DePalma's Italian Cafe

Tuscaloosa, AL
$8-$19 Entrees

On the day on which my husband and I found out we were pregnant, we celebrated our bundle of joy-to-be by going to DePalma's (this was before the morning sickness set in and I couldn't even eat Saltines). Located in an old-fashioned building in downtown Tuscaloosa, DePalma's has a charming interior characterized by high ceilings and walls the color of warm, comforting Campbell's tomato soup. Wine bottles line the wall behind the booths and an antique pharmacy sign is displayed over the bar. The eye is drawn to advertisements for old films. The air is cool and refreshing, thanks to the ceiling fans rotating high above. A small oil lamp on each table adds a romantic touch.

DePalma's is usually packed and bustling at lunch but more relaxed at supper. Be sure to come when you can stay for about an hour and a half. The service is not slow, but it is important to take the time to savor a drink, an antipasto, an insalata, an entree, a dessert, and a cappuccino ... at least! After all, when in Rome ...

DePalma's tends to use fresh produce, herbs, and cheeses in their recipes. If you are a bold eater and wish to sample a variety of savories, order the antipasto platter: artichoke hearts, parmesan, proscuitto, zucchini, olives, red onions, and fresh mozzarella. The mixed greens and tomato salad may sound simplistic; but add their creamy gorgonzola dressing (featuring fresh black pepper), and it becomes simply irresistible.

In addition to their developed menu, DePalma's offers creative daily specials, which always include a unique lasagna recipe. I ordered my usual, the pine nut encrusted salmon. (Doesn't that phrase just give you a little thrill? Like the phrase "rosemary cream sauce." Ooooo!) The salmon was cooked perfectly, flaky, yet not dry in the least. Topped with capers and melted mascarpone cheese, it was enticing.

DePalma's pizzas are quite popular. Although they take extra time to bake, it may be worth it to have fresh, hand-tossed dough. They offer the typical pizza with marinara sauce, as well as white pizza (olive oil, fresh garlic, cream, and parmesan), such as the Milano, which also features sun-dried tomatoes, portabella mushrooms, roasted red onions, fresh sage, and pancetta (an Italian bacon).

If you like dessert, try DePalma's white chocolate bread pudding. It is crispy and gooey and warm and creamy and decadent all at the same time. However, I wish they would leave off the superfluous chocolate and strawberry sauce, drizzling only the white chocolate sauce. Cappuccino, the foam topped with a pinch of cinnamon, is served in a proper cappuccino cup with a dainty demitasse spoon. The Southern belle in me approved.

DePalma's has a quite respectable list of Italian and Californian wines. They also serve a nectarous bellini (which means "pretty" in Italian), made with pureed white peaches and prosecco.

With so many delicacies to try, an atmosphere in which to linger, and an attentive waitstaff, DePalma's is the dell'ape ginocchia ... the bee's knees!

4 Kudzu