Bricco: Solid Entrées Leaves One Wishing For More

Bricco's Cheery Interior

      Continuing our day outing in Akron, Cindy, Georgene, Lee, and I headed to Bricco near Canal Park.  Lee’s daughter had recommended it so we were putting her to the test.  It was late…after 2:00…so the lunch crowd had died down.  The look was industrial with white tablecloths, several private booths, bright accent colors, and a friendly staff to warm things up. 

      The menu looked a tad adventurous.  I asked for recommendations from our server to which she immediately offered up their Chicken Salad, Pumpkin Ravioli, and Pizzas.  None of those were grabbing us, but Georgene and Lee took her suggestion of the Spinach and Roasted Butternut Squash Salad.
Georgene added Salmon (sans bread) and Lee ordered the Cheeseburger.  Cindy went for the Grilled Salmon and Bacon on Croissant and a side of Cole Slaw.  I kept going back to the Calamari and Chorizo Salad.

Spinach Salad with Grilled Salmon

Grilled Salmon and Bacon on Croissant

Parmesan Crusted Calamari and Chorizo Salad

     We were all very pleased.  The spinach salad was a huge hit with its combination of roasted butternut squash (you don’t see that everyday), white cheddar, candied walnuts, and maple bacon vinaigrette.  Lee felt her cheeseburger was just OK and reminisced about her recent visit to B Spot.  Cindy’s grilled salmon was served with bacon and a basil aioli on a croissant.  The creamy cole slaw had a hint of something different in it that made it quite special.  My parmesan crusted calamari was tender and plentiful served on romaine.  The addition of chorizo sausage and peppers kicked it up a few notches on the spice scale, but was then cooled down with a creamy parmesan dressing.  Our server mentioned that the calamari is offered as an appetizer on the evening menu.

      We contemplated dessert.  The list was pretty pedestrian…lava cake, crème brûlée, cheesecake, and bread pudding.  Georgene passed (wise woman). Cindy and Lee chose the basic Crème Brûlée and I went with the Maple Bourbon Cheesecake.  Both were disappointing.  First of all, it took forever!  I know that sometimes when you hit a restaurant beyond peak hours, their timing can be off. Such was the case.  

Créme Brulée

The crème brûlée was soupy inside and the cheesecake was too light and fluffy.  There was a New York Style Cheesecake also offered so I was expecting a denser version for the special one.  Sometimes you just have to know when to leave.

Maple Bourbon Cheesecake

http://www.briccodowntown.com/akron

Neil made it back late. Eric had invited Lisa over for dinner so the three of us were waiting for him…well, not really.