My wife selected Gianni’s as at that time when she checked, it was rated #3 in Mt. Dora. We had reservations but we were hungry so we took a chance and arrived early. Josh greeted us and said there would be no problem. We requested...to sit out side. Josh would be our server. He was very courteous and pleasant. He seemed to enjoy his job. He proved knowledgeable about the food and was helpful with suggestions. My wife ordered the chef’s specialty, Sacchaettini. Josh highly recommended it as it was his favorite. I ordered the Linguini Fra Diavola (with mussels). Our salads were fresh and tasty. The bread was airy and flavorful. Our entrees were served promptly and piping hot. My wife just rolled her eyes with her first taste. She shared a bite with me. The flavor was extraordinary. The sauce was velvety and the pasta was perfectly el dente. It had wonderful flavor profile. I knew I had just tasted something very special that only this chef could create because he knew the special combination of flavors incorporated in this delightful dish. My mussels were fresh, meaty and tender. The pasta again cooked perfectly el dente as it should. The tomato based sauce had a very nice consistency that comes from using crushed tomatoes. It did bring the heat with flakes of red pepper blended in the sauce. Josh was attentive but not intrusive. Josh’s final suggestion was best. He suggested we try the Tiramisu. It was the chef’s grandmother’s recipe. So we tried la Nonna’s tiramisu. It was like eating sweet clouds, so very soft and airy. Josh told me privately that the chef’s grandmother passed away in 2020 in Italy, her grandson could not see her before she passed because of Covid lockdowns prohibited travel to Italy. This is indeed a special dessert and a worthy tribute from a grandson to his Nonna. I took note that the chef was trained in an Italian culinary school. I tasted what he learned from his grandmother.More
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