Pittsburgh: Lidia's

Phil and Cindy joined me for a very enjoyable dinner at Lidia's. The restaurant is the flagship of Lidia Bastianich, the cookbook author and cooking show host. The food was outstanding and the service was superb in its easy elegance.

The meal started with an assortment of breads and two dips.

Our server warned us that the calamari platter was huge. He did not lie to us. It actually contains a variety of seafoods and vegetables. All were outstanding. We couldn't finish the plate.

Cindy ordered this lamb. I snagged a bite and it was excellent: tender, moist, just the right amount of char on the outside.

Phil and I ordered the unlimited three pasta meal, including a Caesar salad and dessert. The salad was excellent. I couldn't finish that, either.

The pasta is served directly from the pan. All were fresh, all were outstanding. My favorite was the fusilli. I don't think that I have ever had fresh fusilli before. The texture and bite were very enjoyable and the meat (lamb?) really gave it a nice heartiness. The The pans themselves come in waves. Phil and I each had second servings of two of the pasta, then cried uncle.

The chocolate hazelnut pudding was rich and packed with flavor. I couldn't finish that, either. I enjoyed some for breakfast the next morning.

I picked up a cookbook signed by the chef on the way out. I expect to enjoy working my way through Italian cuisine.

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