In the heart of Wixom, Michigan, is the ambrosial authentic Italian restaurant that has a menu full of traditional Italian dishes that are quite exquisite. The restaurant, having opened only six years ago, has attracted many people in the area.
Coming from a strong Italian heritage, my family and I appreciate the truly authentic cooking that tastes just how my Nana and aunts cook at home. I have had the opportunity to enjoy Volare only a few times, but each time I loved my experience and I loved every bit of food put on my plate. Their most delectable dish, in my opinion, is their veal saltimbocca, or in simpler words, veal cooked with prosciutto, cheese, and olives on top.
My last experience there was a birthday party and the pastry chef at Volare had baked a cannoli creme cake that was like nothing I had ever tasted before. My friends who held the party expressed that the people at Volare were extremely accommodating in changing the standard dinner menu that was made for large parties especially. They were able to add appetizers, switch main courses, take out soup, and pretty much customize their party's dinner menu however they wanted to. The dinner started out with appetizers: crudo, prosciutto pizza, and a full antipasti plate filled with Italian meats, cheeses, and bread. Salad and bread were served next to begin the dinner courses (there were many seeing that it was an Italian restaurant). The salad was lightly tossed in a sweet balsamic vinegar which paired perfectly with the bread. Pasta, with a meaty pomodoro sauce, flowed onto our plates next, and I have to say although it was very delicious, more than enough sauce was put on the pasta. Nevertheless, the pasta was forgiven with the vegetables and main courses. Rapini, veal saltimbocca, and chicken marsala were served all together. The veal saltimbocca was, of course, the favorite among the many Italians attending the party because of the rich combination of cheese, veal, and prosciutto that came from the wonderful cooking of the dish. For the rest of the non-Italian guests, the chicken marsala seemed to do much good for their appetites. A short break was taken between dinner and dessert, but needless-to-say the dessert pleased every single one of the guests at that party. The pastry chef was very accommodating in the fact that he carved a large piece of chocolate into the shape of Italy for the cannoli creme cake, when Volare does not offer that specifically. Most of the food on the main menu may not be appealing to young children, but Volare does have a children's menu with chicken, pasta, etc.
Now that I have established that Volare has commendable food, I will comment on their amiable atmosphere. First of all, one should not plan to eat at Volare if they intend to wear sweats and a hoodie. Volare's tables are covered with white table cloth, but formal attire does not seem to be required. A nice looking outfit, such as slacks and a button down shirt, will do just fine. Volare offers a truly authentic Italian atmosphere to complement their truly authentic Italian food. Scattered around the restaurant are photographs of Italian actors, including the cast of the Sopranos and even one of Al Pacino in Scarface. Along with those are other Italian pieces of art. The restaurant itself has a main dining area along with a bar area (with a flat screen TV) that leads to the restrooms and a semi-private dining area, in which private parties are held or overflow from the main dining area are seated. The bar has a very warm feel, and the semi-private dining area has a very Italian feel. With a large mural of a small Italian city street that spreads the whole length of one wall, you may find yourself believing that you are no longer in Wixom, but instead in small piazza, or gathering place, outside of Rome. The Italian music and menus written in Italian also amplifies Volare's Italian atmosphere. (Menus have English explanations of dishes)
As for the price of Volare's meals, one should not worry if they are looking for good food worth paying for. But I will say that a bill for a party of four that I went with came out to be around $150. This included 2 bottles of wine, 2-3 appetizers, 4 main courses with salad, and also 4 desserts. One shouldn't worry about location or price with Volare, as long as they are looking for a true Italian dining experience that will please themselves, and their pallet, too.
