WHY WE LOVE IT

It still surprises us that Il Fresco was off our restaurant radar for so long. But now that we’ve finally found our way to this neighborhood favorite, we’re excited to get the word out. When the weather’s warm, you won’t find a better al fresco table than the ones on the “Meadowlace Terrace.” When the temperatures drop, the wine cellar is just as scenic. The wait staff is both friendly and knowledgeable, and if Tuscan-style décor doesn’t put you in the mood for Italian food, the smell of freshly chopped garlic surely will. For those who remember the restaurant’s former occupant, The Olde Stonehouse Inn, the current set-up is far more spacious, and each of the rooms now bears its own “S”nickname (“Sage,” “Sassafras,” “Savory”). Our favorite is the “Sorrel Bar,” where celebrity pictures line the walls and specials fill up the chalkboard.

WHAT TO ORDER

The insalata al piccolo Jake, with sprouts of peppery arugula wrapped in prosciutto and goat cheese, is stunningly grand to look at and the complex flavors (spicy, salty, tangy) mesh well together. For entrées, we’re still telling friends about the two-inch-thick veal chop, sautéed with baby spinach and mushroom caps. And if the Chilean sea bass is on the specials menu, order it. For dessert, you’ll love everything from the pistachio gelato to the graham-cracker-crusted cheesecake to the vulcano di cioccolatto cake with vanilla-biscotti gelato.

INSIDER TIP

Instead of getting a glass of boring old merlot, try one of the concoctions off the creative martini menu. We love the Bellinitini, it’s made with peach vodka and champagne.

DINNER FOR TWO $100

DETAILS 15 Kings Hwy.; Orangeburg; 398-0200

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