Ornella's Fall Pasta is Here

Even though I love, love, love the summer, the fall is also a nice time, due to the comforting dishes we get to indulge in.  No excuses!  You'll notice a lot of restaurants in the nabe changing up their menus and offering heartier dishes that as diners, we flock to.

Ornella, one of my dear Astoria faves always does a great job of being conscious of the seasons and has recently rolled out their fall pasta specials, which change daily.  What to expect here?

Fresh pasta with all sorts of meaty ragus - wild boar, oxtail, pork, lamb, venison.  I've literally tried them all and choosing a favorite is no easy feat , but if I have to I'd go with the wild boar, which is slow cooked, fragrant and just warms your bones.

If you're a veggie, don't worry, there's a whole vegetarian pasta menu you can take advantage of too - check it out here.  

And just to give testament to the incredible fresh pasta here, just watch my friend Giuseppe make their famous corzetti.  Buon appetito and happy Fall!

Ornella Trattoria -17 23rd Avenue, Astoria NY 11105
718.777.94
N/Q Train to Ditmars Blvd (last stop)
www.ornellatrattoria.com

Ornella Extends $10 Pasta Special, Monday - Thursday

Fun news Astorians - the much loved, pasta haven Ornella is starting off the new year by extending their $10 pasta special throughout the week.  What that means is that every Monday - Thursday, you can virtually get any pasta or risotto dish during lunch and dinner for just $10.  How spectacular, especially if you're on a budget.

If you haven't yet been to Ornella and experienced their pasta goodies, here are some of my personal recommendations.

Imbustata (pictured above) - By far the most popular dish on the menu, it consists of a pasta envelope stuffed with roasted veal, chicken, wild mushrooms, mozzarella, spinach, mascarpone cheese and tomato sauce.  Mamma mia!

Pasta Gone Nuts - An innovative chestnut pasta, dressed with a fragrant pistachio sauce that's also topped with truffle oil.

Pappardelle with Oxtail - For something meatier, which is just perfect during winter, Ornella's homemade pappardelle is tossed with tender oxtail in a rich broth that not only has meat but mushrooms too.

Vegetarian Risotto - Not your typical rice, cheese and meat combo, this one contains sophisticated sweet and savory ingredients such as sharp gorgonzola cheese, sweet pears, and peppery radicchio. Yum!

Enjoy these delicacies and the incredible savings.

Ornella Trattoria Italiana - 29-17 23rd Avenue, Astoria NY 11105
718.777.9477
N/Q Train to Ditmars Blvd (last stop)
www.ornellatrattoria.com

Fun (and Affordable) Specials at Ornella

Ornella, one of my favorite places to have a homemade Italian meal is running two fabulous specials on Mondays and Thursdays. They're both very affordable, presenting a great opportunity to treat yourself to great food on the weekdays. And given their generous portions, you might have some leftovers to last you into the weekend.

Mondays:

Vegetarian Night - All vegetarian dishes are $10 from 6 p.m. - 11 p.m.

Thursdays:

Pick Your Pasta Night - Any pasta on the menu is just $10 from 6 p.m. - 11 p.m.

Enjoy these specials with friends, a loved one or go solo and soak up the warm atmosphere.

Ornella Trattoria Italiana
29-17 23rd Avenue, Astoria NY 11105

718.777.9477
N/W Train to Ditmars Blvd (last stop)
www.ornellatrattoria.com