Reviewed 6/14/07Cosimo's Brick Oven
Cosmo′s, located inside upscale Westfield Shoppingtown - Southgate Mall, caters to shoppers, people watchers as well as the leisure diner.
This location is "Famous" for Wood fired Gourmet Pizzas topped with choices of 25 fresh ingredients where you can grab a quick slice from their carry-out window. For a more leisurely meal, dine inside at granite tables or on the mall patio where your "teen on the loose" can be observed. A full bar with comfortable seating is another great feature for the hubby who′s bride is "lost" in Sak′s or Ann Taylor.
Entrée choices are flexible with half portions and combinations that allow for all appetites and dietary needs.
My spouse and I always have a craving for their PIZZA...Yet...we still want dinner. Fortunately, the Personal size (four slices), wood fired pizza is a perfect appetizer. The crust is light and crispy topped with sauce, cheese and a selection of 20 toppings. We chose portobello ′shrooms and fresh garlic.
Let′s not forget their Appetizers for they are outstanding! How about a hot crab and artichoke appetizer for two...eggplant layered with roasted tomatoes, parmigiano, mozzarella, roasted garlic, pomodoro sauce and pesto...or crispy Polenta topped with wild mushrooms and madeira sauce. That′s just a few of the dozen or so selections.
We selected my favorite, the Stuffed Portobello appetizer. Two sautéed caps layered with spinach, marinated tomatoes and caramelized shallots on a pool of Gorgonzola sauce. WONDERFUL!
House favorites for entrées are the "ever popular"...Herb Roasted Chicken; Grilled Marinated Pork Chops with mango chutney; New York Strip topped with red wine and rosemary reduction; or the Grilled Salmon featuring a citrus/ basil sauce. Fresh vegetables and potatoes accompany all of these entrées. Your server will also describe additional evening specials for you to ponder.
Pasta lovers will appreciate the made to order freshly sautéed ingredients from broccoli rabe to little neck clams!
One of their "Signature Pastas" that is truly spectacular is the Seafood Brodetto. Jumbo Gulf Shrimp, Mussels and Calamari tossed with Fetticine in a tomato saffron sauce. Other dishes of Grilled Sausage, peppers and onions over Ricotta Fusilli...Chicken Penne; sautéed chicken breast, fresh tomatoes, homemade pesto, fresh mozzarella, arugula and calamari olives...are just a sampling of their many delicacies.
My spouse enjoyed medallions of tender Veal Marsala accompanied by roasted potatoes and a vegetable melange. Excellent.
I was intrigued by one of their evening specials...Hoisan Glazed Atlantic salmon topped with a drizzle of pineapple Chipolte Coulis. Some may not care for salmon′s distinctive flavor, but this preparation was definitely a WINNER! Even my spouse, who has never acquired a taste for it, returned to my plate not once...but, twice! WOW!
Desserts of Tiramisu, Fresh Berries with Zabaglione, Homemade Chocolate Torte, Key Lime Pie and Créme Brulee were all tempting, but...that′ll be my excuse to return another day.
Soups, salads and personal pizzas are available for lunch and dinner...While sandwiches are available for lunch only. Prepared on homemade panini bread, the choices include Chicken, Grilled Portobello, Sausage, Turkey Breast, Veggies, Blackened Salmon and Meatball. All are served with a choice of fries, house salad, Caesar or a cup of soup.
If you enjoy coffees, the Café Caramel is EXCELLENT. Other selections include Café Mocha, Café Latte, Cappuccino and Expresso.
201 Westfield Shoppingtown - Southgate
US 41 & Siesta Dr., Sarasota
941-363-0211
$$ L,D Italian Cuisine
Wood-Fired Pizza, Specialty Salads, Full Bar
Signature Pasta, Party Trays, Corporate Catering
New World Italian with a Multicultural Twist
Corporate Catering
Barrier-free access
All major credit cards accepted
