Crudo and Cotto: A Fresh Twist on Italian

Giampaolo Falchetti and Kathryn Philbrook recently opened Crudo and Cotto, a fresh Italian and northwest inspired restaurant in Proctor. The husband-wife dynamic duo are also the owners of Olympia’s Basilico Ristorante. Italian cuisine comes naturally for Giampaolo; he grew up in Umbria, Italy, where food is synonymous with fellowship, providing a hospitable meeting place for family and friends to share moments together.

The dining room is an old house restored to a chic new dining option with a bar. Diners can enjoy the visceral experience of watching the food being prepared. The restaurant invites you to linger with friends and loved ones and spend time together.

Crudo and Cotto has a playful and unexpected menu featuring both uncooked selections, with salads, cheese, fresh prosciutto, seafood and oysters, and cooked offerings for entrees, such as pasta and braised meat. The dishes represent a mix of Italian tradition, modern Pacific Northwest influence and a healthy sprinkling of local ingredients, all presented with a dash of fun. Giampaolo says, “We want to bring a new dining experience to Tacoma that is fresh and inviting. This is our pleasure!”

Some favorite items include the raw oysters, shucked fresh at the bar, paired with a light bubbly drink. Salmon and halibut are cut expertly, and Giampaolo’s mom’s favorite dish, Fritto Misto– an assortment of vegetables, shrimp, and calamari– is perfectly prepared. Ravioli di Salmone, also a favorite on the menu, is freshly made ravioli with a salmon-filled center. Specialty cocktails include signature Italian cocktails, liquor, and digestives. There is sure to be something for everyone.

Crudo and Cotto offers a dining experience that is fresh and inviting, like a fresh breeze from the sea, with a focus on delicious and well-presented food. It is certainly a place where care is given to each and every dish. “It is like having art on your plate,” says ShowCase publisher Robin Lucas. Visit Crudo and Cotto for the food and fellowship, and taste Italy in a new, refreshing way.

NATASHA WILLIAMS

Crudo and Cotto
253.292.1120
crudoandcotto.com