As he stood near a table in the middle of Mia Rosebud restaurant in Boca Raton, Marco Micheli broke into a big smile.
“We brought a little bit of Chicago to South Florida,’’ he said. “Hopefully everyone loves it.’’
Judging from the full tables on a midweek night, Mia Rosebud is a hit among Boca Raton/South Florida diners, most of whom are no strangers to the area’s Italian eateries. Located at 150 E. Palmetto Park Road, Mia Rosebud opened eight months ago as the new Florida flagship for the Chicago-based Rosebud Restaurant Group.
“We did our research and wanted to make this restaurant special outside of Chicago,’’ said Micheli, Rosebud Restaurant Group’s director of restaurant operations. “We think it’s a great location.’’
The brainchild of Chicago restaurateur Alex Dana, who counted Tony Bennett and Frank Sinatra among his friends, Rosebud Restaurant Group opened its first eatery in 1976 in Chicago’s Little Italy. The Group now counts nine restaurants in its portfolio – eight in the Chicagoland area and now in a 7,000 square-foot eatery in Boca Raton.
“With all of our restaurants, it’s all about the demographics of who we’re catering to,’’ Micheli said. “Each restaurant takes on its own identity, but our core values are the same in each.’’
Again, Mia Rosebud’s identity is to bring a little bit of Chicago’s Italian steakhouse charm to Boca Raton. The core values begin (and end) the classic Chicago Italian menu, with dishes that include homemade pastas, steak, chops and lobster.
My favorites? The Classic American Meatball Salad (featuring a pan-fried meatball) and the Spicy Rigatoni Alla Vodka, which comes with an extra kick.
Each of the main dishes are large presentations. For example, don’t pass on the Lobster Parmesan or the 24-ounce Delmonico Steak. The Sweet Corn Brulee is a “must have’’ among the side dishes. If you don’t get the Banana Cream Pie for dessert, then you will have done yourself a disservice.
Mia Rosebud’s Christmas Eve specials will include Alaska King Crab Legs, Filet Mignon Medallions, and a Rosebud Cioppino featuring a six-ounce lobster tail, Gulf shrimp, fresh crab meat, mussels, clams, octopus, calamari, spicy tomato sauce, and homemade garlic bread.
Christmas Day’s specials will include Prime Rib, Duck and Mediterranean Branzino.
Mia Rosebud’s Christmas Day “to go’’ menu (order by Dec. 20) includes Baked Ziti, Cheese Ravioli, Orecchiette Sausage and Broccolini, Penne Bolognese, Rigatoni Alla Vodka, Meat Lasagna and Rosebud Cioppino
“We know everyone is looking to be taken care of when they dine out,’’ Micheli said. “We truly cater to our guests. We want this to be their ‘home away from home.’’