Vito's by the Park

Every so often, it's fun to have an extra special dining-out experience.

We had one recently at Vito's by the Park in Hartford, Connecticut.

Robert Maffucci, owner and chef, made caesar salad dressing and a flaming fruit dessert at a table right next to where guests were seated.




"When you are here, it's like you're in my house," the personable restaurant owner told guests. 



The dressing he whipped together was delicious, anchovies and all.

Even the croutons melted in one's mouth. They were light and delicious!

The meal to follow also included pasta, of course, chicken parmesan and chicken with a mushroom sauce, all served family style.

All the yummy rolls and other breads are made right at the restaurant.

 The "fruit" dessert was definitely the pizazz.


Mr. Maffucci mixed butter ("which makes everything taste very good, " he said) and brown sugar in a big pan over heat. 

 Then, into the warmed butter and sugar mixture, he added what we identified as chopped honeydew melon, cantaloupe, apple chunks, blackberries, blueberries and strawberries!





 He added Llord's banana liquor and Myer's dark rum to the mix, which made an almost transparent flame above  the pan.





 
He tossed everything over the heat before spooning the now yummy fruit concoction into glasses.  Apricot mascarpone cheese topped each dessert.

Be sure to check out the restaurant's website. It even includes some cool videos!

 There are two additional restaurants owned by the family, both located in Connecticut. 

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING TO ORDER WHEN YOU ARE DINING OUT?