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Shrimp Scampi from Rosalina’s Kitchen

Shrimp Scampi from Rosalina's Kitchen on Hamilton Street in Worcester, MA

Shrimp Scampi from Rosalina's Kitchen on Hamilton Street in Worcester, MAApparently, the whole reason Rosalina’s Kitchen is closed on Tuesdays is to make ravioli. There were a variety of specials concerning those Italian pockets of warmth and happiness including unique sounding ravioli stuffed with lamb and grape leaves. So of course, I ordered the shrimp scampi. I felt guilty even as I did it. But, it was the first dish I saw upon opening the menu and I haven’t had it in a while. Maybe even since last summer. And, unfortunately, once a decision has been approached, I cannot turn back. I’ve gone too far. I was not disappointed when it arrived. Although the shrimp could have been cooked a bit less (or maybe they were just previously frozen), the pasta was amazing. We were told that all the pasta is homemade, though only the ravioli is made in-house. The texture of the linguini was definitely not boxed Prince or Barilla. It was thick and almost slightly doughy-the sauce adhered to it in the most useful way. I could’ve eaten that linguini for days. In fact, I did eat every strand of the large portion. I had no regrets then, either. The scampi sauce was garlicky and lemony, as expected, but not overbearing. It was light and coated the pasta without leaving a puddle of oily leftovers. Now that I know how great their pasta is, I will definitely need to return for those famous raviolis. Just looking around a packed restaurant on a Wednesday night speaks to the quality of the food. Oh, and do not forget dessert. Nutella and peanut butter dessert raviolis? As great as they sound.

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Angela’s Sauté from Rosalina’s Kitchen

Angela’s Sauté from Rosalina's Kitchen on Hamilton Street in Worcester, MA

Angela’s Sauté from Rosalina's Kitchen on Hamilton Street in Worcester, MAAll right folks, it’s official…I am ready to say that I have tasted the most incredible Italian cuisine in the city! Rosalina’s Kitchen on Hamilton Street has blown the rest of the Italian eateries out of the water. True…its location is inconspicuous at best with a no-frill interior decor, yet this byob establishment has a dynamic menu that will leave even the hungriest individual completely satiated.

After being greeted by Angela, one of the owners, my bottle of red wine was quickly opened, poured and my appetizer order was taken. I was told that the eggplant rollatini was to die and was not disappointed. Rolls of delicately fried eggplant, ricotta, creamy mozzarella cheese, and a delightful red sauce quite literally melted in my mouth and disappeared from the plate my husband and I were sharing in a matter of seconds. The small side salad was quite substantial with crisp ingredients and a zesty homemade balsamic dressing. The entree arrived piping hot and absolutely ginormous! I had ordered Angela’s Sauté which consisted of chicken smothered in toasted pine nuts tossed with a tangy garlic & oil sauce with fresh mushrooms & spinach. I ordered mine over penne which was cooked al dente. The dish was truly exquisite! The chicken was moist and tender and the toasted pine nuts added texture and richness to the dish. I’m not sure who loved the dish more…my husband or myself as he spent just as much time “sneaking” bites off my plate as he did eating his own meal. If I’m being honest, I think I sampled dishes from at least five of my fellow foodies, all of which were equally delicious. I look forward to returning to Rosalina’s Kitchen and highly recommend this fine restaurant with the highest compliments to the chef and staff!