Restaurant Overview: Medi Terra
301 By way of de Palmas #99, Boca Raton; 561/367-9779
Taking on a decades-old restaurant is difficult. Reworking the area into a very new idea is more durable. Nicely, that’s what Daniel Velicu and his father Michael have accomplished. The daddy-son duo purchased Ristorante Sapori in Royal Palm Place final 12 months, however after working it by way of the summer time they determined {that a} full overhaul was needed. Their enterprise collectively wanted to replicate them.
Medi Terra embraces western Mediterranean delicacies with a menu that may be totally loved with a small plates expertise or with particular person entrées. I normally go for tapas to savor probably the most out of the chef’s creations and flavors he has curated for his menu.
Our tapas alternatives included the grilled za’atar pita ($14), truffle burrata ($16), croquetas de jamon y Manchego ($18) and pulpo a la gallego ($20). The menu is seasonal and revolves round what the Velicus can at the moment supply, so make certain to attend for the specials earlier than making any ultimate selections. For instance, the night I visited that they had a scallop tapas particular. Completely cooked and seared, each bit was topped with a pesto cilantro sauce that I want they bottled. If it’s featured while you go to, order it tout de suite.
The toasty pita is served with easy, not overly seasoned, thick hummus that permits the freshly pureed chickpea taste to face out. There are two octopus dishes on the menu; when you like paprika, order the one we tried. Barely crispy and really tender, it’s served with hummus and a aspect of crispy chickpeas. As we tasted our manner by way of the tapas, I used to be completely satisfied to be having fun with dishes that embody the Mediterranean manner of cooking—utilizing easy, recent components and letting these flavors be the celebrities. One other instance is the burrata. A tender exterior offers solution to a creamy inside that oozes out and is met with a pleasant candy balsamic glaze. The croquetas hit the desk subsequent with a whimsical presentation. Gooey and never overly breaded or fried, the best stability of ham and cheese was enhanced with a garlic aioli.
The Velicus use their specials as trial runs for doable new dishes, just like the not too long ago added paella Valenciana ($52), which was so effectively obtained by diners that it made it onto the menu full-time. The rice was expertly cooked, tender however not mushy, and the presentation with hearty parts of clams, calamari, shrimp, chorizo and rooster was on level. I personally would have appreciated the fish inventory style to be turned down and the flavour of the saffron turned up. It was an excellent portion for one particular person but additionally glorious to share with the desk.
For dessert, classics like tiramisu and tartufo are on the menu, however there was additionally a ricotta pistachio torta, limoncello sorbet flute and the one we ordered: torta de la nonna ($12). The skinny and never overly candy slice of dense pastry cream topped with powdered sugar was each crunchy and tender. Daniel has perfected his housemade limoncello, a recent, citrusy sip that’s a far cry from different sugar bombs I’ve tried, and I used to be completely satisfied to cap off the evening with it.
For dessert, classics like tiramisu and tartufo are on the menu, however there was additionally a ricotta pistachio torta, limoncello sorbet flute and the one we ordered: torta de la nonna ($12). The skinny and never overly candy slice of dense pastry cream topped with powdered sugar was each crunchy and tender. Daniel has perfected his housemade limoncello, a recent, citrusy sip that’s a far cry from different sugar bombs I’ve tried, and I used to be completely satisfied to cap off the evening with it.
IF YOU GO
PARKING: Parking zone
HOURS: Mon.–Sat., 12–3 p.m., 5–10 p.m.
PRICES: $8–$52
WEBSITE: mediterraboca.com
This text is from the Could/June 2023 problem of Boca journal. For extra like this, click on right here to subscribe to the journal.
