Benny Rappa’s: Chalkboard Menus for Fresh Italian Flavors
By Becky Billingsley
It's a good sign when a restaurant doesn't have sauce-splattered and coffee-stained menus that look like they've been around a few years. At Benny Rappa's, the menu is on a sheet of copy paper and a chalkboard, because the choices change frequently to take advantage of whatever foods are freshest.
For 15 years Benny and Michele Rappa have cooked and served fresh Italian dishes in their North Myrtle Beach trattoria. The couple's fan base is firmly entrenched in locals' hearts and palates, but visitors to the area also make it a point to stop here for affordable family-style authentic Italian cuisine.
In 2009 the Rappas had extensive remodeling done on their building, inside and out. It is handsome with stucco siding, a tile roof and a new outdoor dining area. Inside, a cozy bar and lounge area is just inside the front door. The rectangular dining room has a handful of tables; in all there is room for about 50 diners.
The small size of the restaurant enhances the home-like feeling, but amenities and the decor ensure this trattoria provides a pampered-by-a-loving-Italian-family experience. Tables are covered in white linens topped by white butcher paper, and heavy-weight cutlery and crockery are used.
Walls are painted with murals depicting the Italian coast, and windows facing U.S. 17 Business are gracefully draped in Roman shades. Rat Pack music - lots of Sinatra - plays over the sound system at a medium-low level. Service is professionally friendly and efficient.
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Since the menu changes often it's difficult to say exactly what the dishes will be, but diners can expect fresh seafood, pasta cooked to al dente precision, sauces that make your mouth water for the next bite, crispy-cold salads and an array of freshly made desserts.
On a recent Thursday the day's menu included Spinach Cannellini soup and a salad of Romaine lettuce with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, house-made croutons, artichoke hearts and red onions with a balsamic vinaigrette dressing. You'll get a choice of "regular" freshly baked Italian bread or Garlic Bread that costs $2, and if you love butter and garlic the latter is an excellent choice. You'll need bread to sop up delectable pan sauces you won't want to leave on your plate.
The day's menu always has a couple of light entrees such as Pork Tenderloin Tips with fresh vegetables, or Scallops Trattoria in a rich white wine sauce over rigatoni. Sandwiches might include Veal or Chicken Parmesan, a Long Hot with Peppers and Asiago Cheese, Grilled Chicken with Roasted Red Peppers, or a thick piece of Fried Italian Bologna with Onions.
Offerings are rounded out with pastas such as half of a Lasagna portion and a petite salad; half an Eggplant Parmesan with pasta; Stuffed Shells with Bolognese sauce and mozzarella; or Cavatelli ala Vodka.
Several desserts are offered, and the Tiramisu is highly recommended. The custard is richly thick with a light flavor, and spongy ladyfingers are tucked within. The dessert is topped with a lavishly decadent chocolate sauce and real whipped cream.
Meals can be finished with espresso that comes with lemon zest.
The best news about these meals is, nothing on the menu costs more than $10. You don't get huge portions; they are appropriately sized for healthy nutrition.
Benny Rappa's is at 1453 U.S. 17 S. in North Myrtle Beach, and reservations may be made by calling 361-1056. It's open from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesdays -Fridays and from 5-10 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays.
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