Erba - A Review

Discovered another delightful dinner spot this past week, Erba in Lincoln Square. I had noticed the place for the past year or two but had never heard a word mentioned about until recently so I decided that I must check it out.A small, modern Italian place that doesn't take reservations, set up along what is quickly becoming Lincoln Square's restaurant row (next to Tank and Bistro Campagne). They have a outdoor patio but sadly it was not yet open the night I was there even though it was easily 75 degrees out.
The menu while not lengthy, is carefully thought out and represents a modern take on some Tuscan fare as well as the Piedmont region of Italy (I personally had no idea there was a place called Piedmont in Italy - my new learning for that day).
While I waited for my dining companion I enjoyed a limoncello and soda, any place that serves limoncello automatically rises a few notches in my book (I never realized I had so much in common with Danny Devito). Since there were so many delicious options to choose from we decided to share a few, first a creamy polenta with mushrooms for a starter - I tried to be polite and only eat my share, really I did! Then for dinner we shared a light risotto (if risotto can be light???) with parmesan, lemon and artichokes, followed by scallops wrapped in pancetta served on pureed bed of cannellini beans. Both items were delicious and even though we were splitting the items they still brought us ample portions served individually. No room for dessert that night but they too are supposed to be outstanding. There was so much more on the menu that caught by eye, great pastas, veal, several appetizer nice and light and perfect for eating out on a patio - so if you want to try it for yourself, call me and I'll go again!