Whether it's Crab Ravioli or a Cosmopolitan, the hip come to drink, dine & hang out at LIBERATORE'S RESTAURANT in Bel Air.
One of the most popular dining choices in America is Italian cuisine. Maybe it’s the comforting scents of the spices, or the perfectly prepared pasta, or the way the meats and cheeses blend with the wines to create something sublime, but whatever it is, Italian food is always popular.
So we were very excited to see Liberatore’s Ristorante open in the Bel Air Town Center. Especially when we stepped in and saw the transformation the restaurant created in the space.
Once inside the doors, the elegant design invites you to indulge. The bar is outstanding, blending high-design Italian style with inviting comfort. The Italian chandelier sets the tone – modern and clean but still funky and fun.
The menu hews to traditional fare, with some interesting additions. One of the more unusual options is whole wheat pasta, making this an Italian restaurant that everyone can enjoy.
While there are a number of appetizer and salad choices, we suggest saving your calories for the outstanding bread and olive oil and the entrees. The menu boasts a wide variety of meat and poultry dishes, but it’s the pasta that shines.
| One of the best dishes on the menu is also one of the simplest and most traditional – Gnocchi Napoletano – with a deceptively simple Matriciana sauce. The sauce is a small spoonful of everything wonderful about Italian food, tangy tomatoes balanced with basil and garlic, bursting with freshness and full of flavor. A more modern interpretation of a classic dish is the Penne Alex – penne tossed with spinach and grilled chicken in a light oil and garlic sauce. The penne was perfection, done just al dente, and the light but flavorful sauce let each ingredient shine. |
"The Gnocchi
Napoletano
is
to die for!"
|
The coffees are sadly not up to the standards of the desserts, but the desserts are so good you’ll quickly forgive that. Try the cheesecake – it’s not your typical overly sweet and inflated variety. This one reminded me of the ones my Italian grandmother used to make, and I can’t think of a better way to end a meal.
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IMBIDE
The bar at Liberatore's is simply sublime and you won't want to miss it. One of the favorite drinks is the Cosmopolitan - this Italian Cosmpolitan isn't Liberatore's secret recipe, but it will give you a taste of what you might find there!
Italian Cosmopolitan
1 oz Vodka
1/2 oz Lemoncillo
1/2 oz Fresh Squeezed
Lime Juice
1/2 oz Cranberry Juice
Combine ingredients in a shaker over ice, shake vigorously and strain into a martini glass. Garnish with a lemon curl.
"The essence of it is sweeter than
the usual Cosmo."
Nancy Gilbert-Taylor, Bel Air |
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