Get an authentic taste of Tuscany at Brio Tuscan Grille

The sheer size of the Brio Tuscan Grille restaurant at Gulfstream Park in Hallandale is impressive, both indoors and out. Equally impressive is the menu which is a true taste of Tuscan flavors.Sous Chef Sean Brothers made a veritable feast when I dined at Brio at Gulfstream recently. His staff churned out one flavorful dish after another from appetizers to entrees and I left full and satisfied, with plenty to take home to the family.Sitting on the patio on a glorious South Florida day, the meal at Brio began with a lovely salmon-colored and delicate lobster bisque. The chewy bread left in my basket was perfect for dunking.A crisp and colorful kale Caesar salad was next with crispy bits of bacon, crunchy croutons, hard boiled egg and lots and lots of parmesan strips. Plus kale was a unique ingredient that gave real body to the salad which is usually made with romaine.A couple of appetizers came next. The bruschetta sampler included one each of a hearty crostini topped with roasted red pepper, fresh mozzarella and balsamic, another with antipasto and the other with tender steak and peppery arugula. That was followed by the spicy shrimp and eggplant starter with perfectly crispy romano crusted eggplant and juicy pan seared shrimp in a black pepper cream sauce.A trio of entrees finished off the meal. First the mezza chicken limone topped with lemon and capers with a side of colorful roasted vegetables and creamy Yukon gold mashed potatoes. The chicken was tender and juicy and was perfect with the lemony caper topping.Then the rich lobster and shrimp risotto (a seasonal dish) that's so popular it's now a permanent fixture on the menu. It's rich in flavor because the lobster stock is incorporated while making the risotto. Decadent and oh so good.Finally, something on the lighter side, and this is on their light menu, a generous piece of fresh grilled salmon atop sauteed spinach surrounded by chopped tomatoes and roasted sweet potatoes and topped with fresh grilled asparagus and a balsamic glaze.The three entrees are some of their most popular dishes, but the rest of the menu is definitely worth a second visit, and maybe a third.With food so carefully prepared and elegantly presented, and a lovely location at Village of Gulfstream, Brio Tuscan Grille is a true winner.Brio Tuscan Grille at Village of Gulfstream Park, 901 S. Federal Hwy., Hallandale Beach, 954.362.1600