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La Casalinga:  Charm in small package

La Casalinga has found its niche on busy Erie Street.  Nestled into a small location at  653 Erie St. E., it keeps to itself and goes about its business quietly.

More familiar than formal, the restaurant still remains creative.  There's not a simple spaghetti on the menu.  Instead, the kitchen works on the basis that customers want what they may not cook at home.

So there are traditional dishes like Osso Bucco, marinated veal shanks served with garlic-roasted whipped potatoes.

And there are the offbeat, such as Fettuccine Rossano, marinated pieces of Atlantic salmon lightly sauteed with garlic, grappa and tossed with fettuccine noodles in a light blush sauce.

It's a delightful menu, really.  It's concise, yet creative and diverse. And it reflects chef-owner Angela Olivito's passion.  So, there's fried calamari antipasto appetizer, along with Funghi Ripieni, mushrooms filled with a blend of cheeses, roasted garlic and fresh herbs.

She uses a fine, gentle hand.  Her dishes are clear and uncluttered, so simple flavours shine.  Sauces are smooth and carry flavour, not too assertive.

The food, like the room, is attractive and well -presented.  It's a warm room, by the way, small with earthen tones and a wonderful mosaic tile floor.

Bottom-line: What there is here is mostly a ton of charm, loads of value and sincere, friendly service.  After dinner just as the diner approached the door, a server came over to say "Thanks, thanks for coming." Kind and welcome words we haven't heard in a while.

Ted Whipp can be reached by e-mail at twhipp@win.southam.ca or by telephone
at 255-5777, ext. 663





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