chef/Owner Tommaso Barletta is right on the mark in the kitchen too. Born in Monopoli, Italy, he started cooking at age 15. Barletta has been bringing upscale Italian food to Westlake Village
for over 20 years. Let the party begin! We started dinner with wonderful cocktails, too many to mention! For appetizers we had Crisp Baby Artichokes a la Romana ($12). Roasted baby artichokes are served with spicy arrabbiata (crushed red pepper)tomato
sauce, bruschetta, and the Tuscany Wedge Salad ($12) with Applewood Smoked Bacon Dressing, crumbled Gorgonzola blue cheese, and crispy bacon. For dinner we had Linguini with Fresh Clams ($17) simmered in extra virgin olive oil, garlic, white wine, basil, and
chili flakes. We loved the Vermicelli with Strips of Filet Mignon and Pancetta ($20)Grilled Colossal Prawns ($32) with roasted garlic, herbs served scampi-style with fettucini and lobster cream sauce. The Short Rib special was delicious too and each dish simply
outdid the next! For dessert we had the lemon cake and the cheese cake. Both were outstanding! Happy Birthday to the best mom ever! Tuscany il Ristorante 968 S. Westlake Blvd. Westlake Village (805) 495-2768 Reservations recommended. Hours: M-Thur: 11:00
a.m.- 2:30 p.m. and 5:00-9:30 pm Fri-11:00 a.m.- 2:30 pm and 5:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m. Sat: 5:00 p.m.-10:00 pm Sun: 5:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.
Recommended Dishes: Artichokes,
wedge salad, vermicelli, prawns, linguini and clams, lemon cake, cheese cake.