April 8, 2019A much awaited spring day has finally come into fruition as temperatures hit the 60’s and the day was nothing short of amazing. Such a day merits a celebration of good things to come, of new life and new beginnings. Time to shed off winter coats from the horrid winter and drive over 70 miles in pursuit of new culinary conquests! In all reality, my wife and I just love to eat, and each day calls for a reason to indulge and experience new places we have never tried before.
Biaggi’s stands tall on Collins Roads Street of Cedar Rapids IA. The exterior shines with a mix of earth tone colors that screams rustic sophistication. Walking in, the interior feels inviting and relaxed. Dining speaks casual yet gleams with the elegance of fine dining. The interior matches its exterior opulence with beautiful arches and a unique display of lamp shades from the ceiling of the main dining area. Their service, spectacular. We were promptly greeted and seated at a booth near the bar counter.
Menu presented a palatable array of Italian favorites. Authentic Italian pasta dishes made with house-made pasta and sauce, pizza, various soups and salads, steaks and seafood, and a stunning selection of desserts.
Our meal commenced with a basket of focaccia & ciabatta bread that came with a side of olive oil and grated parmesan cheese. Nothing like a sampling of baked Italian treats to start off a meal, and that “Italian butter” just gives it an elevation of flavor. It thrives in simplicity yet readies the palate for a more gratifying feast.
For our appetizer, a delicious helping of lump crab cakes served with a side of honey orange cole slaw and red pepper aioli. The flavor was spot on. Rich, spicy bites of delectable pan seared crab in perfect marriage with the creamy aioli that gives out a subtle heat and a potent boost of flavor.
For our main entrees, Spaghetti & Meatballs took center stage complementing a luscious serving of Shrimp & Crab Cannelloni.
Every accomplished Italian kitchen should have its own amazing rendition of the tried and true Italian classic, Spaghetti and Meatballs. Nothing like going back to basics here at Biaggi’s. Perfectly cooked al dente pasta, slow simmered house-made marinara sauce, freshly made Sicilian meatballs richly flavored with herbs and spices, and to top it off, shredded Parmigiano-Reggiano Cheese for added texture and flavor. The dish was delicious and extremely flavorful. My favorite part was definitely the meatballs and how it plays with the overall flavor of the dish.
The Shrimp & Crab Cannelloni is a dish that I’ve been wanting to venture. A cannelloni is cylindrical type of lasagna that is filled, covered with sauce, and baked in Italian cuisine. Definitely sounds delish!
Fresh spinach pasta stuffed with shrimp and crab meat, Ricotta Cheese and spinach, covered with a delicious lobster-tomato cream sauce. The dish oozes with flavor and that freshly melted ricotta cheese just works extremely well with the subtly acidic, rich and creamy sauce base.
Conclusion:
Biaggi’s Ristorante Italiano offers authentic homestyle Italian fare while keeping it affordable without sacrificing quality and freshness for a truly sensational casual dining experience.
Contact Information:
Biaggi’s Ristorante Italiano Cedar Rapids
320 Collins Road NE Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
Phone: (319) 393-6593
