|
Ruggeri’s at The Quadrangle
By Jim White
Ruggeri’s move to
the Quadrangle is good news on all levels for business lunch diners.
First, the spot is
brighter, fresher and more luxurious than the old location Ruggeri’s
occupied for years across the street. It is, thankfully, toned down
from the deep blue sea color scheme Mediterraneo used when it
occupied this space. The former restaurant felt cold and impersonal,
while the new one seems warm and engaging.
Second, drive up
appeal is impressive. Third, solid, experienced service remains
intact. Finally, and most important, the quality of the food is as
good if not better than before.
From the delicious Minestrone
di Casa ($3.75)—absolutely packed with vegetables and flavor—to
the melt-in-your-mouth, you’ll-wish-you-had-more: Baked Lasagna
($11.95), everything we tried was outstanding.
You might want to
start with some toasted ravioli, stuffed with veal, ricotta and
spinach served on tomato sauce ($5.95). Steamed mussels swimming in
marinara sauce is another good appetizer choice ($6.95).
Then, proceed to menu
mainstays like veal in a lemon butter and white wine sauce with
artichoke hearts and mushrooms ($13.95), classic fisherman’s stew,
Cioppino ($12.95), Chicken Parmigiano ($12.95) or beef
tenderloin with fresh tomatoes, basil and garlic ($13.95).
Of course, you can’t
go wrong with specials of the day either. Red Snapper in a
tomato/caper sauce was light and flaky ($12.95). We also enjoyed
chicken piccata with capers in a lemon butter sauce ($12.95).
Go light with one of
the entrée salads, including the bountiful seafood salad ($10.95),
or satisfy that big appetite with sweet Italian sausage and peppers
($12.95) with pasta. I could devote the entire column to their other
worthy pasta offerings.
A good old-fashioned
house salad with light vinaigrette is included with most entrées.
Desserts are made daily in house and wrap things up nicely.
This is first-rate
Italian food with all the amenities, and a great setting for an
important business meeting. The rest is up to you.
Ruggeri’s Ristorante
2800 Routh Street
(214) 871-7377
Send me an Email: jwdineline@aol.com
|
