Posted by Brian Eads and Joey Isabell
on February 16, 2004

Well, we may have finally done it. We set out a few months back to find the most delightfully authentic Italian restaurant in the Upper Cumberland. Our search came to an end at 232 N. Peachtree Avenue in Cookeville. This is where you will find Mauricio s. The restaurant is located inside a beautifully remodeled home just a few blocks from Cookeville Regional Medical Center. From the outside, the building and property are so well kept that Mauricio s recently was awarded the Commercial Property Award by the city of Cookeville. However, we were much more interested in what was cooking inside.

On the day of our visit, Linda Isabell and her young nephew, Austin Parker joined us for lunch. The four of us were in for quite a treat. Owners Monty Ethridge and Michael Robideau brought 35 years of combined experience to the table when they opened Mauricio s back on May 15th of 2002. Not only is the menu pleasing to your appetite, but the atmosphere is very pleasing to your eyes and soul. From the moment we walked in the door, we felt just like family.

We decided to put the menu through its paces and sample a large variety of dishes. The Buffalo Mozzarella appetizer was very nice and extremely fresh. It was made up of slices of fresh mozzarella, slices of Roma tomatoes, and Basil leaves lightly dressed in Balsamic Vinegar and Olive Oil. The salads were very tasty and dressed with a homemade Vinaigrette. The bread at Mauricio s is a definite highlight of the meal. It was a Parmesan and Rosemary Bread, which was served with a small bowl of Olive Oil and Black Pepper for dipping the bread.

As far as main dishes are concerned, it was hard to choose because everything sounded so delicious. We highly recommend any and all of the following dishes. The Prosciutto and Peas, which contains succulent pieces of smoked Italian Ham, Peas, and Mushrooms on a bed of Rosemary Papardelle Pasta covered with a creamy Asiago Cheese Sauce. The Veal Piccata, which consists of a Veal Cutlet sautéed in a White Wine and Lemon Sauce, served over Fettuccine. And last, but not least, the Chicken and Broccoli Farfalle, which contains slices of Chicken Breast, Mushrooms, and Broccoli, served over Bow Tie Pasta covered with a Parmesan and Garlic Sauce.

For dessert we recommend the Spumoni Cheesecake, the Chocolate Cheesecake, and the Tiramisu. As a matter of fact, we have rarely ever had a better Tiramisu. Go by and try some for yourself. It was no surprise when we remembered that the desserts here at Mauricio s are made by our good friends at Spring Creek Pie Company.

You can visit Mauricio s Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. They are closed on Monday. Although reservations are not required, they are accepted. Give them a call at 931-528-2456. When you go, tell them the guys from Eating Tennessee sent you.

Your questions and comments are always welcome. Contact us at eatingtennessee@yahoo.com, or write to us at P.O. Box 156, Monterey, TN, 38574. Until next week, we wish you health, wealth, and a good appetite.