Now That’s Italian!
Ariccia Cucina Italiano impresses with its classic, central Italian cuisine.
By Jan Walsh
Ariccia Cucina Italiana is Auburn’s Italian restaurant, which opened in 2001 in partnership with Auburn University and its sister campus in Ariccia, Italy. Here Executive Chef Marc Osier executes Italian excellence, incorporating fresh seasonal products, house made focaccia, wood fired pizzas, Italian cheeses, and Italian meats, including their signature Porchetta.
Having previously enjoyed Porchetta Pizza at its sister eatery, Pizzeria Ariccia in Hey Day Market, Food Hall and Meeting Place, I know that Kev will love the porchetta. So today we are having a leisurely date lunch at Ariccia Cucina Italiano, which is located inside The Hotel at Auburn University. We are seated in a round banquette overlooking the restaurant and with a view of the semi open kitchen. What a beautiful place! Soft, warm natural light fills this pristine restaurant and bar area. Mirrored columns, dotted about the space, further reflect the light as well as various angles of Ariccia. The dining room wraps around to its spacious bar area with TVs at each end, allowing patrons to game watch from the best 50-yard line seats. Adjacent to the restaurant is Piccolo, a club style, classy jazz lounge with live music on the weekends. I have previously had drinks with friends here, and can attest it is the place to unwind and make the day go away.
On first glance of at their 1,500 bottle wine cellar offerings, we spot our favorite Champagne, Delamotte. So, we excitedly order a bottle and toast our date lunch. Light gold in color, Delamotte whispers clean and fruity notes of white flower, citrus, and lemon. It is fresh and round with a lovely mousse.
From their daily brunch menu, we order Roasted Carrot Hummus and Caesar Salad. I love to dip carrots in hummus, so why not just include them in it? The hummus is scrumptious, made of roasted carrots, white beans and lemon oil. Well done, Chef Marc. And the Caesar is served in a large bowl that lends itself to sharing on salad plates. Perfection is knowing when to stop, and the romaine is lightly dressed with a classic dressing, which highlights the crispness of the romaine, the crunchiness of the croutons, and the pungent notes of the parmesan. Highly recommended!
For entrees, Kev has the Chicken Parmesan Sandwich, and I opt for the Ravioli Autunnali. Kev’s sandwich is overfilled with a generous hand breaded chicken breast and piled on with pomodoro sauce, mozzarella, mixed greens and is served with piping hot fries, which I can’t resist stealing. Yikes! I ordered this big bowl of ravioli crowned with rounds of porchetta? Kev happily accepts my offer to share what he calls the best “ham” ever! I don’t disagree. Between the porchetta and a bed of roasted butternut squash puree, are plump butternut squash stuffed raviolis, crisp arugula, crushed pistachios, and grana padano. This dish speaks autumn with an Italian accent! Don’t miss it this fall.
I am not a fan of tiramisu. There, I said it. Some restaurants do it well. Yet more often, it is just a mushy mess. But Tiramisu Cheesecake? Now you are speaking my language. We order the cheesecake and Gelato. This dreamy dessert layers cocoa, creamy yet light cheesecake, and espresso-soaked lady fingers into one tidy and tasty dish. And the three flavors of gelato are just as delightful. The chocolate is the best I have ever tasted anywhere, deep, dark, and divine. The same gelato is also available in Hey Day Market at Saint Bernardo Gelateria. From our friendly and professional welcome and service to the last sweet bite of dessert, we are wowed by Ariccia Cucina Italiano!
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