By Megan Johnstone | Staff Writer
After the Nor’easter that just occurred, I was on the hunt for some comfort food to beat the rainy weather blues. I found refuge in a cute little Italian Restaurant tucked away on Thames Street, otherwise known as Lucia’s Italian Restaurant. Although the restaurant was on the smaller side, the atmosphere and wait staff were just right…not too fancy and not rushed. The lights were dimmed and candles sat on each table, providing a romantic and comforting atmosphere, perfect for a date night.
The menu consists of many classic Italian dishes with an extensive wine list and separate vegetarian menu. We started the evening off with an order of Bruschetta alla Mozzarella e Pomodoro which consisted of four pieces of garlic flavored, grilled bread topped with fresh mozzarella, basil, and fresh tomatoes. The bruschetta was delicious, but I added some balsamic vinegar to give it the final touch it needed.
Due to the fact that I was actually on a date on this particular night, we decided to split an entree for a $4 fee. We ordered the Ravioli al Ragu’ Bolognese consisting of fresh three-cheese-filled ravioli served with a hearty traditional Italian meat sauce. When we first got our food, the portions appeared to be small and I worried I would leave the restaurant hungry. To my surprise, the ravioli was incredibly filling, and a full portion after the bruschetta would have been too much. It was just the right amount of food; the fresh ravioli was exactly what I needed on a rainy day.
After the ravioli, we decided to treat ourselves to something sweet. Instead of a dessert menu, the waitress brought out a tray with four different desserts so we could choose what looked the best to us. I thought this was a great idea because sometimes you don’t realize how much you want something until it’s right in front of you. We went for the rich slice of chocolate mousse cake. It was a great way to end off the night. My only regret was not ordering milk to go with it!
With a wide and affordable selection that also has vegetarian options and a friendly wait staff, I was pleasantly surprised by my experience at Lucia’s and will definitely be going back.
