La Trattoria Lombard There's a wonderful little restaurant in Dallas where people are made to feel very special when they walk through the door. La Trattoria Lombardi has good Italian food. The atmosphere is sophisticated, yet casual. The service is smooth. But it's the man at the front door who's the magic ingredient in the restaurant's appeal and lasting success. Luciano Cola is a gracious and charming host; always a warm smile, a hearty laugh and a kiss of the lady's hand. For all the years I've been dining-out in Dallas, he's the restaurateur for whom I have the greatest affection. I also respect his legacy and endurance. A part of Alberto Lombardi's original team, Luciano branched-out over the years, but eventually returned to the nest and took over La Trattoria Lombardi. He kept his mentor's name on the sign as a tribute. He and executive chef Antonio Avona have created a perfect balance between substance and style. Baby clams and mussels (both $7.95), along with fried calamari ($6.25) are antipasti hits. Salads range from simple mista (mixed--$3.25) to the more elaborate grilled shrimp with goat cheese croutons ($10.25) and one of the best grilled-chicken Caesar's anywhere ($8.25). For fresh fish, choose from fillets of sole sauteed with lemon-butter or with tomato and basil ($12.75), and the delicious fish stew, cioppino ($15.50). Crab cannelloni ($11.25), linguini with your favorite sauce, or "straw and hay", green and white noodles with prosciutto and mushrooms (all $7.95), are just a few of the pastas that will keep you coming back. For a hearty lunch try osso bucco ($12.25) or a Sicilian treat, homemade sausage baked with mushrooms, peppers and tomatoes ($9.95). Keep the calories and cholesterol low with the "Trattoria Power Lunch" ($14.95), a light salad, fresh grilled fish, pasta, fruit plate and coffee. Luciano is fond of saying, "the best deals are down on Hall Street-not on Wall Street", and who can resist Luciano? La Trattoria Lombardi 2916 N. Hall Street (214) 954-0803 Send me an Email: jwdineline@aol.com Copyright © 1998 Inter Active Media Solutions. All Rights Reserved. The interactive components of this site require that you use a current browser version of Explorer; be sure to maximize your window out so you can see the entire page. This page was created by Inter Active Media Solutions.