If you want to experience Authentic Cucina Romana, you’ll have to engage your GPS and sharpen your eyesight because Ciao Ammore Trattoria is small in size but a giant in delivering fine Italian dishes and wines.
The 30ish seat, one year-old restaurant is operated by Chef Marco Olivieri, his wife Valentina, and their son, Giuseppe. The family is from Cisterna di Latina, a city in the province of the same name, in the region of Lazio, which lies in central Italy. Latina is the second largest city in the region, the largest being the national capital Rome. Latina is famous for its production of mozzarella and cheeses. The couple had a company that produced mozzarella for 60 years, and that business continues to be operated by family in Italy under the name Olivieri Coseificio.
The mozzarella and other ingredients are made fresh every day by the Chef, and the desserts are made by Valentina. Many of the restaurant’s recipes are from Valentina’s mother and grandmother.
If you want to experience Authentic Cucina Romana, you’ll have to engage your GPS and sharpen your eyesight because Ciao Ammore Trattoria is small in size but a giant in delivering fine Italian dishes and wines.
The 30ish seat, one year-old restaurant is operated by Chef Marco Olivieri, his wife Valentina, and their son, Giuseppe. The family is from Cisterna di Latina, a city in the province of the same name, in the region of Lazio, which lies in central Italy. Latina is the second largest city in the region, the largest being the national capital Rome. Latina is famous for its production of mozzarella and cheeses. The couple had a company that produced mozzarella for 60 years, and that business continues to be operated by family in Italy under the name Olivieri Coseificio.
The mozzarella and other ingredients are made fresh every day by the Chef, and the desserts are made by Valentina. Many of the restaurant’s recipes are from Valentina’s mother and grandmother.
Our first introduction to the restaurant was with our daughter Rene. Our evening began with Homemade Burrata which was firm and delicious, not mushy like so many others. We then ordered Lasagna, which is our test of all Italian restaurants. We were not disappointed. The entree beat its competition on all counts. For dessert, we were served homemade tiramisu that, again, stands at the head of its class.
Our wonderful meal was accompanied by white and red Italian wines. The restaurant’s list of available Italian wines is extensive and each wine begged for one more sip. The wines come from wineries that the Chef and Valentina love and know personally. The list includes house Antinori Toscana I, Zenato and Franciacorta.
Ciao Ammore’s Mozzarella and Burrata are made fresh in-house every day. The pasta is locally sourced and fresh, and the Gnocco Fritto delivers a fluffy fried dough served with a selection of the best quality, Italian cured meats and cheeses.
For those of us who aspire to achieve somewhere near this level of perfection, Ciao Ammore offers cooking classes on Mondays to whisper some secrets of their success to those wanting not only to listen but to also experience how to prepare delicious Italian cuisine. The owners honed their cooking skills by taking courses at the renowned Gambero Rosso school in Rome.
When asked where Ciao Ammore will be in five years, Valentina said: “I do not know. For today, we live day-after-day, and we consider ourselves lucky to have “survived” the world catastrophe that hit us. One thing is certain; at the moment, we are happy to be here in this great country.”
Call Valentina the next time you crave a wonderful Italian meal and experience.
Ciao Ammore is located in Lauderdale by the Sea at 257-B Commercial Boulevard.
Ciao!
