I headed to Santa Lucia Trattoria in Swinger Hill for a weekday lunch with a work colleague. Entry is through the side where there is a rather large outdoor dining area. Tables are covered in red and white checked tablecloths. The only thing missing was some Italian music playing in the background.
The menu is the same as its Kingston restaurant so I knew what I wanted to try – the Paglia e Fieno ($19.50), a ‘straw and hay’ homemade egg and spinach spaghetti with mushrooms, peas and bacon in a light creamy sauce. I really enjoyed this dish. The spaghetti was fresh and thick (think udon noodle thick). I thought the peas were a great accompaniment to the overall dish. Surprisingly, the creamy sauce was very light and there was just enough to cover the spaghetti. It didn’t leave that sick feeling in my stomach like other creamy pastas do. Towards the end of the meal, I found my palate getting a bit salty but that’s more due to the bacon than anything else.
My work colleague ordered the lunch special of risotto with chicken, sundried tomatoes and mushrooms. The lunch special was $13.90 and included bread and a glass of wine or soft drink. He was pleased with his dish and said it was a good risotto. His drink never arrived but he wasn’t fussed in asking for it.
The lunch special menu
I couldn’t go past the ‘Dolci’ menu (desserts), and ordered the zuppa inglese ($11) to share – a trifle of chocolate and vanilla custard, sponge and a touch of liqueur. It literally translates into ‘English Soup’ and is apparently called ‘zuppa’ as the sponge or lady fingers are dipped into a liqueur first.
This came in a huge glass and I was glad it was shared between 2. There was hardly any sponge and I certainly couldn’t taste any liqueur. The custard was very rich and not as smooth as I expected. I came across a few tiny ‘chunks’ that obviously hadn’t been mixed through enough to give that nice velvety consistency.
There was so much custard that the two of us couldn’t finish it all. Though not the best dessert I’ve had, it didn’t taste bad (I am being picky). I think this dessert will be a huge hit with the kiddies. The lunch specials at $13.90 are great value for money. I’d definitely go back to try out more pastas.
Foodgasm 7/10