Sides include french fries, nuggets of fried okra, and onion rings in a sweet, crisp tangle. Open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Saturday. Dining at Trattoria Fantastica is like visiting a lively Italian village, complete with colorful characters, noisy conversations and hearty comfort food. In short, any time you want good food in the comfort of someone else's home. The antipasti roster includes terrific calamari fritti and fat, crusty bruschetta topped with juicy tomatoes and herbs.
Salads are big, fresh and well dressed.
I can think of no tastier adventure than to eat my way through the 20-plus pasta offerings. I love the Penne alla Norma with roasted eggplant, tomatoes and ricotta cheese, and the spunky Conchiglie Piccanti with prosciutto, artichokes and sun-dried tomatoes. Lunch and dinner daily. The name and the look may have changed, but the best thing about this restaurant, the breathtaking view, has not. Gone are the red and black and the gilt cherubs of times past.