Coco Lezzone

Annabelle Goodman —
 
When my cousin and his partner asked me to dinner I jumped at the opportunity. She has been in politics and I was fascinated with the total conversation. I have tried on several occasions to go to this new location of Coco Lezzone. Once it was closed for a private party and another time I was unable to get a reservation. This is the newest restaurant at the Av and Dav location on the site of the former Vittorios. I was amazed at the refurbishing of the restaurant. It is elegant, upscale and most attractive. There is so much warmth in the décor. That warmth was matched with the special welcome. My hosts had been there before. It was worth the horrendous walk in the pouring rain to be so well received.
 

137 Avenue Rd – 416 975 1717

 
I like a menu that offers many tempting choices. I will just have to go back again for more of that wonderful food. The host began with a bowl of Soup of the Day. On this occasion it was Lobster Bisque. That was a great opener. The hungry ‘young lad’ then had a second appetizer of Mussels. The fresh P.E.I. steamed mussels were cooked in a spicy marinara sauce. It was a good sized portion. I love to see someone enjoy a good meal. The Rigatoni concluded his gourmet dining for the evening. Italian sausage, peppers, roasted garlic were all combined in a spicy pomodoro sauce.
 
His lovely lady friend started with the Caprese Salad. It was beautifully plated with vine ripened tomatoes, bocconcini cheese and a sweet basil balsamic dressing. She then enjoyed the Lobster Ravioli. It was homemade with fresh lobster and spinach in a rose sauce. It is her favorite dish and she was not disappointed.
 
I had a heavy eating weekend and wanted to show some reservation by not eating too much. The Atlantic salmon was perfect. The fish was flavorful and cooked to perfection. Wild rice and perfectly steamed broccoli made for a superb satisfying meal.
 
I had considered the Linguine with Lobster, Shrimp, Scallops and Mussels in a chardonnay tomato sauce. Oso Buco, a slow braised veal shank was served with saffron risotto. The Chicken Supreme is prepared with a free range chicken breast with a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce.
 
The Pizza selection was also tempting. Diavolo Pizza is served with is a tomato, mozzarella, mushroom, zucchini, eggplant and red peppers topping. That will bring me back for sure. Seafood Risotto is a combination of tiger shrimp, scallops, mussels all cooked in a tomato seafood broth. The Gnocchi Arrabiatta is homemade and includes hot banana peppers & parmigiano cheese in a pomodoro sauce.
Everything looked so appealing. The plates were picture perfect. We all enjoyed our selections. We enjoyed the great service. This restaurant location has had many previous owners. I feel Coco Lezzone has ‘hit the mark’. This will be a neighborhood gourmet meeting spot for a long time. Welcome to the Annex.