But sometimes it’s worth it. The desire for a smooth Merlot paired with pomodoro and buttery garlic bread overwhelms. We are able to forget the nauseating clichéness of it all for just long enough to sink in to a pleasure palace of cheese, pasta, tomato and wine. After all, clichés are clichés for a reason.
So when the primal call for spaghetti and meatballs echoes up from your stomach and into your head, forget the $10.99 special at Olive Garden. Light the mental image of Macaroni Grill on fire. Drive downtown and put your name in at DePalma’s.
It’s pretty easy to make Italian taste good, but it can be difficult to make Italian taste great. Below are some menu highlights that are highly successful in transcending the usual combo of meat, pasta, tomato and cheese.
Pizzarotti
Imported Gorgonzola and walnuts combine with olive oil on a pizza crust to create one hell of a velvety rich appetizer.
Lasagna of the Day
Daily menu changes allow kitchen staff to be flexible and creative in their creation of the house lasagna. Bubbly, interesting and delicious, this is a slightly soupier style of lasagna than Stouffer’s lovers might be used to.
The Gorgonzola Filet
Surprisingly, it’s the most flavorful steak you can find within city limits (Nick’s in the Sticks not included). Top quality filet, beef reduction, mushrooms, Marsala wine and Gorgonzola create a meal worth the price.
Portobello Mushroom Ravioli
Homemade ravioli stuffed with portobello, mozzarella, ricotta and mascarpone are sautéed with walnuts in enough brown butter to make any foodie squeal like a freshly-crowned prom queen.
White Chocolate Bread Pudding
This dessert is adorned generously with dark chocolate and raspberry puree. If you like dessert, get it.
