Lebanon Valley Pasta Wars: Martino’s Italian Traditions Review

Lebanon Valley Food Critics, Michael and Nicole Borrell, are reviewing local restaurants in a segment called “Pasta Wars.” They recently visited Martino’s Italian Traditions, sampling Gnocchi Sorrento and Shrimp Manicotti. Their reviews focus on factors like taste, presentation, and quality. An announcement of the winner will come soon, and they encourage restaurant recommendations from readers.

In 2021, Michael and Nicole Borrell started reviewing restaurants in Lebanon Valley under the name Lebanon Valley Food Critics. Their goal is to provide honest and impartial reviews of local dining spots. Now, in an exciting collaboration with LebTown, these insights are being shared with a wider audience, inviting readers to discover the culinary offerings in the area.

This particular review focuses on the much-anticipated “Pasta Wars,” where three restaurant contenders battle it out for the title of the best Italian food in the Valley. Judging criteria include presentation, taste, quality of ingredients, and overall dining experience. Martino’s Italian Traditions is the venue of choice for this particular evaluation, located on State Route 72 in Ebenezer.

Martino’s Italian Traditions offers a casual atmosphere with a self-seating and counter-ordering system, making it a laid-back dining environment. It’s open from Wednesday to Sunday, with hours from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. To check it out, diners can visit 1844 PA-72, Lebanon, PA 17046 or call (717) 820-4321 to get more information. Their website, martinositaliantraditions.com, has a lot of details for potential guests.

During the meal, reviewers sampled the Gnocchi Sorrento, priced at $17.99, and Shrimp Manicotti at $20.99, both of which included a choice of soup or house salad and bread. The Gnocchi Sorrento deviated from expectations, moving away from the classic tomato-heavy sauce. Instead, it presented a sweet and savory meat sauce, richer than what one would typically encounter in the dish. This unexpected sweetness was well-balanced and provided a sort of caramelized depth.

On the other hand, the Shrimp Manicotti showcased a delightful blend of cheeses, including ricotta. The cheese’s texture was particularly noteworthy, allowing all flavors to complement one another elegantly. The manicotti pasta was firm yet easy to chew, ensuring that each bite was packed full of shrimp flavors.

The accompanying house salad stood out with its robust homemade dressing, tailored for those who enjoy a punch of flavor. Freshly baked bread was served, adding an element of warmth to the meal.

As the reviewers begin to reflect on their dining experience at Martino’s, they ponder whether they have discovered the best Italian restaurant in the Valley. They plan to deliberate further before announcing a winner in the days ahead. Additionally, they invite readers to suggest restaurants they would like to see reviewed, either favorites or ones that inspire a bit of trepidation. Recommendations can be made through their Facebook page or by emailing [email protected].

In conclusion, Martino’s Italian Traditions offers an interesting take on classic Italian dishes, with Gnocchi Sorrento and Shrimp Manicotti receiving particular praise. The review highlights the restaurant’s unique flavors and comfortable atmosphere. As the Lebanon Valley Food Critics digest their experience and prep for announcing the eventual winner of the “Pasta Wars,” they remain open to further suggestions from the community.

Original Source: lebtown.com