Visconti’s Ristorante and Ruffino “Riserva Ducale”
The Restaurant
Photo from Visconti’s website
We were in Folsom for an event and had an evening free to explore finding a restaurant in Folsom. We literally randomly chose Visconti’s. A family owned and operated restaurant since 1992 in Folsom. They are located at 2700 E. Bidwell St #700 in Folsom. Their authentic recipes come from past generations from regions of Calabria and Sicily. They pride themselves in only using the freshest ingredients including imported meat, cheese and wine.
Photo from Visconti’s website
They prefer to be known as a “home away from home” and not a restaurant as it is like dining at their family table with warmth and friendliness.
The Wine – “Wine is bottled Poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Ordered a 2020 Ruffino “Riserva Ducale” DOCG Sangiovese wine is a classic from Toscano, Italy. On the eyes a ruby red with semi-transparency shades of lushy purple. On the nose, aromas of violet and cherries. On the palate, blackberry, cherry and plums co-mingled effortlessly in the mouth. Secondary flavors of cinnamon and clove rounded out the tasting experience. The finish had sufficient tannins and completed each sip with a hint of chocolate and lightly roasted coffee.
The Food and Wine Pairing – “Food without wine is a corpse; wine without food is a ghost. United and well matched, they are as body and soul: living partners” – Andre Simon
We started the meal with their “Bambino” pizza with pepperoni and fresh garlic as an appetizer. This coupled with fresh garlic bread was a winner!
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Next up was the house Minestrone soup that contained just about every fresh vegetable known to man and pasta! Delicious and flavorful beyond description.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Now on to the main entrée of baked meat ravioli and requested their Bolognese sauce instead of the marinara sauce and without the Mozzarella cheese. It was such a generous serving that was almost too much to consume, but I did manage! My wife enjoyed the veal piccata with four medallions sauteed with lemon, capers, mushrooms, garlic and white wine. Again, a generous serving and absolutely a delightful dish.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
We concluded the evening meal enjoying the balance of the wine and discussing that we left no room for one of their exquisite desserts. While we glanced at the list of Gelato offering, cakes, truffles and of course Italian delicacies of Tiramisu and Cannoli we just could not partake of dessert. Here is picture from the website to entice those who are strong enough.
Photo from Visconti’s website
The conclusion of this culinary experience was a solid “A+”. While I have two points that still did not waiver the deserving “A+”. The first being while having a very nice wine list with local Sierra foothill wineries, Napa wines, Sonoma wine and Paso Robles wines only a few Italian wines were offered. Personally, when dining with an ethnic themed restaurant, I would like to taste the indigenous wines from the region. My second point is the portions were so generous no room was left for dessert!
I can’t wait to visit Folsom soon and try more of the dishes and will order as appetizers!
Sláinte,
Michael