Marzano in Tacoma (Parkland) experience

[thevinoman]

We got back from Marzano a little while ago, and I thought I'd write while things were still "fresh". I think it's an understatement to say that the meal was superb. We walked in at our reservation time, 6:30, and were seated immediately at a small table by a window. I was a little concerned that the table was close to the front door, but actually it was perfect, as it was out of the heavy traffic zone between other tables and the kitchen. The noise level was moderate, as would be expected of a place with wooden floors and a minimum of drapes and other upholstery.

We ordered two appetizers, a gruyere and goat cheese torte with pesto, pine nuts and sun dried tomatoes, and the calamari which was in a light roasted tomato sauce with basil garlic, capers, and feta cheese. Both were terrific. The calamari was cooked perfectly, and there wasn't an overabundance of garlic.

We ordered our entree's, my wife went with the boscaiola, a rigatoni pasta with an onion, garlic and mushroom sauce, with ham, cream, and Bolognese. The pasta was fantastic, perfectly cooked, and all of the flavors came together beautifully. I ordered the double thick cut veal chop with a morel mushroom sauce. It was cooked perfectly and was incredibly tender. Prior to the entree's arrival, a house salad was served which was absolutely outstanding, with a light balsamic vinaigrette dressing over spring greens. It really was delicious.

The dessert tray was presented which showed about a dozen different choices, including two cheesecakes, creme brulee, flourless chocolate cake, and a peanut butter and chocolate pie, which is what Shelly chose. It was dense, creamy and delicious. I ordered a Chambers Muscat from the dessert wine menu, which was very nice.

Oh, and the wine.....well....the wine was awesome. I took a 1996 Dom Perignon, and a 1990 Chateau Lynch Bages Bordeaux. I'd been saving them for quite a while for this occasion, which was our 10th anniversary. Corkage fee was $15 per bottle, which I was happy to pay. We actually ended up bringing at least half of each bottle home because we were so focused on the food!

This was our first time at Marzano, and it won't be the last. The service was superb and very unobtrusive. All of the dishes were presented very nicely and perfectly timed. Portions were extremely generous. A really superior dining experience.

[Leper]

Marzano's is one of Puget Sound's true gems. Now try Xinh's in Shelton--another regional Chowhound destination worth the drive.