Villa Vino

On a cool, rainy day, I made a visit to a new old friend.

Villa Vino is the kind of place that locals can call home. Built like the bar and grills I grew up with, where space was at a premium and every inch was used, this place felt like home.

Sitting snug with its neighbors on Roswell Road, Villa's deck invites the patrons in the front door. Walking in, I see the long bar that connects to the open kitchen on the right, and the tables and booths that line the left. On the walls, original artwork catches my eye.

Much longer than it is wide, this place immediately conjured up images of the New England corner restaurants of my youth. There is a downstairs, with an open floor pattern, complete with its own bar and lined on three sides with tables and padded benches. On weekend evenings, this place comes alive with a young crowd that enjoys a good meal as well as a good time.

I tried a sampling of appetizers and entrees.

Pesto Brie

The Pesto Brie and Sausage Bread came out first. I really liked the brie, but the sausage bread was even better! Homemade bread, wrapped around sausage with a marinara dipping sauce sounds really simple, but it was so good! Not taking away from the brie or even the garlic knots that followed, but you have to try that sausage bread!

Ravioli Florentine

Served next was the Ricotta Ravioli Florentine. A Taste of Atlanta Award winner, this dish is not to be ignored. Ricotta cheese fills this ravioli topped with spinach, onions and mushrooms in a fresh cream sauce. This is a very good meal on a cold rainy day. Very comforting, and very tasty.

Villa Special

Finally, I was served the Villa Special pizza. Not for the faint of heart, this pie had sausage, pepperoni, ham, salami, bacon and ground beef (not the little pebbles of beef you usually get at other places, but strips of ground beef that add texture and volume to the mix). The crust was thin, but soft. The sauce and cheese were there, but didn't try to take over the pie.

Russell McQueary is the manager at Villa Vino. Stop by and say hello to your neighbor. After he feeds you, call me and thank me.