Nestled in historic downtown Gainesville, The Fat Tuscan is a hidden gem among Gainesville eateries. Housed in the former Vidal House, the restaurant was fully renovated by Michelle and Jay Reeves in 2009.
On The Fat Tuscan’s website, Reeves describes the restaurant’s philosophy as that of small Italian towns that emanates a sense of “strong community.” With her husband’s architecture office upstairs, Reeves achieves this familial vibe where every customer feels as if they have just entered a friend’s home.
Along with co-owner and chef Marianne Toppino, Reeves produces tasty, light fare that pleases both vegetarians and carnivores alike. From the eggplant caprese salad ($8.25) to the prosciutto, pear and Brie sandwich ($9.75), the lunch menu will leave you feeling happy and satiated. Dinner offerings include small plates to share, salads, and unique pasta entrees, such as spicy shrimp arrabiata ($13.99) and hand stuffed spinach and ricotta shells ($10.99). Both lunch and dinner are served Tuesday through Saturday, with happy hour each Friday, complete with live music outside on the patio.
Continuing the feeling of community, The Fat Tuscan orchestrates monthly candlelight dinners that seat an intimate 15 tables. Diners must make reservations in advance, but for just $45 dollars per person, you can experience what the restaurant dubs “an authentic Rustic Italian meal by candlelight.” Five, slow-paced courses are served inside the historic home and are created from seasonal, fresh ingredients.
Perhaps the most unique of The Fat Tuscan’s offerings are it’s seasonal cooking classes. Held each Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., classes follow a theme for each season. The fall series that just concluded centered around desserts, baking and holiday treats. Instructing on the nuances of biscotti, crostatas and Italian sweet breads, the classes prepared students from the impending holiday season.
Whether you are in the mood for a light lunch or wish to bone up on your Italian cooking skills, The Fat Tuscan can provide you great food, a warm, homey atmosphere and a brief departure from your daily life.
At A Glance Details:
Must try: Prosciutto sandwich, French press coffee
Events: Seasonal cooking classes; Monthly candlelight dinners; Friday happy hours
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 11 a.m. —10 p.m.
Location: 725 NE 1st Street, Gainesville, Florida
Website: http://www.fattuscan.com/
