Bezzito’s Opening Shows Room to Grow

Visiting a newly opened restaurant is not for everyone. Everything from having just the right amount of staff on-hand, executing the menu under pressure, and nervousness when taking orders often take months to work themselves out. So, in these early stages, have patience, an open mind and be willing to try again, which we are.

The Concept: The combo Mexican/Sushi menu is concerning because the two cuisines have very little, to nothing in common. It would be helpful to learn the story behind it. Do the owners have advanced training or passion behind each cuisine? Does it represent their favorite travel destinations? Do they see a deep connection between the two cuisines? Clarity behind the concept would invite us into their vision. Bezzito is not a fusion - simply two vastly different cuisines offered on one, expansive menu.

The Food: We ordered five items:

1. Queso Fundido

2. Two-option Combo: cheese enchilada & chili relleno

3. Fajita Mexicana: steak, chicken & shrimp

4. Kaboom Roll Fry

5. Bezzito Margaritas

The Highlight - Fajita Mexicana. The three small tortillas weren't quite enough for this ample portion, which included tons of meat (steak, shrimp and chicken), peppers and onions. Ingredients were grilled to perfection and seasoned well, providing a terrific flavor. Their high-quality ingredients were treated appropriately and were enjoyable to eat.

The Low-light - Everything else. The enchilada was served too cold to melt the cheese inside. The relleno beside it, however was very hot, though small and lacking in texture. Served with a hearty helping of rice and refried beans, the dish was covered with a lightly colored, relatively bland red chili sauce. Overall the flavors were underwhelming and difficult to find.

While the Kaboom Roll Fry did boast a crispy texture, every attempt at flavor (including the colorful sauce on top) was overwhelmed by the cream cheese in the center. The provided soy sauce and wasabi was most necessary to add even a hint of depth.

Service: Our server was kind and well-meaning. Because the menu is quite extensive, it will be remain a challenge for any new team member to not only memorize the menu, but also to be able to describe the items and answer questions for guests. Our server was very new, inexperienced, unfamiliar with the menu and unable to answer questions. Though we ordered the Queso Fundito, we received the Chorizo Queso and had to follow up on our drink order.

It is worth noting that we did not complain or send anything back, and assume that they would have been very accommodating.

Atmosphere: Bezzito is a large and spacious building with convenient parking and at least two dining areas. It was very clean, colorful and bright with enjoyable, high energy Latin dance music playing in the background. With a selfie wall, and lots of seating it certainly has a youthful vibe.

Though we won't be adding Bezzito to the Local Food Fight Win List this time around, we'll plan for a rematch in 3-6 months to give it another go.

As always, we encourage our readers to continue the local food fight by dining and shopping local to give support to your neighbors as they focus, improve, and chase their dreams!