Maccheroni Republic

It was rather sudden when Erik and I realized that it had been months since we’d seen each other and dined together. And since it was DineLA – I suggested we forgo our previously decided spot to try another that had come highly recommended: Maccheroni Republic.

When he said yes, I was pleased. After all, the Dresden will always be there. But, a delicious Italian meal at a new to both of us location? Worth it.

As usual when Erik and I dine out, we picked delicious dishes to share between us.

Our meal began with the TORTINI DI GAMBERI (deep fried shrimp cakes served with caramelized onion) and CROSTINI CON SPECK IGP (toasted ciabatta, mascarpone cheese, speck IGP).

As these were the DineLA portions, we received two pieces of each item. Which was perfect for tasting. The Italian smoked, cured ham from the South Tyrol region was – absolutely incredible. It was not prosciutto, as prosciutto is cured Italian ham that’s uncured. And as I tasted each bit of the crostini, I was in awe of how full of flavor and utterly delicious the speck IGP was. It was so distinct with the tastes of northern Italy.

These dishes went wonderfully with my LA ROSA AMARA (Amass dry gin, campari, lemon, rose water, vegan egg whites).

We continued with our main dishes of SPAGHETTI PAGLIA E FIENO (spaghetti with butter, roasted Dover sole fish, lemon caper salsa) and OSSOBUCO CO RISOTTO, SALSA AI PORCINI (slow braised ossobuco, risotto with porcini mushrooms sauce).

The spaghetti was perfectly salted. I absolutely loved the roasted Dover sole. The ossobuco was an absolute delight. Its richness created such a base note in my mouth.

As I drank my PASSIONE L’AMARO (Monte negro, pineapple rum, passion fruit, lime, rosemary), I kept pushing it around the table. It was so much fun!

With dessert, we chose the OLIVE CAKE (organic farro cake made with cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil, orange zest and pulp, fresh blueberries and raspberries) and PANNA COTTA (vanilla flavored panna cotta served with strawberry sauce).

You could taste the quality of the vanilla beans in the panna cotta. The olive cake, served warmed, was the perfect end to the meal.

Between our lively conversations, our laughter and savoring our evening, it was the perfect night out between friends. At one point, I even told Erik that it felt so good to be so happy for my friends. I’m surrounded by such outstanding, brilliant, intelligent people. And it’s just so wonderful to celebrate each and every one of them.

Another great fact is, if you park at the parking garage that is behind the restaurant, they will validate for $6.

After dinner, Erik hit me with the magic words: “I’m definitely coming back to Maccheroni Republic. This place was absolutely delicious! You always pick the best spots.”

Praise like that makes me happiest. With Maccheroni Republic’s amazing recipes filling us up and Erik’s smile sealing the deal, the evening was perfect.

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