By Becki Coffy
Frank and Tony Brusco, owners of Brusco’s Italian Restaurant and Pizzeria, have recently begun to manufacture their own family recipe for tomato and marinara sauces. The all-natural sauces are made with no artificial flavors or color and are now available for sale at their restaurant, J & J Farms on Hillsboro Boulevard, Fernando’s Market in Ft. Lauderdale and coming soon to Whole Foods.
This exciting new venture allows you to take a little taste of Italy home with you the next time you are shopping. But, don’t stop there. Be sure to drop by the restaurant and enjoy all they have to offer.
I wonder if Giuseppe and ‘Mama’ Brusco ever dreamed people would still be enjoying their delicious food after almost 40 years. Sons Frank and Tony Brucso have kept the tradition of serving authentic Italian food going since their parents retired seven years ago. My husband and I were looking forward to Italian food one night last week and we decided to dine at Brusco’s.
Our wonderful waiter, Andre, started us off with the pasta fagioli soup served piping hot with a fresh sprig of basil. The soup, filled with beans and pasta, was thick and hearty with a mellow flavor that really hit the spot. The antipasto salad, laden with olives, pepperoncinis, tomatoes, roasted red peppers, onions and anchovies, was beautifully presented with pinwheels of ham, salami and cheese on top. It was so good we didn’t even need a dressing on it! I could easily have made a meal of this salad and the heavenly garlic knots which were crispy on the outside and light and fluffy on the inside. There are fourteen other choices on the appetizer menu alone … something for everyone.
It was really quite difficult to select our entrees since there were so many choices available. Chicken, veal, pasta, seafood, pizza and hoagies round out the large menu. I decided to venture out and try something new so I finally selected the chicken scar-pariello. The thin, perfectly cooked chicken was served in a white wine sauce with pepperoncini, black olives, pimentos, artichokes and Italian sausage over ziti. It was just spicy enough to add a little kick to this savory dish and keep you wanting more. My husband chose the homemade lasagna. This classic Italian dish came to the table bubbling over with cheese, meat and sauce. It was delectable. All the dishes are made from old family recipes with Mama Brusco adding her special touch to perfect them. I can’t wait to try some of
the more than 20 pasta dishes available the Snapper Française will be my choice the next time I dine there. Their pizza is delicious with a not-too-thin crust that is crispy, homemade sauce and spices – add sausage and green pepper and I’m in heaven. There are many dessert selections, but the homemade cannoli and tiramisu come highly recommended. Wine and beer are also available.
An early bird menu featuring pastas, sausage and peppers, linguini with clam sauce and chicken and veal dishes is available from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. This special menu includes soup or salad, beverage, bread and butter, and dessert.
Brusco’s is available for special occasions, delivery or take-out and catering for your next event. They are located at 1380 S. Federal Hwy. in Deerfield Beach. 954-428-2767 or www.bruscoitalianfoods.com. Closed on Mondays.
For a delightful evening out give Brusco’s a try and be sure to take home some of their home-style sauces to share with your whole family. Until we eat again…
