Trattoria Stefani, Italy

Stinco al forno

There is this trattoria near my house that we've meant to try out but never got a chance to till last week. SIL was treating and we didn't want to burn a hole in her pocket. :-)

Actually it was freezing cold that day (and everyday since - we're in a COLD wave since Christmas) and after my long wait at the Post Office we didn't feel like going anywhere that would require us to be in contact with the atmosphere for more than a minute. Lunch at Aldina would require quite a walk from the car whereas Trattoria Stefani's parking's at the doorstep.

It was a really simple place, brusque and minimum service, but bright and clean. They have a lunch menu at 13 euros that included 2 courses, water and a coffee. The normal menu has the usual Modenese stuff e.g. Gnocco fritto, tigelle, tortellini in brodo, pasta, risotto, lasagna, grilled and baked meats, bollito...I ordered the Risotto ai funghi followed by the Stinco al forno (baked pork shank). Both were excellent and not at all inferior to what Aldina would churn out. The risotto was al dente, generous in mushroom and not at all dry. The pork shank melted in the mouth though it was a little too salty for my taste. (Update : The Tagliolini in brodo we would try in later visits was very good)

Risotto ai funghi

This is an address to be kept. Simple, comfort Italian food. No pizzas though. For that, walk 50m to its right and you'll find Da Gianni, Colombaro's pretty good Pizzeria with a signed poster of Schumacher on its wall and the fat owner Gianni taking up the rest of the space. (Tel : 059553540, closed on Tuesdays)

Stefani Primo Trattoria
124, via S. Antonio

Colombaro (MO)
Tel: 059 553632

Closed on Saturdays