Rocco's on Monroe

A few weekends ago when my Mom and sister were here, we went out to an amazing restaurant. It's called Rocco and it's on Monroe Ave down near the city (not out towards Pittsford). I LOVE LOVE LOVE this place. Everything I've had there has been over the top flavorful. The other thing I love is that it isn't one of those all presentation/ NO FOOD kinda of place. You get a good helping of food, that also looks beautiful. I can't stand place that you leave with an empty wallet and an empty belly.

Even though none of us are vegetarian, we went with a mainly vegetarian or fish diet the night we visited Rocco. But don't worry meat lovers, they have a ton of meat options as well. We started with a fresh fruit bellini, and paired our meal with a nice white wine... ask my sister what kind it was, she ordered, and it was good :)

For appetizers we ordered two things:
grilled octopus, salsa verde- cooked perfectly with an amazing pesto on top over greens

brick oven potatoes and roasted red peppers with sopressata and greens- John is in love with this dish... for a guy who wont eat white potatoes, that is saying a LOT!

Onto the main dishes!

I had the lasagne al pizzaiolo - delicious lasagna, it tasted like something your Italian grandmother would make.

Mom had cavaturi cacio e peppe - I got to bring home her leftovers and man it was still amazing the next day! Simple, buttery, cheesy, peppery goodness.

John had a special for the night, it was cod fish balls and they were over the top amazing!! They had a better name than cod fish balls hahaha... I just can't remember it. I kept stealing bites off John's plate :)

Jen had the pizza special- it was covered in eggplant... and I can't remember what else... Jen a little help? Either way, it was delicious and the crust was perfect.

We unfortunately didn't have room for dessert that night. John and I had it last we were there and went with a butterscotch budino, it's like a custard pudding, I'm not a huge fan of desserts like this normally, but even I liked it! (John LOVED it). We've also had their strawberry shortcake (seasonal).... lord... come hungry because it's HUGE and so good!

FYI tomorrow I'll be introducing you to a very cool lady, who will be hosting a giveaway!! So check back and enter!