Lauro Kitchen   

Spanish, Moroccan, Italian, Greek and Middle Eastern flavors are captured in this neighborhood restaurant's seasonally changing menu, while a bounty of fresh, locally-grown produce and meats takes the taste sensation to a higher level. Moderately low prices and an accessible menu that includes pizza, burgers and french fries as well as more refined dishes give this polished yet comfortable restaurant true cache as a neighborhood destination. An inviting open kitchen with a gas-fired pizza oven and dining counter creates a sense of community, while tables and low booths provide more intimate conversation. Innovative lighting and structural elements define a small bar area. Creative presentations and generous portions add to the appeal of Lauro's menu. Appetizer highlights include crispy calamari with Portuguese piri pir sauce, mussels in a zingy tomato and chourico sausage sauce, and skewered stone fruits stuffed with gorgonzola, wrapped with pancetta and finished at 700 F degrees. Entrees include wild mushroom and gorgonzola pizza, and chicken Tagine, an intense taste sensation of Marcona almonds, intriguing house-preserved lemons and olives folded into a bed of couscous. For dessert, the Portuguese flan tastes remarkably like creme caramel. An exceptional 32-bottle wine list and changing list of eight to 10 wines by the glass encompass the same region as the food. Lauro House wines are an exceptional value.