By Steve and Lynn Templeman

Let’s go to Italy! As we strolled through the gates at Villa Buscaglia we knew we had arrived at somewhere special! We reviewed Buscaglia’s Ristorante in Jackson a couple of years ago but now they have moved to another building on the property. These days you will find it in a “newly constructed” 250-year-old Italian Villa. Superb dining now includes authentic atmosphere inside and out at Villa Buscaglia.

The same team is still in place, Sue-z Mazzera is the owner and Alex Guerrero is the chef. Sue-z’s friend Ron Sette, an expert on Italy and its architecture and cuisine, continues to contribute to its authenticity.

The villa is a sight to behold. It is three stories tall and is constructed as a mature Italian building. In addition to the dining room it also has a separate wine bar/club lounge, a conference room and three guest suites with terraces to accommodate overnight visitors. There are two areas in the multi-level gardens to enjoy outdoor dining while listening to the relaxing rhythm of a small waterfall. What a great place to enjoy a cocktail while being serenaded by soft Italian music.

We entered the classically refined dining room and were seated by our server Venessa. There were 8 appetizers ($8.95-$14.95) to choose from and we settled on three. Prawn Cocktail is Jumbo Tiger Prawns served on the rim of a martini glass with cocktail sauce inside.

They really were delightful! Polenta features a soft cheese polenta that was topped with meat sauce for a tasty meal starter. Bruschetta is a small slice of grilled Focaccia bread topped with bits of tomato, Parmesan and Mozzarella cheeses, and fresh basil. That’s Italian!

We ordered a dinner salad and two soups: Minestrone and New England Clam Chowder. Both soups were creamy and tasty, especially with grated fresh Parmesan added. If you would rather have salad the dinner salad with spring mix, walnut pieces and shredded carrots will fill that bill. The creamy Italian dressing adds a hint of sweetness to this outstanding salad.

We ordered a dinner salad and two soups: Minestrone and New England Clam Chowder. Both soups were creamy and tasty, especially with grated fresh Parmesan added. If you would rather have salad the dinner salad with spring mix, walnut pieces and shredded carrots will fill that bill. The creamy Italian dressing adds a hint of sweetness to this outstanding salad.

We ordered a dinner salad and two soups: Minestrone and New England Clam Chowder. Both soups were creamy and tasty, especially with grated fresh Parmesan added. If you would rather have salad the dinner salad with spring mix, walnut pieces and shredded carrots will fill that bill. The creamy Italian dressing adds a hint of sweetness to this outstanding salad.

An old standby is Chicken Parmesan, a lightly breaded roast chicken breast topped with marinara and Parmesan complimented with Spaghetti pasta and vegetables. Another favorite is Veal Marsala, a veal round sautéed with garlic, scallions, butter, Marsala wine sauce and a generous topping of mushrooms. Cannelloni are filled with beef, veal, Porcini mushrooms, spinach, Ricotta and Mozzarella cheeses with meat and Alfredo sauces. Server Venessa and her assistant Kelsey kept us skillfully served throughout the meal.

We paired our dinner with Poggio Basso 2005 Chianti. Its mild flavor went well with all of our entrées. There is an extensive wine list featuring California wines as well as wines from Europe; all of which complement Italian cuisine.

Buscaglia’s Ristorante is just a part of the Villa Buscaglia complex. They can conduct multi-day corporate and special events from 8 to 50 guests complete with meals as required. There are 3 ornately decorated rooms available for overnight accommodations including one two-room suite with its own dining room and chef grade cooking facilities. There is a wine cellar conference room for intimate culinary events or meetings where privacy and quiet are important. It is reminiscent of a private meeting room in a centuries-old Italian castle. The patios and gardens are equipped to serve up to 150 guests for dining or parties. In addition to the small bar in the dining room, the larger Firenze Lounge is open Friday and Saturday nights to the public and available for private events.

Buscaglia’s Ristorante is just a part of the Villa Buscaglia complex. They can conduct multi-day corporate and special events from 8 to 50 guests complete with meals as required. There are 3 ornately decorated rooms available for overnight accommodations including one two-room suite with its own dining room and chef grade cooking facilities. There is a wine cellar conference room for intimate culinary events or meetings where privacy and quiet are important. It is reminiscent of a private meeting room in a centuries-old Italian castle. The patios and gardens are equipped to serve up to 150 guests for dining or parties. In addition to the small bar in the dining room, the larger Firenze Lounge is open Friday and Saturday nights to the public and available for private events.

Buscaglia’s Ristorante features wonderful classic Italian food served in a classic Italian setting. A visit to Buscaglia’s is more than dinner out—it’s an event!

Buscaglia’s Ristorante is located at 1218 Jackson Gate Road in Jackson. They are open 5 P.M. to closing Wednesday to Sunday. Reservations are recommended and can be made at (209) 223-9992. Visit Buscaglia’s Ristorante and Villa Buscaglia on the web at www.VillaBuscaglia.net.