Bella Italia - Cape Girardeau, MO

Date of dining experience: June 8, 2016

Place: Bella Italia

Location: 20 N. Spanish St. in Cape Girardeau, MO

Audry and I went to Bella Italia to partake in their Happy Hour specials before a Cape Muny Band concert.

Food: During Happy Hour, all the appetizers except the Pan Seared Tuna and Steamed Mussels are half price, so we made a meal out of appetizers!

1. Stuffed Portobello Mushroom: Stuffed with rich cream cheese, artichoke, pancetta, & black olive tapenade. Topped with mozzarella & baked until bubbly. This was okay, but not my favorite. ($4.48 half price)
2. Antipasta Caprese Salad: Fresh tomato, mozzarella, & basil. This is always a good choice at any restaurant! ($3.63 half price)
3. Crab Cakes: Two homemade crab cakes served with dijonaise sauce. These crab cakes are some of the best in Missouri. They are filled with much more crab than you normally get this far from an ocean. ($4.63 half price)
4. Fried Ravioli: Eight traditional beef pockets fried & served with marinara. Always good, no matter where you are. Definitely one of the safer options. ($3.48 half price)

Wine: During Happy Hour, all wines that are offered by the glass are only $5 per glass! So, naturally, I tried a few of them!

1. Sauvignon Blanc, Wither Hills 2014, New Zealand - This was very good while sitting outside on a hot day and was probably my favorite of the three wines.
2. Sauvignon Blanc, Quivira 2014, Dry Creek Valley (California) - This was also very good, but a little more dry than the Wither Hills. 
3. Pinot Grigio, "Riff" A. Lageder 2014, Alto Adige - A very nice, light Pinot Grigio to end the meal.

Bella Italia is always a delight and we love to sit out on the patio. The people are always so nice and we always have a great time. Try this place out for yourself and let me know what you think! Enjoy!

P.S. If you sit on the patio, it is okay to toss a little bread out onto the sidewalk and watch the birds. :-)