Live West Palm had the pleasure of celebrating Evo Italians 11th anniversary this passed month along with a few other local bloggers to showcase the unique experience this authentic Italian restaurant offers. Chef Erik Petersen and the Evo team went above and beyond with spectacular food and beautiful atmosphere. Before dinner, the group was presented with specialty cocktails and mouth watering antipasti plates of fresh cheeses and meats.
The Live West Palm crew got to talk a bit with Chef Erik, who gave us a brief history of the restaurant and the passion that goes into every detail of each plate. Once everyone was settled, the group was brought to the back of the restaurant for the unveiling of the newly renovated private room. A grand chandelier hung above a beautifully set table that displayed dozens of different size wine glasses and professionally wrapped gifts for each of us.
As we found our seats, chef Erik walked us through what we could expect to experience: Dozens and dozens of appetizers, endless wine to pair, desserts, and much more. Evo even had a wine expert there to give advice and offer his insight. The best advice we heard was “don’t worry about what type of wine goes with what food. Just Order what you like to drink – that’s the best way to enjoy a meal. No rules.”
Like a symphony, waiters began bringing in countless plates of appetizers; name the items. The wine began to flow starting with a crisp and bubbly prosecco. Huge plates of Ceasar salad with Evo’s famous homemade dressing, Flori di Zucca (Zucchini flours) with buffalo ricotta, organic beet salad with heirloom tomatoes and goat cheese, savory Il Carciofo Alla Romana (artichoke hearts,) etc. etc. etc.!!
Before the main courses arrived, we were surprised with a special entree to share; a boomerang worth homemade egg yolk ravioli! This was a crowd favorite for sure. However, once our own plates arrived it was no contest, Lobster was a clear winner in our books that night. The creamy lobster bruschetta appetizer atop crispy fresh bread with mint was fabulous and we BOTH ordered the lobster fettuccine that was out of this world! Other spectacular dishes included osso bucco served with potato gnocchi, filet mignon gorgonzola, and chicken francese.
Lastly, plates of traditional Italian desserts and steaming coffee mugs were served. To our delight both our favorite treats (creme brûlée for Paul and Tiramisu for me) were apart of the amazing spread! Both dishes were just the right amount of sweet and tasted super authentic; a perfect way to end the incredible meal.
We ended the evening with a trip outside to the back of the restaurant where a gorgeous mural was revealed. Chef Erik told us that the artwork was done by a close friend, Jason Newsted, former Metallica bassist. SO COOL! He explained that the mural was a ode to the Native Americans that once inhabited the coast of Palm Beach County. The massive, colorful wall even glows in the dark to be admired day and night.
We feel so fortunate to have been a part of this special event. Learning about Chef Erik and this amazing restaurant he cultivated was so refreshing (and filling!) We can’t thank the entire Evo Italian team and their partners enough for allowing us to spend this magical evening with them.