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Tuscan Dining in Temecula

Tuscan Dining in Temecula: A Walk Through a Traditional Tuscan Sunday Supper

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Tuscan Dining in Temecula: A Walk Through a Traditional Tuscan Sunday Supper 

The warmth of a Tuscan Sunday supper is an unforgettable experience deeply rooted in family traditions, authentic flavors, and the joy of good company. It’s not just a meal. It’s a celebration of community and culinary craftsmanship. At Trattoria Toscana, this cherished tradition shines through their commitment to authentic Tuscan cuisine brought to life in Temecula. 

The Essence of a Tuscan Sunday Supper 

Tuscan Dining in Temecula

Enjoy Tuscan dining in Temecula!

Gathering around the table for a Tuscan Sunday supper is more than dining; it’s an opportunity to connect and share stories over mouthwatering, rustic dishes. Trattoria Toscana captures this essence by creating an atmosphere that feels like home, infused with the rich flavors of Tuscany.

Family and Community 

At the heart of every Tuscan Sunday, supper is the sense of togetherness. Families gather around the table, sharing stories, laughter, and multi-course meals with love and care poured into every bite. It’s about much more than eating. It’s about connection—a principle that defines the Tuscan way of life. 

Slow Cooking and Simple, Quality Ingredients 

Tuscans take their time cooking a Sunday supper. They don’t rush this cuisine. Each recipe celebrates high-quality, seasonal ingredients prepared to allow their natural flavors to shine. From slow-simmered sauces to freshly baked bread, Tuscan cooking shows genuine respect for ingredients and the family it nourishes. 

A Culinary Journey 

A traditional Tuscan Sunday supper unfolds like a symphony, each course building on the one before it to create an unforgettable experience. 

Antipasti 

 

The meal often begins with antipasti to awaken the palate. Think velvety burrata paired with ripe, juicy tomatoes or house-made bruschetta topped with fresh basil, garlic, and olive oil. Charcuterie boards overflowing with Tuscan meats, cheeses, and olives are also common. 

Primi Piatti (First Course) 

The first course features pasta. Decadent sauces like wild boar ragu or earthy mushroom cream often accompany handmade pappardelle, delicate ravioli, or hearty gnocchi. Every bite feels like a warm Tuscan afternoon. 

Secondi Piatti (Second Course) 

Next comes the star attraction on the table. Intermingling perfectly with local traditions, dishes include tender roasted lamb drizzled in myrtle berry balsamic reduction or chicken simmered gently in lemon, white wine, and caper sauce. These dishes represent the pinnacle of Tuscan simplicity elevated by perfect execution. 

Contorni (Side Dishes) 

No Tuscan meal is complete without its accompaniments. Seasonal vegetables, sautéed or grilled with olive oil and garlic, bring a fresh balance to the heartier flavors. Think vibrant roasted zucchini or a crisp salad drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette. 

The Perfect Pairing With Tuscan Wine 

Tuscan Dining in Temecula

Enjoy fine wines and Tuscan dining in Temecula!

Wine is an inseparable part of the Tuscan dining experience. A luscious Chianti or a bold Brunello di Montalcino pairs beautifully with rich pasta dishes and roasted meats, while a crisp Vernaccia is an ideal companion to lighter courses. The interplay of Tuscan flavors and wines creates a meal and an authentic sensory experience. 

Bringing Tuscany to Your Table 

The beauty of a Tuscan Sunday supper is that you can bring its spirit into your home. Start by focusing on high-quality, seasonal ingredients. Plan a simple, multi-course menu and take your time cooking with love and intention. Above all, gather loved ones around your table to share the joy of food and community. 

If you’d rather escape the kitchen, Temecula offers its slice of Tuscany. Trattoria Toscana’s homemade pasta, authentic antipasti, and expertly paired wines invite you to experience the warmth and tradition of Tuscan dining. 

Taste the Spirit of Tuscany 

 

Creating the magic of a Tuscan Sunday supper is about slowing down and savoring the moment. Whether at home or visiting Trattoria Toscana, these timeless meals capture the essence of connection, incredible food, and cherished traditions. Book a table today and immerse yourself in authentic Tuscan dining in Temecula. Buon appetite! 

Housemade Pasta

Savor the Difference: Housemade Pasta at Trattoria Toscana

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There is a quality to homemade things that transcends the sum of their parts. Whether it’s a knitted scarf, a personalized birthday card, or a golden-brown loaf of bread fresh from the oven, the care and craft put into making something by hand imbue it with a layer of richness and authenticity that mass-produced counterparts often cannot match. In the cozy corner of Temecula, the distinctly housemade touch of Trattoria Toscana‘s pasta can turn an ordinary meal into an extraordinary experience.

The Art of Housemade Pasta

Crafting housemade pasta by hand is not a rushed endeavor; it’s an exercise in tradition, patience, and love for the culinary craft. Chef Pietro Cinus at Trattoria Toscana embodies this dedication daily, taking the finest durum wheat and water and, through a delicate process of kneading, rolling, and cutting, creating pasta that sings with an unmistakable freshness. The result is more than just sustenance; it’s a celebration of flavor and texture that brings diners back to the roots of Italian cuisine.

The process of creating fresh pasta is an art form in itself. Selecting the right flour and eggs or water, one combines and kneads the ingredients to attain the perfect elasticity. Skilled hands and traditional equipment then handled each batch to form the myriad shapes and styles that Italian pasta is renowned for. Once boiled to perfection, the end product is a canvas for sauces and accompaniments, prepared to capture and complement every flavor.

Housemade PastaTaste Temecula’s Finest

At Trattoria Toscana, pasta perfection is not just a goal. It’s a promise woven into every part of the dining experience. The commitment to using local, seasonal ingredients means that each bite of their homemade pasta reflects the region’s bounty, prepared with Temecula’s freshest produce. This dedication to locality and seasonality ensures that every plate leaves the kitchen accurately represents the Italian philosophy of ‘cucina povera,’ or ‘peasant cooking,’ highlighting the ingredients’ natural flavors through simple yet precise methods.

From the delicate ravioli to the hearty pappardelle, each pasta dish at Trattoria Toscana is a labor of love, paired with sauces that have simmered to perfection, be it the velvety richness of a Bolognese or the lightness of an olive oil and herb drizzle. The menu is a testament to the versatility and vibrancy of fresh pasta, offering a variety of dishes that cater to the archetypal and adventurous palates alike.

Indulge in Temecula’s Taste

The dedication to the craft of fresh pasta extends to the dishes themselves, with an array of choices that are as appealing to the eye as they are to the taste buds. Indulge in the creamy, earthy tones of the Gnocchi Alla Gorgonzola or the robust depth of the Pappardelle Al Cinghiale, a tomato based sauce with wild boar. For seafood lovers, the Linguine Tutto Mare promises a medley of fresh catches, while the Ravioli Filet, generously filled with a blend of meats, hints at a sumptuous experience.

Trattoria Toscana doesn’t just serve pasta; it encapsulates the Italian sense of indulgence and togetherness, where every meal is an event to be savored and shared.

Reserve Your Table Today

The world moves increasingly fast, but the time-honored tradition of crafting fresh pasta by hand remains a beacon of careful, considered preparation. In the heart of Temecula, Trattoria Toscana invites you to step into a realm where every twirl of your fork offers a taste of yesteryear, prepared and presented with the passion and genuine care that makes dining an experience to remember.

Make your way to 41789 Nicole Lane B1. Your table is ready, and the freshest homemade pasta awaits your arrival. 

Come savor the difference for yourself!

fresh italian

Fresh Italian in Temecula: A Feast of Authenticity at Trattoria Toscana

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Welcome to Trattoria Toscana, where the charm of fresh Italian cuisine in Temecula blends with the Tuscan-Sardinian-Italian culture. We strive to offer more than just a meal – an immersive experience steeped in the rich traditions of Italy, crafted with love, passion, and fresh ingredients. Our menu is a nod to Italy’s authentic flavors while incorporating modern twists and local produce.

Pasta: The Pillar of Our Cuisine

Our culinary journey begins with our pasta, made from scratch daily. As the backbone of our cuisine, our pasta is a testament to our commitment to freshness and authenticity. The delicate strands of linguine, the soft pillows of gnocchi, or the wide ribbons of pappardelle – each shape is a canvas ready to embrace our fresh sauces and ingredients.

Immerse yourself in an unforgettable dining experience as the tantalizing aromas waft from our kitchen while the pasta simmers to perfection. Let the vibrant colors and exquisite flavors transport you to the heart of Italy, where culinary delights await.

Sauces: The Soul of Italian Flavors

No pasta dish would be complete without a sauce that brings it to life. At Trattoria Toscana, our sauces are freshly prepared, using a medley of locally grown herbs and vegetables. Whether the classic tomato basil or the indulgent four-cheese, our sauces are the soul of our dishes, infusing each bite with a burst of fresh Italian in Temecula.

Vegetables: A Celebration of Local Produce

Our dishes are a tribute to the vibrant landscapes of Italy and our local farms. The crisp greens in our salads, the ripe tomatoes in our sauces, and the aromatic herbs in our dishes are all sourced locally. Each vegetable tells a story of the land it hails from, offering a symphony of freshness in every bite.

fresh italianHerbs: The Essence of Italian Cuisine

The essence of Italian cuisine lies in its use of herbs. From the aromatic basil to the robust rosemary, our herbs are handpicked for their freshness and flavor. They are the subtle threads that weave together the tapestry of our dishes, providing an undercurrent of flavor that makes each dish distinctively Italian.

A Symphony of Fresh Italian in Temecula

At Trattoria Toscana, our dedication to freshness extends beyond our ingredients. Our chef, Pietro Cinus, infuses his passion for food and wine into every dish he creates. Every element of our menu celebrates fresh Italian in Temecula, from homemade pasta to locally sourced vegetables.

Our charming location offers a dining experience and a journey into the heart of Italy. Whether you’re dining al fresco on our patio or celebrating a special occasion in our private room, we promise a memorable experience steeped in authenticity and passion.

Your Invitation to Trattoria Toscana

So, why wait? Embark on your culinary journey today. We promise a feast of authenticity, where every bite tells a story of tradition, passion, and freshness.

Reserve a table now and experience the charm of fresh Italian cuisine in Temecula at Trattoria Toscana!

italian pasta

Italian Pasta: Everything You Need to Know For A Masterful Dish

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Hello, fellow gastronomes! We’re about to take you through the heart of Italy’s beloved culinary tradition. At Trattoria Toscana, we strive to share the authentic flavors of our Tuscan-Sardinian roots with our customers. And what better way to do that than through the art of Italian pasta?

The Art of Freshly Made Pasta

The magic of Italian pasta starts with its creation. Our pasta is not just an ingredient—it’s a labor of love crafted daily using semolina flour, farm-fresh eggs, and pure water. This handcrafted approach gives our pasta dishes a unique texture and flavor, setting them apart.

A Symphony of Pasta Types

Italian pasta, renowned for its diverse shapes and sizes, encompasses a world of culinary possibilities. The range is captivating, from the delicate, twirling strands of spaghetti to the wide, velvety ribbons of pappardelle. At Trattoria Toscana, our passion for pasta is evident as we proudly present seven traditional types, each meticulously crafted to complement a distinct sauce or preparation method. Indulge in the rich heritage and artistry of Italian pasta-making with every bite. 

Join us as we invite you to savor the flavors that have delighted palates for generations—reserve your table today!

Pairing Pasta with Classic Italian Sauces

The beauty of Italian pasta lies in its versatility. It’s the perfect canvas for our classic Italian sauces, each one a melody of flavors that enhances the pasta. Whether it’s a vibrant tomato-basil sauce, a fragrant pesto, a hearty meat sauce, or a creamy four-cheese sauce, we’ve got a dish to tantalize your taste buds.

Italian Pasta Meets Seafood

For those of you who love the fruits of the sea, we have a delightful selection of seafood dishes. Prawns, clams, salmon, and lobster all find their way into our pasta dishes, creating a harmonious blend of land and sea. Our knowledgeable staff will happily help you choose the perfect wine to pair with your seafood pasta.

italian pasta

Meet Chef Pietro Cinus

Behind every great dish at Trattoria Toscana is our chef, Pietro Cinus. Born and raised in Sardinia, Pietro learned the secrets of Italian cooking from his mother. His passion for cooking and wine pairing led him to open Trattoria Toscana in 2013, where he continues to share his love for Italian cuisine with our guests.

The Trattoria Toscana Experience

When you dine at Trattoria Toscana, you’re not just having a meal but embarking on a culinary adventure. From our new Creekside Circle location with patio dining to our expanded menu, we aim to offer a unique and memorable culinary experience steeped in Tuscan-Sardinian-Italian tradition.

Join Us for an Authentic Italian Pasta Experience!

There’s a reason why Italian pasta is beloved all over the world—it’s a testament to Italy’s culinary genius, a symbol of its rich culture, and a celebration of simple ingredients transformed into something extraordinary. 

Indulge in the culinary delights of Italy at Trattoria Toscana, where every bite takes you on a flavorful journey—start yours with a freshly prepared meal at our Temecula location!

traditional pastas

The Best of Italian Gastronomy-Unforgettable Taste of Traditional Pastas

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At Trattoria Toscana, we pride ourselves on bringing the authentic taste of Italy to Temecula, CA. Our passion for traditional Italian cuisine is evident in every dish we serve, from our antipasti to desserts. But one thing truly sets us apart: our handmade pasta. In this blog post, we’ll take you on a journey through the world of Italian traditional pastas and share the joys of our freshly made pasta dishes.

A World of Pasta Possibilities

Italy is home to various pasta shapes and styles, each with its unique history and culinary tradition. At Trattoria Toscana, we focus on seven of the most beloved types of pasta, all crafted by hand using the finest ingredients:

  1. Linguine
  2. Spaghetti
  3. Pappardelle
  4. Gnocchi
  5. Gnocchetti Sardi
  6. Bucatini
  7. Rigatoni

Whether you’re craving the delicate strands of linguine or the hearty tubes of rigatoni, our menu offers a variety of options to satisfy your pasta desires.

 

Reserve a Table for a Tasty Italian Pasta Experience in Temecula, CA Today!

traditional pastasFreshly Made Pasta: The Secret to Unforgettable Flavor

What sets our traditional pastas apart from the rest? It’s all in the process. We make our pasta fresh daily, using only the highest-quality ingredients like semolina flour, farm-fresh eggs, and pure water. This dedication to quality ensures that every bite of our pasta is tender, flavorful, and perfectly al dente.

But it’s not just the pasta that makes our dishes memorable; it’s also the sauces we pair them with. At Trattoria Toscana, we offer four classic Italian sauces that complement our pasta beautifully:

  1. Tomato-Basil Sauce: A simple yet flavorful sauce made from ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, garlic, and olive oil. This sauce is perfect for those who love the taste of fresh, natural ingredients.
  2. Pesto Sauce: A rich, aromatic blend of fresh basil, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and extra-virgin olive oil. Pesto is a versatile sauce that pairs well with many pasta shapes.
  3. Meat Sauce: A hearty, savory sauce made from ground beef, tomatoes, onions, garlic, and Italian herbs. This sauce is ideal for a more robust and filling pasta dish.
  4. Four Cheese Sauce: A creamy, indulgent sauce made from a blend of four Italian cheeses, including Parmesan, Gorgonzola, Fontina, and Taleggio. This sauce adds a luxurious touch to any pasta dish.

These sauces are all made from scratch with fresh, high-quality ingredients, ensuring our pasta dishes deliver an unforgettable experience.

Discover Your Perfect Pasta Pairing

With so many delicious pasta and sauce options at Trattoria Toscana, you will find a combination that delights your taste buds. Whether you’re in the mood for the classic pairing of spaghetti and meat sauce or the indulgence of pappardelle with four cheese sauces, our menu offers something for everyone.

To fully appreciate the authentic taste of Italian cuisine, we invite you to join us at Trattoria Toscana for an unforgettable meal. For an extra treat, check out our upcoming events, such as live music nights or wine tastings!

 

Reserve your table today and experience the magic of our freshly made pasta for yourself!

Pappardelle Con Funghi dish

Trattoria Toscana’s Pappardelle Con Funghi – A Must-Try Dish for Italian Food Lovers

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Trattoria Toscana, located in Temecula, CA, is known for its authentic Tuscan-Sardinian-Italian cuisine. The restaurant’s Chef Pietro Cinus, takes pride in using the freshest ingredients to create the most authentic dishes. Among many of his creations, Pappardelle Con Funghi is the most popular dish that has earned rave reviews from diners. In this blog post, we’ll dive deeper into the history and taste of this signature dish.

Pappardelle Con Funghi dish

A Brief History of Pappardelle Con Funghi

Pappardelle Con Funghi originates from the Tuscan region of Italy, where it has been enjoyed for centuries. Pappardelle, a broad and flat pasta, is a perfect match for a variety of sauces, including the funghi (mushroom) sauce. The sauce is a staple in traditional Tuscan cuisine, made by sautéing porcini and brown mushrooms with garlic, herbs, and butter. Over time, depending on the chef, other ingredients have been added to the sauce to enhance its flavors, such as different mushroom varieties, wine, and cheese.

Chef Pietro Cinus’s Outstanding Take on Pappardelle Con Funghi

The traditional Tuscan dish inspires Chef Pietro Cinus’s version of Pappardelle Con Funghi with a modern twist. He insists on using fresh pasta, made in-house using the finest ingredients, to give the dish a unique texture and flavor. The sun-dried Roma tomatoes, another ingredient that is made in-house, bring a burst of juiciness and taste to the plate.

Chef Cinus also uses a variety of mushrooms for texture, which includes shiitake, cremini, and porcini mushrooms. Combining these ingredients results in a harmonious medley of flavors that represents the essence of traditional Tuscan cuisine. Finally, the cream sauce adds a rich and indulgent taste that perfectly complements the earthiness of the mushrooms.

Pairing Your Pappardelle Con Funghi With the Perfect Glass of Vino

Let’s talk about wine pairing for your Pappardelle Con Funghi – the perfect glass of vino can take your meal to the next level! Select a wine with complementary flavors like body and sweetness to balance your meal. Choosing the right wine can make all the difference in enhancing the flavors and aromas of your dish.

Here are some options for pairing your Pappardelle Con Funghi:

  • Pinot Noir (medium body)
  • Chardonnay (light body)
  • Merlot (full-bodied)
  • Sauvignon Blanc (lightweight & dry)

How to Experience Pappardelle Con Funghi at Trattoria Toscana

Trattoria Toscana is the place to be if you’re in Temecula and want to savor the taste of authentic Tuscan-Sardinian-Italian cuisine. Chef Pietro Cinus’s Pappardelle Con Funghi is a must-try dish for Italian lovers. With its unique blend of fresh pasta, sun-dried Roma tomatoes, mushrooms, and cream sauce, this dish will surely delight your taste buds. Select a bottle of wine from the extensive wine list to complement your meal and enjoy the night like royalty.

Make a reservation at Trattoria Toscana and experience Pappardelle Con Funghi for a gustatory adventure. Savor the taste of authentic Italian cuisine and enjoy a culinary journey that will leave a lasting impression on your taste buds.

Reserve your table now and be ready for a memorable evening of Tuscan-Sardinian-Italian cuisine!

Buon appetito!

Pairing Wine with Pizza

An Essential Guide to Pairing Italian Dishes with Wine

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Italy has a long and proud culinary tradition. And, of course, no Italian meal would be complete without the perfect glass of wine! But what kind of wine pairs best with different Italian dishes? Read on for an essential guide to pairing Italian dishes with the perfect bottle of vino. 

Pairing Wine With Pasta Dishes 

You can’t go wrong with a nice Chianti with fresh pasta dishes. This full-bodied red has bold fruit flavors that cut nicely through the richness of pasta sauces like carbonara or bolognese. For lighter sauces like pesto or anything creamy, try a Soave or Pinot Grigio. These white wines have subtle citrus notes that bring out the flavor in your dish without overpowering it. Another great option is a sparkling Prosecco. Its light bubbles make it the perfect accompaniment to creamy dishes like risotto.

Pairing Wine with PizzaPairing Wine With Pizza 

A classic Margherita pizza is best paired with a light red wine like a Barbera or Valpolicella. The tart acidity in these wines complements the tomato sauce while cutting through any heavy cheese topping. If you’re having something more elaborate, like a pepperoni pizza, try going for something more full-bodied such as Amarone Valpolicella Classico. This robust red has hints of dark cherry and plum that are sure to bring out the flavor in your favorite pizza toppings! 

Pairing Wine With Seafood 

For seafood dishes like calamari fritti or spaghetti alle vongole, you’ll want something light and refreshing, such as Pinot Grigio or Vermentino di Gallura DOCG from Sardinia. These crisp whites have bright fruit flavors and delicate herbal notes that make them perfect for highlighting the delicate flavors in fish dishes. For heartier seafood recipes like cozze al Sugo di Pomodoro (mussels in tomato sauce), you can pair them with an aromatic white such as Gavi di Gavi or Arneis from Piedmont—the bright acidity lifts all the complex flavors in this dish!

Picking out just the right wine for your Italian meal doesn’t have to be difficult – remember to pick something that complements your dish rather than overpowering it. Red wines typically pair well with heavier pasta and pizza dishes, while light whites are better suited for seafood recipes.

For an outstanding culinary and wine experience, reserve a table at Trattoria Toscana in Temecula, CA. Chef Pietro Cinus, a native of Italy’s Sardinia Island, creates unique Italian dishes paired with wines from his homeland.

 

Do you want to take your wine-pairing skills to the next level?

Make a reservation for one of our Wine Pairing Dinners. Each event features Chef Pietro and Italian wine expert Petra Belliti, who guides you through a delicious meal and teaches you the essential techniques for expertly pairing wine with Italian dishes.

Whether you’re an experienced sommelier or just starting to explore the world of wine, this guide can help you find the perfect bottle of vino to complement your favorite Italian dishes. Buon appetite!

fresh pasta

Why Does It Matter If Pasta Is Fresh?

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There’s nothing quite like a plate of freshly made pasta. But what’s so special about fresh pasta that makes it worth the extra effort? Let’s break down why fresh pasta is superior to dried and explore the difference between the two.

What is Fresh Pasta?

Fresh pasta is made with eggs, flour, and water and is prepared fresh for each meal. Unlike traditional dry pasta, which can last years in the pantry, we must refrigerate fresh pasta until you’re ready to use it. Fresh pasta also has a shorter cooking time than dry varieties—usually only 1-2 minutes—making it an excellent option for a quick but delicious meal!

The Taste Difference

The crucial difference between fresh and dried pasta lies in its taste. Fresh pasta has a light texture and subtle flavor, whereas dried pasta is usually heavier and more intense. Both types have their place at the table and can be used in various dishes, but if you’re looking for something light and delicate, fresh works best.

fresh pasta

Texture Matters Too

Another factor that sets freshness apart from dry varieties is its texture. Dried pasta is firmer than its freshly made counterparts because of its longer cooking times. Freshly made pasta has a tenderness that simply cannot be replicated using dried versions. This softness also helps sauces adhere better to the noodles, making every bite more enjoyable! 

Easier to Work With

Making fresh pasta is a labor of love, but it’s worth it! It’s much easier to work with than dry varieties. It won’t break apart or get stuck together like dried variants often do, so you can be sure that each strand will remain intact and pliable. Plus, it doesn’t require as much flour or added water to work with, making them an excellent option for those who want an easier pasta-making experience.

Fresh pasta is also more malleable than dried, so we can roll it out into thin sheets for lasagna or ravioli and even cut it into ribbons for a delicious fettuccine or tagliatelle. This makes it easy to create a wide variety of dishes with a few simple ingredients.

Are There Any Pasta Types You Need Dry?

A few pasta types work better with dry versions, especially if you’re making it at home. Any recipe that calls for the pasta to be “al dente” may work better with dry pasta because it cooks so fast. It’s easy to miss the al dente mark with fresh. However, it’s possible to achieve the same level of al dente tenderness with freshness with practice.

When it comes down to it, there’s no denying that fresh pasta is superior to store-bought varieties in terms of flavor and texture. The lightness of freshly made noodles pairs well with almost any type of sauce, while their delicate flavor creates an unforgettable eating experience. So why not take your Italian dining experience up a notch by reserving a table at Trattoria Toscana today, where we serve only freshly made pasta every day? You won’t regret it!