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of the new additions to the area this year is Bella Dora Italian
Restaurant, located in a former fire and police station in nearby Mt.
Dora. The attractive building is set back a bit from the street and
offers ample parking in back. The restaurant consists of several small
rooms with scattered tables that can accommodate about 60 diners.
 Louie
Cappolla, who has more than 25 years of restaurant experience in New
York City, opened Bella Dora at the beginning of the year. It is open
seven days a week from 11 AM to 10 PM, and until 11 PM on weekend
nights, serving both lunch and dinner.
On the day that we visited for lunch, we
were presented with a menu that provided a large selection of choices.
Several of the Italian terms on the menu might be unfamiliar to some,
but since we have visited many Italian restaurants, as well as Italy
itself, we have learned the meaning of insalata, zuppa, and vitello.
With several entrees per category, it takes
a little time to make the final choice! I chose Veal Piccata over angel
hair pasta, and my spouse selected Grouper Florentine. A mixed salad and
fresh warm bread with herbed olive oil and grated parmesan cheese
accompanied both meals.
 Bella
Dora's generous menu includes items such as Clams Aregnata (freshly
baked breaded clams with herbs and spices) for a price of $8. Ten-inch
gourmet pizzas (pizzettes) are between $7 and $8 each. Subs, soups,
salads and pasta bowls are also listed on the menu. One may select a
pasta dish and match it with a favorite sauce Ð garlic and oil,
anchovies, meatballs, sausage, or vegetables Ð with prices ranging from
$9 to $12. Cannelloni, lasagna, fettuccini, and rigatoni with vodka
sauce are offered, as well as various veal, chicken or seafood dishes,
New York strip, hand-cut steak, or Steak Bistecca Pizzaiola.
For Italian food lovers, there is something
on the menu to satisfy most people for either lunch or dinner. Beer and
wine are available, and Bella Dora will gladly cater a party or provide
take-out orders on request. The restaurant is located at 124 East 3rd
Avenue in downtown Mt. Dora.
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