A couple weeks ago, Jay and I attended a press dinner at Strada 18 in South Norwalk where we indulged in their Italian-American Comfort Classics Dinner.
Dinner started with a flight of beer (AMA Bionda from Birra Amarcord & Brooklyn Brewery, Chocarrubica by Birrificio Grado Plato, and Curmudgeon Old Ale by Founders) to pair with our appetizers – Fried Calamari with Three Sauces (aioli, lemon-lime-jalapeno-cilantro, and marinara) and Arancini. The calamari was delicious and crispy. I’m a plain gal, so a spritz of lemon was the best accompaniment to the calamari.
Beer
Fried Calamari
The Burrata was one of my favorite dishes at Strada 18. The burrata is made in-house and dressed with extra virgin olive oil, 10 year aged Balsamic vinegar, fresh basil, house roasted red peppers and walnuts. The flavors of all the ingredients complimented each other, while the walnuts added a great texture. If I could, I would have ordered another bowl.
Burrata
Next to arrive at our table were components of a Sunday Dinner spread of comfort food – Rigatoni, Sunday sauce, a house-made gluten-free tagliatelle, and a large platter of meatballs, sausage and spare ribs. The Rigatoni was dressed in a delicious tomato sauce and sprinkled with Parmigiano Reggiano cheese. I wish I had more of the tagliatelle, which was made in-house with quinoa flour. But from the first noodle I had, it was cooked al dente and I wouldn’t have known it was gluten-free.
Rigatoni
Of the meats, I enjoyed the flavorful house-made sausage and tender, fall-off-the-bone spare-ribs. The meatballs were good, but a little dense for my liking, and could have used more sauce.
Meatballs, Sausage, and Spare Ribs
The classic Chicken Parmesan with broccoli rabe. The chicken was good, but I was expecting a thicker piece of chicken. Clearly, the pork won my heart.
Chicken Parmesan
To finish our meal, we shared a dessert platter of Pignoli Honey Tart, Lemon Semolina Cake and Black Pepper & Walnut Biscotti which we paired with Malaga, Jorge Ordonez & Co., ‘Old Vines No. 3’ dessert wine. I enjoyed all of them, but loved the lemon semolina cake – light, flavorful, and delicious. We also sampled three flavors of gelato – Mascarpone, Caramel and Chocolate.
Pignoli Honey Tart, Lemon Semolina Cake and Black Pepper & Walnut Biscotti
My favorite dessert was their boozy version of gelato affogato – house-made Curmudgeon Old Ale Gelato with a shot of Drambuie poured over it.
Gelato affogato
Overall I enjoyed our meal at Strada 18, and while writing this review, I’m craving the ribs! I would love to try their pizza, especially after eyeing the pies coming out of the oven all night, and Sunday brunch.
Strada 18
122 Washington Street
Norwalk, CT 06854
Tel: 203-853-4546
www.strada18.com
