3 Courses for $30 (excluding tax & gratuity)

Appetizer - Choice of one
CAESAR SALAD

SPRING MIX WITH BALSAMIC VINAIGRETTE

Pasta - Choice of one
RIGATONI PECORAIA

TORTELLINI WITH PANNA, PEAS AND PROSCIUTTO

Entree - Choice of one
CHICKEN VALDOSTANA

VEAL WITH GORGONZOLA AND WALNUTS

HALIBUT WITH FINE HERBS

 

 

Fausto DiCarlo
Ristorante Antipasti
By Food Network, The Best Of

Tanned and fit, with a hearty Italian accent, owner Fausto DiCarlo makes it a point to greet every guest- especially women. In true European style, he bestows them with a friendly kiss (men receive a firm handshake). He's become famous for it. Women remind him if he forgets. Given the large crowds at his restaurant, this guy could make Richard Dawson blush.

Talented enough to have once been a cooking sensation in Philadelphia, DiCarlo relocated to this vacation playground in 1993. He figured he could work hard in the summer and enjoy golf in the off-season.

He might have a six handicap, but he's busy year 'round. Ristorante Antipasti is a first-class Italian restaurant, but the fact that it's in a resort town best known for chains and all-you-can-eat buffets makes it a true standout.

Fausto's signature dish, Timballo Di Mamma, is made of thin layers of homemade pasta filled with ground veal, tomatoes, and a bechamel sauce. DiCarlo used to call it a "Sunday dish" and offer it as an occasional special, because it required so much work. But it became so popular, he had to add it to the menu. Another mouthwatering specialty is the Garlic Steak, a center-cut fillet covered in Italian herbs and then grilled black. You won't find this anywhere else.

After a decade of success, DiCarlo opened a second Ocean City location in 2003. With his typical style, he scurried between the two restaurants aboard his Italian-made Vespa scooter.

Golf would have to wait. There are guests to be greeted and many kisses to be bestowed.