La Scaletta\'s signature drink is the basil martini, $10. (J. Gwendolynne Berry / Palm Beach Post)

The bar: La Scaletta, North Palm Beach

The scene: Warm and twinkly, La Scaletta is nestled into a back corner of North Palm's Crystal Tree Plaza. The bar is tucked into the cozy dining room, which is full of well-dressed diners, people who may or may not be on dates but look good enough to be, and families settling in for a leisurely meal. You know how F. Scott Fitzgerald wrote in The Great Gatsby that Daisy's voice sounded like money? If La Scaletta had a voice, it would sound like singing. In Italian. And that singing is done by chef Giordano Tonelli, a charming singer and chef.

The drink: The basil martini ($10), a refreshing breath of flavor. The fresh basil in the drink opens up the vodka beautifully. This cocktail is made to be savored, not slammed.

Other noteworthy libations: Being an Italian restaurant, La Scaletta has a full wine list and an entire selection of martinis, which are cheaper on some days than the other. (See deals below.)

Bar bites: Every single thing we tasted - and we did a lot of tasting - was amazing, but our favorites included the polpettine al sugo (meatballs) and the crazy-good eggplant rolatini (both $8.95) and the zola e pere salad ($6.95), with cheese and pears and all sorts of deliciousness.

Deals: Remember when I said La Scaletta was made of music? It's also made of deals. There are the early bird specials from 4 to 6 p.m. every day featuring several complete meals for $16.95; the pizza combos, which include a pie and a drink, and Tuesday's Martini Madness, featuring $5 martinis (including the signature martini), and live music. Plus, there's happy hour seven days a week, with half-off appetizers and 2-for-1 well drinks and wine.

Info: La Scaletta Ristorante and Pizzeria, 1201 U.S. 1, North Palm Beach; (561) 630-8500 .

T H E C O C K T A I L

Basil Martini

Squeeze of fresh lime

Three fresh basil leaves

Splash of triple sec

2 ounces vodka

Splash of sweet and sour mix

Muddle the ice and lime. Shake together with the other ingredients and pour.