Mediterranean Favorite, Basso Restaurant & Wine Bar, Opens In Westport TODAY

Chef Renato Donzelli, owner of Basso Restaurant & Wine Bar, has moved his longtime favorite Norwalk spot to Westport, CT. Basso opens his doors today in the beautiful two story building that once housed Matsu Sushi on Jesup Road. A loyal following, very favorable word of mouth, and a consistently excellent Mediterranean menu made Basso a huge success, and a neighborhood hangout for 13 years, so why Westport? Donzelli has had his eye on this restaurant friendly town for some time, but most importantly, he wanted to expand his dining capacity, and add al fresco dining to the menu. The new location boasts all of the above in addition to a wood fired pizza oven where Donzelli can now incorporate his family’s Neapolitan pizza recipes to his cooking repertoire. After tasting The Stallion Pizza last night at the soft opening, featuring Spanish chorizo, spicy sofrito, mozzarella, and fresh basil, I can say with great certainty, that I too am happy Donzelli found a new home where his dreams can be realized.

Born in Venezuela and raised in Naples, Italy, Chef Renato’s cuisine focuses primarily on Mediterranean flavors with a Venezuelan influence. He says “I was raised in a family of frustrated restaurateurs. They loved to cook, but always made the traditional recipes from Napoli. I like to take classic recipes, but then experiment and improve upon them.”

The menu at Basso Café features tapas selections from Pulpo and Arepas to Chorizo Casserole and Homemade Gnocchi, as well as gorgeous mains including Cavatelli Chicken Scarpariello, Grilled Rack of Lamb, and Paella for Two. We sampled his famous Empanadas at our tasting, with succulent pulled chicken and sofrito served with light spicy tomato sauce. This sauce can also be found paired with his Mushroom Arancini, the taste of which brought be right back to a tiny side street in Rome’s Trastevere neighborhood.

“I only cook dishes for which I truly understand the history,” says Renato. “My cooking is simple, genuine, creative, with respect for the ingredients.” When asked what he would like Westport to know about the new spot, he said, “I want people to know that we are working very hard here to make you feel at home when you come to Basso.” It’s that kind of restaurant.

Donzelli says “I’m really very excited to be in Westport. I’m happy to have found a space where I feel comfortable and can cook the full menu I’ve always wanted to.” This new location is a true labor of love for Donzelli who has spent the last three months single handedly completing the renovation of the new spot, featuring warm woods, rustic touches and decor from his father, who is a fine art photographer. There is even a painting his daughter made hanging on the second floor, (that is really quite accomplished).

It is very clear that Chef Donzelli has poured his heart and soul into this new beginning, and Westport looks forward to welcoming him.

Basso Restaurant & Wine Bar

33 Jesup Road, Westport

www.bassobistrocafe.com

@bassowinebar

For reservation CLICK HERE or call us at 203 354 6566