The Annadale eatery boasts a menu that's daring and a staff that pays attention to detail at nearly every turn. Ralph Waldo Emerson once observed, "A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds." However, in so many aspects of life, consistency is something to be striven for, a virtue. And when you can spice up that consistency by adding a dash of panache, well then you're talking about things really special. During the wa...

The Annadale eatery boasts a menu that's daring and a staff that pays attention to detail at nearly every turn. Ralph Waldo Emerson once observed, "A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds." However, in so many aspects of life, consistency is something to be striven for, a virtue. And when you can spice up that consistency by adding a dash of panache, well then you're talking about things really special. During the warm weather patrons may eat outside, but the dining room with its warm wood, gilded mirrors and attractive lighting fixtures is just too inviting to pass up. Upon being seated diners are presented with hunks of deliciously sharp Parmeggiano Reggiano from a large wheel as well as a small dish with pieces of eggplant.

Add in a breadbasket and a dish of virgin olive oil and you have a wonderful way to pass the time as you consider the menu's myriad of possibilities. Among the appetizers, the antipasto caldo is a mini smorgasbord of treats. Diners can sample eggplant rollatini, a baked clam, a stuffed mushroom as well as roasted peppers, zuchinni and a shrimp. They're all so good that no clear-cut winner emerges. Another delicious starter is the classic mozzarella en carozza, which features three large wedges of the cheese encased in bread that is then dipped in egg and flash fried. The taste is memorable and while there are hundreds of ways to prepare this dish at Angelina's the bread carries as much weight as the mozzarella.