PTT Picks: La Madonnina

With friends in town, they were looking for something other than French food for dinner (because after four days of constant butters and creams, they wanted a change). Our first choice was booked so we hunted for another. Luckily, we chose La Madonnina. Being in the 10th arrondissement, it's not as accessible as other restaurants closer to home. But a quick jump on the metro to the Republique stop takes only 20 minutes - and it's well worth the trip (so much so, in fact, we return at least once a month).

When you first walk through their doors, they welcome you with open arms (to which my partner pointed out is so unFrench. The menu is simple and rotates once a month. Look for the Gnochi or Lasagna - my favorites. And if you like Tiramasu, they've got a doozy. Melanie, Gianni or Alex will accomodate you in any way possible. And if I had to chose, Alex would serve us everytime. He's hot with a smile that melts the parm right out of what I call the "cheese tamborine." It makes sprinkling fun!

Because I don't like smoke (and we still eat on American time), we usually make reservations around 8. After that, it begins to get a bit thick. They do, however, have a non-smoking room. But as most European restuarants, it's stuck in the back with not much of a view. Then again, you do get to see Alex walking back and forth more often as the kitchen is right behind you!

10, rue Marie et Louise
(+33) 01 42 01 25 26
10th arrondissement
Open 12:30 - 2: 30 p.m., 8 - 11 p.m. Mon. - Thursday
Open 12:30 - 2: 30 p.m., 8 - 11:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday
Closed Sundays and all of August