Ferratti's, a hidden gem nestled within the Marketplace at Avalon Park, is a culinary delight that transcends its modest exterior. The Sicilian chef-owner, Daniel Ruvolo, has crafted a menu that showcases the finest Italian cuisine, with a focus on wood-fired dishes and an emphasis on quality ingredients. The star of the show is undoubtedly the Marra Forni oven, a stunning centerpiece that commands attention with its brushed copper finishes and gilded mirrors. This oven is the heart and soul of Ferratti's, where the magic happens. The aroma of wood fire fills the air, enticing diners to indulge in the culinary delights that follow.
One of the standout dishes is the 'Segreto di Bronte', a masterpiece that celebrates the essence of Sicily. It features a harmonious blend of pistachios, pesto cream sauce, guanciale, and stretched burrata, topped with yellow nasturtiums. The 'Schiacciata Napoletana' is another masterpiece, a folded pizza dough creation stuffed with mortadella, sun-dried tomato cream, arugula, pistachios, and burrata, drizzled with aged balsamic. The pizza dough, made with Caputo Nuvola flour and fermented for up to 72 hours, is a testament to Ruvolo's attention to detail.
The carbonara is a true masterpiece, prepared with egg yolks, black pepper, guanciale, and Pecorino-Romano, finished with a flambéed wheel of 24-month Parmigiano Reggiano cheese by Ruvolo himself. It's a carbonara like no other, and the finest I've had in the city. The bruschetta, topped with stracciatella, prosciutto di San Daniele, and fresh strawberries, is a delightful starter. The fettuccine, rolled in a creamy basil-pesto bianco with walnuts and Parmesan sauce, is equally impressive.
What's truly remarkable is the attention to detail in presentation. All dishes are served on actual ceramic plates, a rare treat in a food hall. The cannoli, a Sicilian favorite, is a must-try, with flavors ranging from pistachio to ricotta and chocolate chip-filled 'Siciliani'. The pistachio cannoli, in particular, is a creamy delight infused with Sicilian pistachios.
Ferratti's has quickly outgrown its space, and it's only a matter of time before it expands into a full-fledged restaurant. The thrill of discovering this hidden gem in the far reaches of Orange County is unparalleled. The oven, with its mesmerizing design, is the catalyst for this culinary adventure. Ferratti's is a testament to the power of wood fire and the artistry of Italian cuisine, leaving a lasting impression on every visitor.
