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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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Linguini with white clam sauce

Linguini with white clam sauce from La Scala on Shrewsbury Street in Worcester, MA

Linguini with white clam sauce from La Scala on Shrewsbury Street in Worcester, MA
La Scala is an Italian themed restaurant tucked away into a small space on Shrewsbury Street with a small area outside for dining. The interior is quite small and I found it very loud inside.  Along the far wall inside you can see brick poking out giving this small intimate space a cozy neighborhood feel.

The wait staff greeted me as soon as I entered and were friendly.

I started off with a Caesar salad and my request to have anchovies added was happily able to be filled.

I ordered off the menu and went with the Linguini with white clam sauce. It was a large portion with the pasta being cooked exactly the way I like it. “Al Dente'” The clams seemed to be just the strips which are the least flavorful. In past white clam sauces, I expected a thick and cheesy sauce, unfortunately, the sauce used in this dish was very watery and bland; I found myself reaching for the Parmesan cheese and the salt and pepper many times through out my meal in an attempt to add more flavor to my dish. I can’t speak for the red sauce, but I would not order the Linguini and clams if I do make it back to La Scala. -RL