No need to mince
words: Life will
be difficult for
the next several
weeks as we all
adapt, adjust and
sacrifice to serve
our roles in social
distancing to help preserve public
health.
Few businesses will bear this burden
more strongly than the local ones —
namely restaurants, which (as of now)
are mandated to provide only takeout
and/or delivery service statewide.
I have no interest in badgering or
browbeating anyone into a decision
they cannot, or do not, wish to make.
I ask only that those with the means
and inclination consider supporting
local restaurants during this time.
It will be exciting to explore and
discover new recipes at home. But
the food and fellowship restaurants
provide will be crucial to comforting
our communities as social activity
spins back up again. (This month’s
featured restaurant is among many
providing community meals. Details
are available at www.facebook.com/
lascalalafayette.) Whether through
patronage now or gift certificates to
use at a later date, you can help such
restaurants survive.
[widgetkit id=”137″ name=”2020-02 La Scala”]
Right about now, I’d describe the
aesthetic of an eating environment. As
efficient and eccentrically decorated
as it is, our dining room is of little
interest. The main appeal was circling
back around to food from La Scala —
one of Lafayette’s longest-running
downtown restaurants. Since
2000, the Serrano family
has served up farm-fresh
fixtures of Italian
cuisine and inventive
spins on noodle
staples.
The Pumpkin Mac
and Cheese is
among the latter
— a savory swirl
of Smoking Goose
pancetta, sage,
caramelized onions,
spiced pecans and a
pumpkin cream sauce.
Topped with mozzarella and
baked with a crispy crown, it’s
a hearty dish that won’t leave you
feeling too hefty. Seeking something
more traditional? The Lasagna Platter
offers a sizable slab of meat, spinach
and cheese blended with tomato
cream and a basil pesto cream.
We started with a Stuffed Focaccia
appetizer. These dainty, but not
overly doughy, delights are handstuffed
with mozzarella, then baked
and served with marinara sauce. After
letting the entrees settle, we split
a Flourless Chocolate Torte — one
of several gluten-free options on
the menu, a dense dark-chocolate
delicacy drizzled with sprinkles.
Plenty was left over for another
meal. But oh, our bag held another
smaller container. Did we forget a
side? Did they throw in extra sautéed
vegetables to accompany the lasagna?
Inside, a pesto ravioli dish that we
did not order but were nevertheless
excited to sample — a delicious little
something extra … and a symbolic
reminder of comfort to be found in
challenging times.
IF YOU GO
- La Scala
- lascalaitalianrestaurant.com
- 312 Main St.
- Lafayette, IN
- 765-420-8171
Hours
- Lunch: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Mondays through Fridays
- Dinner: 5 to 9 p.m., Mondays through
Thursdays, and 5 to 9:30 p.m., Fridays
and Saturdays
