Ferratti's, a hidden gem nestled within the Marketplace at Avalon Park, is a culinary adventure that transcends the ordinary. Daniel Ruvolo, the Sicilian chef-owner, orchestrates a symphony of flavors with a focus on wood-fired cooking. The star of the show is the Marra Forni oven, a mesmerizing sight with its brushed copper finishes and gilded mirrors. This oven, a testament to Ruvolo's craftsmanship, sets the stage for a dining experience that is both visually stunning and gastronomically exceptional.
The menu is a celebration of Sicilian cuisine, with a particular emphasis on pistachios, the 'green gold' of the island. The 'Segreto di Bronte' ($25) showcases this nut in a pesto cream sauce, blended with guanciale and draped over large tubular paccheri. The dish is topped with stretched burrata, adding a creamy texture, and adorned with yellow nasturtiums for a touch of elegance. This is a testament to Ruvolo's ability to elevate simple ingredients to new heights.
The 'Fettuccine al Pesto Bianco' ($17.50) is a delightful blend of creamy basil pesto, walnuts, and Parmesan sauce. It's a lighter take on the classic, offering a refreshing contrast to the richer carbonara. The carbonara itself ($24.50) is a masterpiece, prepared with egg yolks, black pepper, guanciale, and Pecorino-Romano, and flambéed with 24-month Parmigiano Reggiano cheese by Ruvolo himself. This is the epitome of authentic carbonara, a dish that sets Ferratti's apart from the competition.
The 'Schiacciata Napoletana' ($18) is a folded pizza dough masterpiece, stuffed with mortadella, sun-dried tomato cream, arugula, pistachios, and burrata, and finished with a splash of 24-month aged balsamic. It's a panuozzo of epic proportions, a delightful surprise that challenges the boundaries of traditional pizza. The classic Neapolitan pie ($21) is equally impressive, with a swollen cornicione, San Marzano tomato sauce, buffalo mozzarella, and fresh basil.
Ferratti's also offers a selection of cannoli, a quintessential Sicilian dessert. The pistachio cannoli ($12) is a creamy delight, infused with Sicilian pistachios, while the ricotta cannoli and chocolate chip-filled 'Siciliani' ($9) are indulgent treats. These desserts showcase Ruvolo's attention to detail and his commitment to preserving traditional Sicilian flavors.
What sets Ferratti's apart is not just the food but also the ambiance. The restaurant is located in a cramped yet design-forward space, with brushed copper finishes, gilded mirrors, and a colorful mural featuring the trinacria, Sicily's official emblem. The use of actual ceramic dishes for serving adds a touch of sophistication, a pleasant surprise in a food hall setting.
In just six months, Ferratti's has already outgrown its space, and it's easy to see why. The thrill of discovering this hidden gem in the eastern fringes of Orange County is unparalleled. The oven, with its mesmerizing presence, is a symbol of Ruvolo's passion and dedication to his craft. Ferratti's is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking an authentic Italian dining experience, offering a delightful escape from the ordinary.
