Tucci’s Cucina Italiana

He said:

Tucci’s Cucina Italiana occupies the front portion of the brick “Trolley Corners” building just across the street from Trolley Square. The building, which appears to be largely vacant of other tenants, possesses the charm of an old building, though it is actually younger than I am. It’s billed as having a “unique rustic style with exposed brick and open ceilings”.

We arrived late in the lunch hour and had the dining room almost to ourselves. The manager told us that some days are like that, while others can be quite hectic. We received regular menus, not lunch menus, which meant that though we had plenty of options, our bill ran higher than we typically like for lunch. When Kathy complained about our wobbly table, we moved to a smaller two-person booth. I didn’t like the wobble either, but I would have liked a bit more elbow room.

I deliberated between ordering the Fonduta or the Bruschetta for a starter. The waiter recommended the Bruschetta, and I’m glad he did. It was fabulous! Tomatoes, scallions, garlic, and basil sat atop a layer of melted mozzarella cheese on the lightly toasted—but still soft—baguette slices. A drizzle of tangy balsamic vinegar striped each slice. I delighted in each distinct flavor, while relishing the impeccable balance between them. I think I could have noshed all day on just the Bruschetta.

For my entrée, I ordered the Arrezio, a penne dish with red and green peppers, artichokes, onion, and garlic, with a fire-roasted red pepper pesto pine nut sauce. I’m not sure I tasted all those ingredients in the sauce, but I found it creamy and savory. And orange. Like, Cheetos-orange. It was quite tasty, even if the color surprised me a bit. A meager, uninspiring grilled chicken breast topped the pasta. I guess it let them check the protein box, but I think the pasta would have been just as satisfying by itself.

She said:

Tucci’s feels like a friendly, neighborhood restaurant with touches of old-world Italian flair. Live plants hang and perch from walls and shelves. Garlic braids suspend from a beam. Vintage cans of tomatoes, escargots, and other ingredients and boxed bottles of San Pellegrino serve as decorations here and there, along with framed black and white photos of people who I assumed might be the restaurant owners’ ancestors. There’s a relaxed vibe about the dining area. The cozy booths felt intimate (which I think is better than having extra elbow room).

Now, about the food: the Bruschetta was excellent, as was my Calzone Tuscano, to which I had them add artichoke hearts and fresh tomatoes. The crust was golden, the center filled with gooey mozzarella, pepperoni, onions, and more. I really enjoyed it, but I wished the sauce had been mixed in with the filling, rather than served on the side.

Delizioso!

I found it ironic and amusing that Italian-American crooners—Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, and others—belted Christmas tunes in the background. I couldn’t tell if it was thematically intentional or just a coincidence.

Conclusion:

We found much to enjoy about Tucci’s (Brian is still dreaming about the Bruschetta). A lunch menu (with lunch prices) would have improved our experience. We had pleasant service and generous portions.