So clearly the only logical thing to do when trying to “get back on track” with mindful eating and maintaining a healthy routine despite the celebratory nature of summer is to go out for Italian food.
Bread, pasta, pizza, wine…oh isn’t Italian cuisine divine? [Seriously, I did not even intend for that to rhyme. 12 points for innate creativity to me.]
But not always good for your…waistline. (?)
Oh well, no worries. I managed to avoid ordering a plate of meat. Which I was seriously tempted to do. Instead I ate a bowl of marinara sauce. Also, quite a logical choice. But let’s start from the very beginning (a very good place to start).
Despite it having some of the cheesiest local television advertising in Austin (so sorry, but it’s true) Mandola’s Italian Market had been recommended to me a number of times as the best place to go for truly delicious Italian food. Located in “the Triangle” of Austin, the entire ambience and decor of the place transports you from the modern high-rise-eqsue feeling the surrounding architecture is aiming for, and puts you in Italy.
OK, I’ve never been to Italy, so I don’t know. And that was an incredibly far-reaching statement. Let’s just say the outside patio is quite pleasantly adorned with twinkling string lights and brick walls. (There was also a fountain.)
And the tables! So precious.
Inside, however, well…that is what was truly magical. (If you think market stalls, giant jars of olives and assorted pickled vegetables, as well as fresh baked bread and cookies are the stuff of dreams, that is. Also, the first thing you see upon entrance is an entire display of giant bottle of Nutella. Welcome, home, my child.)
There is something about the words “cured meats” that makes my heart flutter. [When I saw the affettati antipasti platter, that basically consisted of such meats...as well as some olives...I literally almost walked up to the counter and said, "Please bring the plate of meat!"]
And there was a big pig. He was my favorite.
(Kind of creepy when you think about the fact that he stands directly across from the cured meat counter, as though reminding you that that delicious proscuitto you just ordered came from a cute and loveable pig wearing a chef’s hat and apron.)
Speaking of proscuitto, on our table was this beautiful Parma Pizza: thin, but pliable enough to bend, crust, topped with mozzarella, provolone, proscuitto, arugula, shave Parmesan, and a lemon vinaigrette.
Focaccia bread! (Not nearly as exciting as the accesorized version sold at the market counter, but hey, this stuff was free.)
After deciding that the plate of meat was probably not the best plan (at least this time….next time, maybe?), I went with the Minestrone soup, since I had read a few reviews heralding the soup’s yumminess.
It was incredible. Perfectly seasoned, with HUGE chunks of veggies (I did use my fork at some points)…and I ate every last drop.
You know what else I ate all of? That bowl of marinara sauce.
I ordered it on the side because I wanted to try the sauce. (You know how I feel about sauces.) It was so good, I just decided that even the bread was getting in my way. Out came the spoon. Down went the sauce.
It’s just like eating tomato soup, right?
[Don't worry, I did not use a spoon to eat all of the herb olive oil.]
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
i love it
If marinara is a good one, I would totally eat it as a soup. With some breadsticks for dipping!
Just discovered your blog!
Ha ha, eating a bowl of marinara is something I would totally do, too! Have you tried Paesana marinara sauce before? I've been known to eat it with a spoon straight out of the jar! It's just that good.
hahaha – I made homemade pizza sauce a month or so ago and I caught myself eating it by the spoonful. It was sooooooooo delicious. I couldn't stop myself.
oh wow. I have never been there. now I have to.