A Taste of Venice: Venetian Hot Plate
- Urbend
- Feb 1
- 4 min read
Updated: Feb 16
Venetian Hot Plate | Website
232 Beach St, Port Aransas, TX 78373
Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 5 PM - 10 PM
Thursday & Saturday 5 PM - 9 PM
CALL FOR RESERVATIONS:
(361) 749 - 7617
Appetizers: $10 - $30
Entrees: $25 - $45
Pulling up to the unique parking arrangement,I point to the parking lot around the corner. “There’s a spot.” Hopping out of the car, we cross the street and head inside.
“Hi, how’s it going? Do you have a reservation?” the woman behind the wine bar asks when we enter.
“Yes, ma’am. We’re a little early,” I respond.
She assures us it isn’t an issue and leads us to our table in a warmly lit dining room. The stained glass light fixtures give the room a comforting orange glow. Soft murmurs and relaxing music play below our conversation. Venetian masks and intricate paintings hang on the wall, adding to the charming and inviting atmosphere.
The service assistant brings a round of water while we peruse the wine list. Our waitress approaches in a coral blouse, introducing herself with a soft kindness that seems genuine. We opt out of a bottle and order three glasses of Moscato. Before stepping away, our server points out the specials menu and rattles off the mussels they have as an appetizer.
Inspired by the atmosphere, we’re discussing plans to go to Venice before it sinks when our wine arrives.
“All right. Any questions, or are y’all ready?” our waitress asks, setting down the last glass.
“I’m ready.” I open the menu. “Are y’all ready?”
Ryder places an order for garlic bread, and we order Caesar salads, no anchovies. For our entrees, I get the Filetto di Manzo al Gorgonzola, medium, Ryder orders the duck, and my husband decides to try the Tortellini Linda.
I take a sip of the wine. The Ricossa Moscato d’Asti is aromatic and sweet without being excessive. It’s delightful. After another sip, I take note of the name so I can try to find it later.
The conversation drifts through a couple of topics before a Jenga-styled tower of sliced garlic bread arrives. Grabbing a piece, I rip off a chunk and rub it in the olive oil concoction. Every bite is an audible crunch that could satisfy any ASMR audience. Somehow, the toast retains a softness that cradles the chunks of garlic and parmesan shavings just right.
We’re catching up on the past couple of weeks when I finish my piece of toast and our salads arrive. The whole-leaf romaine lettuce is doused in dressing before being topped with Parmesan and croutons.
When the service assistant finishes peppering my salad, I cut it and take a bite. The dressing is obviously homemade, an unrivaled, rich, creamy, and savory blend. It has a slight tang, just enough to notice without crossing the line into overpowering.
Once the plates are scraped clean, the service assistant removes them a couple of minutes before our food comes out. My husband is getting fresh Parmesan grated on his tortellini when my plate is set in front of me. My attention is immediately pulled to the potatoes, masquerading as forest mushrooms, adding a touch of whimsy to the presentation. Once the staff excuse themselves, we swap tiny bite-sized portions so everyone can accurately rate the dishes at the end of the meal.
Cutting into my filet is like running a spoon through butter. Sliding my bit of steak through the gorgonzola sauce on my plate, I take a bite. My eyes roll to the back of my head as it melts in my mouth. I have a hard time determining which I like better, my steak or the tortellini that’s bathed in the same cheese sauce. The noodles are cooked to perfection, and I’d be lying if I said I didn’t steal a few more off my husband’s plate throughout the evening. The duck is flavorful and tender, with hints of rosemary and garlic infused in every bite.
My husband and Ryder finish their meals, and to my surprise, I do too. As someone who’s notorious for taking half my food to go, I can honestly say the portion size was perfect. We request a dessert menu when our server pulls our empty plates. After a quick glance, we settle on the tiramisu.
It’s only a few minutes before the dessert is placed in front of us with three spoons. The layers are light, and the coffee is prominent, yet balanced. I’ve never been crazy about coffee-flavored food, so my expectations are exceeded when I realize it’s not overbearing.
It’s not long until the dessert becomes another empty plate, and when it does, our check arrives. After three glasses of Moscato, two Caesar salads, one order of garlic bread, the Filetto di Manzo al Gargonzola, the Tortellini Linda, the duck, and a piece of tiramisu, our total comes out to $191.60.
Personally, I feel like we got our money’s worth. The food is something out of a daydream. The atmosphere is warm, inviting, and cozy. The restaurant exudes a level of class that seems natural not only for their standards, but for the patrons as well. The service was impeccable, and there wasn’t a single moment when we wanted something. All of our needs were anticipated.
The official table consensus ends with the Filetto di Manzo al Gargonzola taking the gold, closely followed by the Tortellini Linda, leaving the duck to take third place. Honestly, ranking these dishes seems near impossible. Everything is delicious, and the level of detail from the kitchen is not going unnoticed.
Please note that reservations are highly encouraged, but in my opinion, required. We went on a Wednesday evening, and by 6:00, there wasn’t an empty table in sight. So, whether you’re getting together with friends or need an intimate evening out with someone special, Venetian Hot Plate will make you feel at home with its cozy vibes, delicious wine, and mouthwatering bites.
