The menu is a lineup of homey comfort foods. The Parmesan chicken is fabulous, with its juicy meat, crackly bread-crumb crust and creamy roasted garlic smashed potatoes. Salmon, always perfectly cooked, is paired with white beans and buttery green beans. Pasta creations include a simple penne with fresh broccoli and red pepper flakes, satisfying baked ziti, and rich, meaty Bolognese sauce. Risotto is usually cooked to al dente creaminess.
Salads are sensational.
I love the La Taverna jumble of bitter greens, Gorgonzola cheese and matchsticks of green apple. The house salad is dressed up with pine nuts and a savory balsamic vinaigrette. Anyone who skips dessert at La Taverna is a fool. Vitale whips up astonishingly good layer cakes each day. Brownies and bar cookies are equally amazing.