Citysearch Editorial Profile
Decidedly Upscale Food in a Warm, Inviting Atmosphere
Citysearch Editorial Profile
By Wendy Webb
The Scene
Walk into La Grolla, and you’ll feel as though you’ve stumbled upon a family-owned restaurant in the Tuscan hills – decidedly upscale food in a warm, inviting atmosphere. There’s none of the cool pretension you’ll find at many other trendy Italian restaurants in the Twin Cities. Instead, you’ll get a welcoming feel from the the distressed yellow stucco walls, the long marble bar that invites lingering over a glass of wine, friendly service, and generous portions of food and wine. Dress up or down — shorts and t-shirts dine alongside the Prada here.
The Food
If there’s such a thing as gourmet home cooking, you’ll find it here. The kitchen turns out a pleasing mix of adventurous dishes and Italian comfort food. Winners include fork-tender gnocchi in a rich, mild cheese sauce and rigatoni in a hearty tomato sauce, brimming with chicken or beef. An appetizer special, grilled asparagus with polenta, pairs the smoky taste of the grill with a warm, tangy gorgonzola sauce.
Know Before You Go
Try the specials. Owner-Chef Antonio Tettamanzi is known for whipping up interesting dishes with whatever he has on hand.
What to Drink
Try the restaurant’s namesake drink. La Grolla is a "friendship cup," a communal sipping cup that contains coffee and grappa, a traditional Italian liqueur. It’s designed to be passed among friends.
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