A new Italian restaurant has opened in Draper, and the chef said he plans to combine traditional and Americanized Italian dishes on the menu.
White Tomato, at 278 E. 12300 South, opened last week. It is the latest restaurant venture from chef Roberto Calcagno, who was born in Italy. He has been working in restaurants since age 15, Calcagno said, and he has owned Italian restaurants in England and Colorado.
Customers can expect the vibe at White Tomato to be laidback and low-key. “Italian food is comfort food,” Calcagno said. “It’s like a big plate of pasta with your family. It’s not about fine dining, you know? That’s French, that’s a different thing. So in Italy, we just want to make people welcome.”
All of the food at White Tomato, including the pasta, sauces, soups, etc., will be made from scratch. “So people, they’re going to actually taste like what real 100% Italian food should taste like,” Calcagno said.
Diners will also be able to see into the open kitchen, where they can watch the chefs make fresh pasta.
Calcagno said about 80% of the menu will feature Americanized Italian dishes, such as pasta Alfredo and chicken Parmesan. But there will be traditional Italian items on the menu, too, like the sage ravioli, made with fresh sage and asparagus. He will also be making a traditional lasagna, with bechamel sauce.
The menu will also feature Calcagno’s own spin on bruschetta. He comes from Genoa, in Liguria in northern Italy, which is famously the birthplace of focaccia and pesto, he said. So, instead of tomatoes and oregano on a slice of baguette, Calcagno said, his version will have a base of focaccia, with pesto and tomato confit on top.
Also on the menu are appetizers like burrata and meatballs parmigiana; sandwiches for lunch; salads; and soups. Beer and wine are available, too. Gluten-free and vegan options are available by request.
