Ruggeri's brings Classic Italian to McKinney Square

By J.B. BLOCKER

I’ve known Tom Ruggeri for nearly 20 years now, and I have chased his Cioppino (fisherman's stew) from Addison down to Dallas and up to Plano. Even though I’ve ordered his Veal Oscar and grilled Lamb Chops for a review assignment, when it comes to spending my own money, it’s the Cioppino for me. I’ll tell you why.

Picture a wide-rimmed white bowl filled with a delicately complex broth. In that broth swim generous bites of scallops, salmon, calamari, and large shrimp. Mussels and clams open up to share their sauces. This ‘fisherman’s stew’ is only magical if all the elements are fresh. And when it is fresh, you are enjoying a seafood buffet in a bowl and the only other thing you need is time and enough buttered fresh bread to sop up every drop. Without the bread you might end up licking the bowl.

Having all those fresh seafood’s on hand is what I expect and that is what I get at Ruggeri’s! By the way, I think the others had the Caesar salad because I told them it would be ‘old school,’ but I like his spinach salad. He calls it Insalata di Spinaci Fantasia. Roasted peppers, hearts of palm, artichoke hearts, tomatoes and aged Gorgonzola with a crisp, light creamy Italian. I eat the spinach in memory of mom.

Ruggeri’s on the Square

When I saw the sign at 119 E. Virginia at the McKinney Town Square, I went straight to the door. There was Giovani (John) Fanous, an elegant restaurateur I had met long ago. I knew that with Tom Ruggeri and John Fanous, McKinney could expect consistent quality of food and service. Tom immediately agreed to host a table of local officials for an impromptu dinner review.

I called one of my first friends in McKinney, Mayor Brian Loughmiller, one of my favorite resources for local history, Sheriff Terry Box, and two of my friends who are actively campaigning for Judge’s robes Angela Tucker and Barnett Walker.

Each had to try something different and each had to produce a review.

We all know I had the Cioppino, Angela ordered the Pollo alla Griglia, Terry had the Capelline al Salmone, Brian chose the Lasagna Verde Casa Reccia, and Barnett was curious about the Portabella Ravioli.

What great company! The sheriff shared some of the history of the former hotel, we all tried to stuff the mayor with appetizers and breads after his recent 13-hour iron man event, and shop talk among law enforcement never broke past the pleasure of a well serviced diner from a Classic Italian menu.

Review by McKinney’s Mayor Brian Loughmiller:
"I had the Lasagna Verde, the classic Caesar salad, and I sampled the Bruschetta and Calamari appetizers. First and foremost as Mayor, I want to welcome Ruggeri's to McKinney. While it was sad to see Mama Amelia's close, I am pleased that the Italian fare has remained. For years (I first moved to McKinney in 1989), I commuted to my law firm in downtown Dallas. I used to eat occasionally at Ruggeri's on Routh Street. I had not been back in the years since moving my practice to McKinney.  

"The Lasagna was as good as I remembered and the ambiance and service were up to the standards I experienced on Routh Street many years ago. I was especially happy to see the restaurant busy on Friday night during Dickens of a Christmas and would like to remind everyone that the success of all of our restaurants and shops throughout McKinney depends on our patronage. If you have a choice, choose to dine, shop, and entertain in McKinney. If you are looking for a nice night out with your family or a romantic evening with your spouse, Ruggeri's in McKinney will be a good choice for fine Italian dining."
- Brian

Review by Sheriff Terry Box, a life long resident of McKinney:
"As the old saying goes, “It’s a tough job, but someone's got to do it.” I received a call Thursday from my friend J.B. Blocker. He needed some help! After hearing his situation I figured I was the right man for the job. J.B. is an established restaurant reviewer and was putting together a group of friends to meet him at a new eating establishment in downtown McKinney on Friday. The place is Ruggeri's, and it is located in the building that was originally known as the Commercial Hotel during my younger years. Later it was known as Mama Emilia's.  

"As they say, first impressions are everything. So from walking into the restaurant and being greeted by G.M. John Fanous to being taken care of by the very friendly, knowledgeable, and professional staff this place is first class. I chose to order one of my favorites; grilled Salmon.

"It was finished with a tomato basil sauce over penne pasta, and fresh green beans. First I ordered a Ruggeri's Caesar Salad prepared in the classic Roman tradition, and it was truly awesome. The grilled salmon with tomato basil sauce hit all the taste buds just perfect, and let me say everything we ate was the freshest it could possibly be. We had a rather broad conversation around the table about each entree we ordered, and everyone was truly pleased and excited to have a true Italian restaurant to add to our great downtown area.
"Mr. Tom Ruggeri was very kind to join us for lunch and after the entire experience I can defiantly say this is not his first rodeo in operating a true first class Italian Ristorante. In the words of Arnold, I'll be back."
- Terry

Review by Angela Tucker, Judge for Collin County District Court #199:

Entree: Pollo alla Griglia (Chicken breast on a bed of spinach; green beans; rigatoni)
Salad: Caesar Salad (with Italian Bread)
Appetizer: Calamari & Bruschetta

"First, I would like to comment on the ambiance of Ruggeri's. I was immediately struck by the upscale appeal of the restaurant. McKinney has very few restaurants that have the elegance and sophistication that cater to upscale diners. McKinney has been waiting a long time for a restaurant such as this. This would be a perfect setting for an Anniversary dinner, Valentine's Dinner, Birthday Celebration, or anytime you want to entertain for personal or business meetings.

"The food: I would say you should definitely walk in with a hearty appetite. The portion sizes were very generous. The presentation of the food was very pleasing to the eye, full of color, and displayed with simplicity but elegance. The chicken was grilled and placed on top of a bed of spinach that was seasoned to perfection. The green beans and rigatoni were complimentary sides, but after the delicious Caesar salad, Bruschetta, and Calamari - I must admit they didn't get my full attention.

"In summary, you can't go wrong with Ruggeri's. The location is great in the heart of downtown McKinney. The atmosphere and service were first class. The food was plentiful and delicious. I will definitely recommend it to my friends and will return soon to try another entree on the menu."
- Angela

Review by Barnett Walker, Judge for Collin County Court at Law #2:

"I am not a trained food critic with an impeccable pallet but I know what I like. And what I like is a comfortable setting, friendly service, and food that makes you wish you could eat there three times a week. If you are tired of the normal steak or seafood restaurants, and you are looking for something as delicious as it is different, then treat yourself to Ruggeri’s.

"The décor with its wooden columns, brick wall, and multiple chandeliers has a warm and inviting old world charm. The staff is friendly, attentive, and very professional. It’s the type of restaurant where you can feel comfortable whether you’re wearing jeans or scheduling an important business dinner.

"While looking at their extensive menu my eyes were immediately drawn to the portabella ravioli. I am not sure that I could have made a better choice. Giant fresh portabella mushroom stuffed ravioli topped with a delicious dark creamy Marsala wine and mushroom sauce. I must confess that this is the first time I had ever tried ravioli that was not topped with a tomato sauce. It was spectacular!

"This authentic Italian restaurant is a wonderful addition to downtown McKinney, and it is sure to be an instant success. I just hope it stays a secret long enough for me to get back and try some of their other dishes. I want to thank Tom Ruggeri for inviting us to lunch at his newest restaurant. We wish you all the best of luck. Do you deliver to Prosper?"
- Barnett

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- J.B. Blocker is a media consultant based in Collin County in North Texas. Advertise with J.B. by calling 469-334-9962. Email: jbnorthtexas@gmail.com or jbblocker@hotmail.com.
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