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Thursday at Coppola’s — make it a date!

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By Michael Lowe

Even if you’re not currently engaged in the dating scene, there are a few good reasons to dine out with that special someone. Local restaurants are offering weekday specials for two and Coppola’s “Date Night” delivers a memorable experience.

For 15 years, Coppola’s Ristorante has been a popular dining spot, combining great food with stellar customer service and fair prices. I first wrote about Coppola’s in 2006 and, since then, it has become a go-to place when I want to unwind, eat delicious food and just enjoy the experience. The most recent addition to Coppola’s menu is their Thursday “Date Night” special. Dinner for two includes a shared appetizer, salad, choice of one of five entrées and a half litre of house wine.

We have taken advantage of this special twice. Both were fine examples of dining done right.

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Appetizers included portobello mushrooms stuffed with crab and spinach and topped with asiago (photo above) and antipasto for two. The antipasto is a classic, tasty composition of prosciutto, melon, seafood salad, bocconcini and bruschetta.

I usually go for Coppola’s wonderful house salad, but on both date nights we found ourselves enjoying the Caesar salad (photo below). Fresh romaine tossed in just enough of the perfectly balanced, creamy dressing, crunchy croutons, crisp pancetta and freshly grated parmesan cheese add texture and saltiness. A hit of freshly ground black pepper to finish— perfection!

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The flavour of the tender veal scaloppini with mushrooms (photo below) is enhanced with a touch of truffle added to the thick sauce. Garlic mashed potato is a wonderful, comfort food option with this dish. Veg is cooked perfectly — tender with enough ‘bite’ to provide nice texture.

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Other great entrée selections (photos below) include penne with beef tenderloin tips, mushrooms, roasted red peppers and leeks in asiago cream sauce and cheese ravioli with lobster in mascarpone rosé sauce.

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The date night menu offers fantastic value, priced at $59.95 for two (plus tax and gratuity). Wine included with the special includes a red and white import and domestic. The domestic choices were Konzelmann Riesling and Cabernet Sauvignon, both are respectable matches for the menu options.

Coppola’s service staff is well trained, some servers are veterans of the hospitality industry, and some—like Patrick—have been at Coppola’s almost from the beginning. Patrick’s service during our first date night is exemplary, combining sufficient formality with well-timed humour to make his guests feel right at home. The level of service during our second visit, provided by Nathan, a relatively new employee, is consistent with Coppola’s high standards. On most nights one or both of Coppola’s owners, Luigi and Gerry Coppola, are on hand to greet customers. It’s just another personal touch, which makes this restaurant a special place.

Coppola’s does not take reservations for parties of less than 6 so I recommend early arrival on busy nights. There is plenty of on-site parking available.

★★★½ (Out of 5)
Coppola’s Ristorante and Banquet Facility
St. Catharines, ON
Twitter: @coppolasristo