CLUB BRAMAN EATS: LA MASSERIA

THERE ARE TWO INGREDIENTS FOUND ON THE MENU at every Italian restaurant the world over. Not olive oil and garlic, though no less essential; instead, they are authenticity and ambiance. When it comes to the first, even casual foodies can recognize the difference in the quality of ingredients which hail from the “old country.” The robust flavor provided by vegetables, grains, and of course wine properly aged under the mild Mediterranean sun can transport one across the world with a single taste.

The atmosphere surrounding those ingredients is similarly consequential. A feeling of intimacy permeates the restaurant, no matter how busy. Conversations and wine alike are passed between tables, laughs are louder, and every patron is treated as family. The combination of these two aspects is rare—though instantly obvious as soon as one steps through the doors of La Masseria in Palm Beach Gardens.

Like many of it’s current regulars, La Masseria is itself a transplant from New York City; the original location in Times Square recently celebrated its 19th anniversary. Now in its seventh year, the South Florida location owes much of its success to the consistency in ingredients, menu items, and presentation established nearly two decades ago. This unwavering commitment to offering the best client experience, every time, is born from co-founder Peppe Iuele and personified on a daily basis by General Manager Walter Pelosi.

Growing up on the island of Capri, Peppe was surrounded by a thriving hospitality industry which welcomed millions of vacationers every year—an environment that mirrors West

Palm Beach closely. That deep connection to Italy manifests in the supplies La Masseria imports; from vegetables to prime meat and fish making up daily off-menu specials, no expense is spared in the pursuit of quality. This is exemplified in two of the restaurant’s most popular dishes: the Fettuccini Alla Bolognese and Costoletta Di Vitello Alla Milanese—a thinly pounded veal chop breaded not with bread crumbs, but in-house breadsticks.

No matter what is ordered, diners have the option to enjoy it al fresco in the expansive outdoor area which was expanded as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s an experience not unlike the temperate climate of the Mediterranean, truly adding an even more authentic twist to the dining experience.

Of course, no meal would be complete without the perfect wine pairing. While Peppe and Walter typically recommend a bottle of Brunello or Borolo with that delicious veal chop, La Masseria boasts a selection of over 850 options—a wide range of high quality choices which earned the coveted 2 Glasses Award of Excellence by Wine Spectator. While an honor, Peppe and Walter are angling for the rarely-bestowed Grand Award next.

Authenticity and ambiance are also key ingredients to the Club Braman experience. Recognizing a similar commitment to quality, Peppe, Walter, and several other staff members have all purchased vehicles from Braman Motorcars—and even recommended trusted regulars to patronize the dealership. It once again proves that whether it be the perfect dinner or vehicle purchase experience, only the finest imports can be found right here, in Palm Beach County.