Verace in Islip

Right about now, you should be calling one of your pals to make plans to get to Verace, the newest restaurant from the Bohlsen Group, the folks who bring you Tellers, H2O and Prime. Verace is a slight departure for the team – not in quality of food or style – but perhaps in accessibility. Not that the aforementioned institutions are out of one’s reach, it’s just that Verace is there for the “everyday,” if you will.

The menu by Tuscan-born Executive Chef Francesco Torre harkens back to the rustic roots of Italian cooking in its simple elegance and plating.

Prices and portion sizes encourage diners to enjoy three or even five courses without busting one’s wallet or waistline – although I did leave rather full! There’s sfizi (little bites) such as grilled bread with tomato-fig marmalade and ricotta ($4). Antipasti or appetizers include assorted salumi, sliced on a 100-year-old slicer, with olives and bits of cheese and a selection of pizzas.

I had the pancetta pizza with mozz and mushrooms ($11); I didn’t want to share. Primi or pasta offerings include a grilled shrimp risotto with broccolini and maltagliati pasta with Tuscan Bolognese ($8-$13). But if you dare leave without trying the spaghetti with meatballs “A la Verace,” I will hunt you down. Among secondi or main dishes are braised veal osso bucco with creamy white polenta and a veal chop with Castelfranco radicchio and crispy artichokes ($14-$23). Four contorni or sides are polenta e formaggio, funghi saltati, pecorino potatoes and garlic broccoli rabe ($4).

For dessert, get the cannolis – they are made with white chocolate! Verace is one of those restaurants that upon leaving, I sighed, “I wish I lived closer.”

Tags: Bohlsen Group, Francesco Torre, H2O, Italian, Prime, Tellers, Verace

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