La Scala (Baltimore, MD)

There are many things to enjoy in Baltimore’s Little Italy, and La Scala is definitely one of them.  It was not the only restaurant in Little Italy that I tried, but it was the best.

I should have known when we they couldn’t accomodate our group on short notice the first night.  Several nights later, with only a party of two, we did get a table, and it was excellent.  I didn’t see one empty table.  Servers were busy, but accomodating; if you are staying nearby they will even send a shuttle to pick you up.

The menu had a large variety of options, meaty and vegetarian.  The Penne All’ Arrabiata was spicy and wonderful. The pesto tasted of the essence of basil itself, green and fragrant, it was exquisite.  The Pane Gorgonzola was a delightful dish and not something you see everyday, although I certainly plan to replicate it myself at home.  All of the bread I tried was crusty, good, and fresh.

I always enjoy a surprise at a restaurant, and at La Scala it was definitely the green beans.  Before even bread was brought to the table the server delivered a little plate without saying a word.  There were two small pieces of red potato and a heap of garlicky green beans.  It was a delightful little dish, spicy and refreshing, a great snack to sort of whet your appetite before a fantastic meal.