Tag: pasta

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Bolognese from Livia’s Dish in Worcester

Bolognese from Livia's Dish on Main Street in Worcester, MA

Bolognese from Livia's Dish on Main Street in Worcester, MA

Livia’s Dish created both a comfortable warm environment and an exceptional dining experience.

While entering we were greeted promptly by the waitstaff who were extremely personable and attentive. Our group was taken to our large reserved table in the main dining area with windows looking out onto the street. There were a few smaller and more intimate tables near the bar towards the back of the restaurant. It seemed suitable for many different dining occasions from small business lunches to a date night setting.

There was a medium-size drink menu and I was able to find my beloved Moscato wine. The menu appeared to be italian in nature with a Mediterranean-like appeal. There were also a few comfort foods listed on the menu which offered dining options for different taste preferences. I had a difficult time deciding on one menu item but I eventually choose the Bolognese.

The presentation of the meal was an impressive, large portioned linguine pasta with their own meat sauce with a rich balsamic reduction drizzle and topped with parmesan cheese. It looked and smelled phenomenal. I watched as others around me mouth’s watered just looking at.

The taste was not a disappointment as the balsamic reduction added a kick to the otherwise simple dish. As a small woman, I was not able to finish the large portion but took some home to eat the next day, This, to me, was an added bonus.

For dessert, I tried one of their Cannoli’s. The cream cheese-like filling was light but satisfying. The chocolate drizzle gave the sweetness I enjoy after a meal. I left satisfied with a full stomach and leftovers in hand. I would dine here again.

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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.