Up close look at the Baked Brie
Bella Vino in Springboro, isn’t your average wine store. Sure, they have all the chardonnays, merlots, and syrahs one could dream of. But now, they have kicked it up a notch.
Under new management, Bella Vino brought in Chef Jen Anticoli, who has introduced some dishes that are fabulous when paired with wine, or even just dining on the patio. The Big Ragu & Crew are all about good eats outdoors. If you are the same way, then Bella Vino will quickly become one of your favorite spots for a Food Adventure
HERE’S THE SKINNY:
— Bella Vino Wine Merchants is open Mon 4-10pm Tues-Thurs 11:30am -10pm, Fri and Sat 11:30am-midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. They even have a location in West Chester.
— Perfect place for patio drinks and dining. The spacious, outside dining area is a relaxing and comfortable atmosphere. The inside dining room is sleek and contemporary, with a capacity of 80 people.
— Up and coming chef, Jen Anticoli has revamped the menu and added her personal spin on some Italian dishes and more.
— Bella Vino has over 1400 wines to choose from, and is frequently running specials on various brands.
— Summer is bringing new events to Bella Vino, such as “Party on the Patio Nights”, with the kitchen setting up a grill outside.
— Look for more menu expansions like “Strawberry Muscato Lemonade” and Gourmet Subs
Chef Jen Anticoli of Bella Vino
We were impressed by the food, and it definitely satisfied our Food Adventure instincts. Of all the menu items, The Big Ragu did have some favorites. So let us present, without further adoo, our infamous “must eats!”
MUST EATS:
— GOAT CHEESE CRUSTINI: Creamy, sweet and full of flavor, the fresh tomatoes and goat cheese combine amazingly. The Big Ragu will go on record, that this is his favorite crustini of all-time ! The sauces and spices added make this a definite ‘must eat,’ and perfect with any wine. The secret ingredient? Pistachio Crumbles for the finishing touch.
— CARMEL NUT BAKED BRIE: Served freshly baked and still steaming, this brie is a delicious starter. Garnished with berries and nuts, drizzled with honey, and served with bread and crackers, it is a great segway for any vino ! We think you will be hard pressed to share this killer appetizer.
— BAKED POTATO PIZZA: Flaky crust with toppings that perfectly mimics a good potato skin, this pie is filling for even the big appetites. Made with chopped garlic, mashed potatoes, cheddar cheese, onions and a sour cream drizzle, we bet you can’t eat just one square.
— BLT PIZZA: This white sauce pizza is a good twist on an old favorite using spinach instead of lettuce. Bacon is all the rage, right? Get your fix on this pie. Toppings include and tomato, bacon, cheddar-jack cheese and garlic mayo. We don’t know what kind of wine goes, with a BLT, we just eat the damn thing…..
The BLT Pizza at Bella Vino. Click to Enlarge
We were pleasantly surprised at the food offerings at Bella Vino and look for more great things to some. Chef Jen is starting to carve a name for herself with a style all her own. Her unique flavors and ingredients make her a diamond in the rough of the Miami Valley’s culinary landscape.
Make sure you check out this little known secret located at 495 N. Main Street in Springboro. Bella Vino may mean “Good Wine” in Italian, but now it can be known for its good food as well.
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Don’t forget to check out our incredible photo gallery below from our visits to Bella Vino !!
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Tis the season to celebrate and for centuries there has been a link between special occasions and the tiny bubbles of Champagne. Perhaps its the effervescence that makes us feel giddy, maybe it’s the clink of glasses as we make holiday toasts, but why question, why not just enjoy! Here are a few events around town that seem to agree: