Reviews

When I think of Italian food I always think of my Aunt Lena. Fondly referred to as "General Lee" or just "The General". Lena was the matriarch of the Brooklyn branch of my father's side of the family. I recall traveling to New York to Lena's tiny apartment and always being welcomed with a huge spread of coldcuts and salads. The sandwiches always somehow tasted better in New York than anywhere else. Although my brothers and I gorged ourselves, Aunt Lena called it a "snack". In fact, an hour later the real meal would begin with roasted stuffed veal, the best homemade meatballs and sauce this side of Palermo, and an antipasti plate the size of Grand Central. Eating in an Italian family is more than good food, it's an event, bringing family and friends together in an atmosphere of warmth and sharing. Fortunately, it's not necessary to book a flight to NYC or Italy to enjoy fine Italian food. Il Davide brings a taste of Italy to Marin. Located in downtown San Rafael, Il Davide boasts an impressive menu with a wide variety of items to suit many tastes. For lunch, you can select from several salads, soups, panini, pasta, and entrées. The dinner menu is similar with an expanded offering of antipasti and entrées. Recently, I took my hearty appetite and a couple of FI collogues to Il Davide for lunch. Although the restaurant was quite busy, we were greeted and brought to a table quickly. When the weather is amenable, sun worshipers can enjoy al fresco dining, at one of the tables set up in front of the restaurant. One waiter came by quickly and described the daily specials which included a spinach salad and veal cannelloni. The delicious bread, accompanied by an eggplant tomato tapenade, whetted our appetites. I was torn between about 5 items but managed to settle on the Scallops Michelangelo, consisting of sauteed sea scallops with cannelli beans, hearty greens, roasted garlic aioli (a friend once described aioli as "homemade mayonnaise"), and a peppenade ($8.95). My dining companions chose the Ravioli Di Zucca, spinach pasta filled with butternut squash, mascarpone cheese, and sage, served in a toasted walnut cream sauce; and the Ravioli Di Funghi, pasta filled with shiitake, chantrelle, and portobello mushrooms, served with a mushroom cream sauce. All pastas at lunch are served with a choice of Insalata Mista (house salad) or Zuppe (Minestrone or the soup of the day) and cost $7.95. Other items include Scampi, Vitello Piccata (veal sauteed in a lemon caper sauce), and Gnocci Porcini (homemade potato dumplings with mushrooms) in the $8.95-9.95 range. Il Davide offers several Heart-Healthy dishes, indicated by a heart on the menu, included Cappellini Al Pomodoro (angel hair pasta with tomatoes, basil, and garlic) and Linguini Alle Vongole (pasta with clams in a white wine tomato sauce). We all began with the Insalata Mista, mixed greens with fetal cheese, golden raisins, and toasted walnuts with a choice of house balsamic vinaigrette or country blue cheese dressing. Salads were brought promptly and disappeared just as quickly. Entrées arrived soon after and I could tell how good they were because no one offered to share. The scallops were cooked to perfection, sautéed to a delicious golden brown, resting atop the greens in a light broth. I would like to tell you about the mushroom ravioli but my dining companions finished their entrées before I had a chance to sneak a bite. I had tried the Ravioli Di Zucca on a previous visit to Il Davide. The combination of rich tastes is outstanding. We were all completely satisfied with our meals. I'd like to think that fate tempted us into our next move, for we noticed the dessert tray passing by as the waiter described the offerings to the next table. Having seen them, there was little hope of escaping without trying something, so we bravely forged ahead. In addition to a sinful Tiramisu, Il Davide whips up a devilishly chocolate cake, a raspberry crème brulée, and a selection of Gelatos. I'd like to tell you that we only had one dessert to share but I must admit that once we got started there was no looking back. Having tried numerous Tiramisu recipes, including a homemade variety, Il Davide's is top notch. You'll want to save room. With a beautifully decorated interior, prompt, efficient, and friendly service, and a unique selection of expertly-prepared dishes, you'll want to choose Il Davide for your next client lunch or dinner out.