L'amore Italian Restaurant

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The Advantages Of Rigatoni Pasta: What To Know

If you go to the grocery store to buy pasta, you will quickly realize there are numerous options available. You might be looking at rigatoni, penne, spaghetti, and linguine, wondering which pasta to choose. Even though the ingredients used to make most types of pasta are similar, the shapes matter. What are some of the top advantages of using rigatoni pasta? 

Rigatoni Pasta Holds Up To Heat

One of the first benefits of rigatoni pasta is that it will hold up well to heat. Because the shape is large, hearty, and thick, rigatoni noodles will heat evenly. You do not have to worry about biting into rigatoni pasta only to realize some parts are chewy and other parts are crunchy. If you cook rigatoni noodles to an al dente texture, the noodles will be consistent. 

Rigatoni Pasta Holds The Sauce Well

Another significant advantage of rigatoni pasta is that it will hold the sauce well. If you have ever lifted up pasta only to be disappointed when all of the sauce falls back into the dish, you should not have to worry about this issue with rigatoni. Because it has thick ridges in it, the sauce should stick to it well. It will get inside the individual crevices, and you should be able to taste the sauce with every bite.

Rigatoni Pasta Traps Ingredients In the Noodle

Finally, because rigatoni pasta has a large opening in the middle, there is plenty of room for ingredients to get stuck inside. It may feel like the individual noodles have been stuffed with something delicious! This creates an amazing journey when you eat Italian pasta that has been made using rigatoni noodles. 

Experience Authentic Rigatoni At An Italian Restaurant

Even though you can purchase rigatoni noodles from your grocery store, the best way to experience this pasta is to go to an authentic restaurant. An Italian restaurant understands which type of pasta to use for specific dishes. That way, when you order an Italian pasta dish that has been made using rigatoni, you know the noodles will make all the difference in the world. Consider experiencing authentic Italian cuisine for yourself by ordering rigatoni pasta at a local restaurant.

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Sugo Alla Norma: A Delicious Italian Sauce

When people think about a trip to Italy, they usually think about delicious food. Italy is known for its pasta, and one of the biggest reasons why is this popular dish. Sugo alla Norma is a staple of Italian cuisine, and you may see it on every menu during your trip to Italy. In many ways, it is a celebration of Italy’s sweet summer eggplant, Which is popular all over the world. The dish is originally from Sicily, and it contains remarkably few ingredients. It’s simple, straightforward, direct flavors that make it one of the most popular dishes in all of Italian cuisine. 

A Brief History of Sugo Alla Norma

Also commonly called Pasta Alla Norma, the dish was created in Sicily during the early 20th century. At the time, a local poet tried Suga Alla Norma for the first time. When he tasted the dish, he was incredibly impressed by it. He even compared it to one of the most popular operas and Italian History, “Norma,” by Bellini. Since that time, the dish has been called Sugo Alla Norma.

What Goes In the Pasta Dish?

So, if you decide to order this dish during your next trip to Italy, what should you expect? Of course, the foundational ingredient is pasta. Usually, the pasta serve would this dish is short, tubular, and rich. The most common noodles included in the dishes include sedanini and tortiglioni, but you may find rigatoni as well. After this, there are thin pieces of fried eggplant that add a silky, rich flavor to the dish itself. Finally, the dish includes tomato sauce and cheese. It’s made of sauce may include basil and garlic along with red pepper flakes for some added spice. Ricotta cheese is usually the cheese of choice for this dish. You might even want to pair this dish with a delicious glass of red wine!

Enjoy a Serving of Sugo Alla Norma During Your Next Trip To the Italian Peninsula

Even though there are lots of pasta dishes included in Italian cuisine, this is one of the most popular examples. If you haven’t tried eggplant before, this may be a nice introduction to this unique plant! Do not hesitate to branch out and try several pasta dishes to see what you like! Italian pasta is popular for a reason, and your taste buds will thank you!

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What Should You Do During Your Trip To Venice?

Do you have a trip to Italy coming up? If so, you might be swinging by Venice. Of course, Venice is known for its beautiful water canals, delicious food, and amazing tourist attractions. Even though you should certainly sign up for one of the famous boat tours, there are several important sites you should not overlook. What are some of the hallmarks of Venice you should see on your next trip?

St. Mark’s Basilica

Without a doubt, this is the most popular attraction in Venice. It is the most famous building in the city, and it has served as an architectural inspiration for countless other buildings all over the world. It has stood since 1092 and is one of the most important locations in Northern Italy to the state. Pay attention to the artwork, amazing sculptures, and unparalleled attention to detail. It contains numerous paintings from the Byzantine period, and it should not be missed during your trip.

The Canale Grande

Of course, the amazing city is lined with canals, but you should not miss the opportunity to head down the Canale Grande itself. Even though it is called a canal, it is much more like a river. It connects one side of the city to the other, and it has a large S shape to it, ensuring you can stop at multiple locations along the way. As you take a trip down the canal, make sure you pay attention to the amazing buildings that line it.

Venice Lido

When you have had your fill of the popular tourist attractions, swing by the Lido. This is a separate island, and it creates a barrier between the Adriatic Sea and Venice. This is a beautiful beach that is inhabited by approximately 20,000 people. There are plenty of locations for you to get away from the crowd, kick back, and relax. Then, you can swing by some of the shops and restaurants to grab a bite to eat!

Get Ready for Your Trip To Venice

These are a few of the most important sites you should see during your next trip to Venice. This is one of the most popular locations in all of Italy, and there is always something fun to do. Do not pass up on the opportunity to try some delicious Italian food as well! It is like nothing you have ever eaten before. 

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Limoncello: A Classic Italian After Dinner Beverage

Have you ever taken a trip to Italy? If so, there is a chance that you may have been given a complimentary glass of limoncello after the meal. This is one of the most popular drinks in all of Italy, and you might find it on the shelves of local stores as well. The recipe is remarkably straightforward. ;imoncello is an Italian liqueur. It is made from lemon zest, water, sugar, and alcohol. Even though different alcohols might be used, one of the most popular is vodka. What do you need to know about this drink, and why is it so popular? 

Where Did Limoncello Come From?

So, where did limoncello come from? Even though the exact origins are unknown, the common belief throughout Italy is that the drink originated in a house located in Capri somewhere during the early 20th century. Locals used to grow oranges and lemons to create drinks for their guests. Following the end of World War Two, bars opened in this part of the country with limoncello as an option for guests. Even though Capri is commonly associated with limoncello, the drink is also closely associated with Sorrento, Positano, and the rest of the Amalfi Coast. Even though each town has its own specific recipe for this drink, it is common throughout all of Italy. 

How Should You Enjoy Limoncello?

Typically, this drink is served after a meal. For example, you may be given a class after dinner. Usually, the drink is served in a small ceramic dish. Even though it is remarkably sweet, the tart flavor belies its very high alcohol content. It is not intended to be taken as a shot. You should sip the drink slowly, savoring every drop. Furthermore, the drink can be mixed into a few cocktails, but it is usually enjoyed straight. 

You May Find it as an Ingredient in Desserts

Because the drink is so popular throughout Italy, it is commonly included as an ingredient in desserts. For example, lots of people love cheesecake, gelato, and pound cake made with this popular liquor. If you ever take a trip to Capri or the Amalfi Coast, you may be given some limoncello after a meal. Then, when you fall in love with it like everybody else, you may want to take a bottle of limoncello back with you to share with your family members and friends! 

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3159 E Lincoln Dr
Phoenix , AZ 85016
Phone: 602.381.3159

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Credit for most photos: Kay W. Eskridge: Images By Kay

Our Hours

Lunch
TBD.
Dinner
Mon – Sat: 4pm–9pm
Saturday Dinner: 4pm–9pm

Sunday Closed

Happy Hour
Mon – Fri: 4:00pm–6:00pm
No happy hour on Saturdays

Holiday Closures: New Year's Day, Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, sometimes Christmas Eve (call to check), Christmas Day

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