Just over a week ago, a couple originally from Modena, Italy – the place where balsamic vinegar comes from – recently opened Balsamico Italian Kitchen, a place that serves authentic dishes.
Balsamico is Elisa and Michele Borelli’s second restaurant. The couple moved from Modena to San Diego in 2016, where Elisa’s parents have lived since 2000. Michele gained experience in the restaurant business while working different jobs for a number of restaurants. Finally the opportunity to buy a restaurant came along and the couple bought Soleluna, located in the El Cortez building at 7th Avenue and Ash Street in downtown San Diego.
A few months ago while having dinner with friends the Borellis found out about a restaurant space in Imperial Beach. “My parents live in the Cays, we know the area, this is a bigger space and has a better kitchen. At Soleluna we had limitations because of the historical building it’s in,” explained Elisa.
Because both are from Modena and love the local cuisine, the Borellis decided to offer dishes they know well and grew up with in their new venture.
Elisa plans on having barrels of balsamic vinegar at Balsamico which allows her to explain to customers the process of aging – including how each year the vinegar is transferred to a smaller barrel. She said in Modena, balsamic vinegar is referred to as black gold “oro nero.” The region of Emilia Romagna where Modena is located is known for balsamic vinegar, Parmesan cheese, prosciutto and a variety of cold cuts.
At Balsamico, customers will find Elisa taking care of the front of the house – greeting customers and checking on them throughout their meal, while Michele is in the kitchen preparing delicious dishes. “All our sauces are made in house like Pesto, Bolognese, Marinara and even gnocchi. As far as pastas, we have found a distributor that bring authentic products from Italy to the U.S.” said Elisa.
Balsamico is located in the Breakwater shopping center, formerly the Guahan Grill location. The space has floor to ceiling windows on two sides with lots of light and fresh air. On a recent visit a light breeze moved the light curtains just so, giving the place a relaxing and homey quality. Elisa explained that she wanted the restaurant to have an outdoor feel. For that purpose she has decorated the space with outdoor style furniture to give diners the sensation of sitting in the town square. The bar area is also reminiscent of an outdoor space with greenery, light woods and old world light fixtures. “We want to bring our hometown here,” she said. Large photos of Modena show the beautiful scenery of the Borelli’s hometown. Elisa plans on using the outdoor patio to offer more dining choices, and adding green touches to give it the feel of a garden.
Elisa’s passion is wine and it shows by the quality and quantity of wines available on the menu. A wall of the restaurant is taken up by a rack of wine. She is currently working on a certification which is equivalent to that of a sommelier. “We have all Italian wines. Italian food should be accompanied by Italian wine,” she said. Elisa has chosen each wine served at the restaurant very carefully. The wine list includes wines from different Italian regions from Piedmont to Sicily and a special menu with $37 a bottle is available. Sangiovese, Barbera, Super Tuscan and Amarone are just a few of the choices. Another wine list has choices of whites and reds that range in price from $42 to $97 a bottle. Wines by the glass are also available.
Although open for a short time, some dishes have already proven to be popular like Caramelle Vecchia Modena – stuffed pasta with ricotta and spinach in a light cream sauce, crispy bacon with balsamic glaze and shaved Parmigiano. Another delicious dish is Tortellini Romagnoli — fresh pasta stuffed with mix meat, served with light parmesan cheese, cream sauce and homemade ragú Bolognese. For entrées try the Chicken Valdostano – chicken breasts topped with prosciutto and cheese served with a side of fettuccine in light cream sauce and mushrooms. For those who love risotto, a risotto del giorno (of the day) is available. Appetizers include Bruschetta, and Burrata and Prosciutto. For those who want a light meal, a choice of three salads is also available. Pizzas at Balsamico are also different. They are made Roman style, using four different flours – rice, soy, wheat sourdough and soft wheat – which means pizzas are crunchy, thin, and well cooked. “They’re dishes you can’t find anywhere else,” said Elisa of the menu.
The Borellis plan on expanding their offerings as time goes on and get to know the taste of their customers. Their new espresso machine had come in, and Caffe Vergnano is available for delicious espressos and cappuccinos. The couple plans to offer brunch in the near future, which will feature both Italian and American style dishes.
Virginia Syverson and her friend Beverly Bowler were having lunch at Balsamico recently. They both enjoyed their meal. Syverson had a Caesar salad with shrimp. “It was delicious. It was fresh and tasty,” she said. Bowler loved her Shrimp and Lobster Ravioli. It was their first time at Balsamico and were very happy to have discovered the new restaurant.
Balsamico Italian Kitchen, 791 Palm Avenue, Suite 101. Call (858) 294-3183 or log on balsamicokitchen.com Hours: 11 a.m. to between 9 and 10 p.m. Reservations are recommended.
Vol. 38, No. 22 – Thursday, June 2, 2022