Spice things up with a visit to Oregano Italian Kitchen
The Spaghetti Bolognese with Meatballs and House Made Sausage at Oregano Italian Kitchen in one of its former Provo locations.
The Shrimp Scampi at Oregano Italian Kitchen in Provo.
The Spaghetti Carbonara at Oregano Italian Kitchen.
The Chocolate Raspberry Tiramisu is a great way to close out a meal at Oregano Italian Kitchen.
The Bruschetta at Oregano Italian Kitchen in Provo.
The Caprese Salad at Oregano Italian Kitchen.
The Shrimp Scampi at Oregano Italian Kitchen.
The Spaghetti Bolognese with Meatballs and House Made Sausage at Oregano Italian Kitchen in Provo.
Photo by Grant Hindsley, Daily Herald
NOTE: Oregano Italian Kitchen is now located at 223 Center St. in Provo.
Lasagna. Alfredo. Tortellini. Marsala. Parmigiana. Carbonara.
There is nothing that gets my stomach growling more than the thought of these delicious Italian dishes. By far one of my favorite types of food, I love feasting on anything considered Italian.
Maybe it’s the cheese. Maybe it’s the crisp, fresh flavor combinations. Maybe it’s the pasta. Maybe it’s the vibrant reds and greens that adorn the entrees. Italian food is a clear favorite.
Because of my affinity for Italian, I was excited to see that Provo has now welcomed a new restaurant to town. Owned and run by the genius culinary minds behind A Chef’s Table, Oregano Italian Kitchen just recently opened.
Before dining at the restaurant, I jumped online to peruse the menu options. My Italian cravings were not disappointed. All of the Italian favorites were on the menu, like Spaghetti and Meatballs, Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo, Lasagna and Chicken Parmigiana.
But Oregano’s, priding itself on bringing New York Italian to Provo, also offers Spaghetti Carbonara, Pork Parmigiana, New York Strip Marsala, Pan-Seared Salmon, Stuffed Pork Loin and a Garlic Basil Parmesan-Crusted Chicken. All of these great signs of delicious Italian cuisine.
Due to a hectic week, I opted to try Oregano for lunch. Grabbing my co-worker Jordan, she and I headed across the street for a nice lunch in between meetings and deadlines.
After being seated, we were presented with the full menu, along with an Express Lunch Menu. This menu, designed specifically for the time-crunched lunch crowd, is filled with meals easily suited to a one-hour lunch. Items include Spaghetti and Meatballs, Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo and lunch versions of classics, like the Chicken Parmigiana Sandwich, Brasato (Braised Beef) Sandwich and even a Burger and Fries, and Fish and Chips.
While those items were tempting, I already had my heart set on one of two dishes from the main menu. It was either going to be the Chicken Marsala or the Spaghetti Carbonara. Luckily Jordan was in exactly the same food mood. So she went for the Carbonara while I ordered the Marsala with the clear intent of stealing a bite or two of her pasta.
To get things started, we ordered the appetizer sampler, Fritto Misto, filled with Fried Calamari, Fried Shrimp, a small Arugula Salad and marinara sauce for dipping. Over the years I’ve learned to really appreciate calamari, enjoying my expanded flavor palate. Typically fried many different ways, I was impressed with Oregano’s preparation of a light, cornmeal batter on both the calamari and the shrimp. While wishing for a bit stronger flavor and spice kick, the seafood was fresh and tasty. I did really enjoy the Arugula Salad with its peppery flavor, sharp Parmesan Cheese and tomatoes.
Our entrees arrived quickly and we immediately began digging in. I thoroughly enjoyed the rich flavor of my Chicken Marsala. The wine sauce and mushroom combination not only made a delicious topping for the herb-crusted chicken breast, but also a wonderful gravy for the mashed potatoes and asparagus. The large portion was perfect for leftovers later!
Jordan’s Spaghetti Carbonara was a wonderful treat. Filled with bacon, a creamy, cheesy, eggy sauce and accompanied by a grilled basil pesto-laden baguette, it was a perfect lunch on a beautiful spring afternoon. My quick bite was not nearly enough, which means I will be returning soon for my own bowl of the pasta.
The other surprise from that pasta dish was that unassuming side of bread. Pesto grilled onto a piece of bread — so simple yet so flavorful. I only wished (and I’m sure Jordan did, too), that the slices were a little larger to better enjoy the simplicity.
Long ago I decided that a true Italian dinner just isn’t complete without dessert. So naturally, we had to select one of the sweet conclusions from the menu. Our options included the Double Chocolate Turtle Brownie, Spumoni Panna Cotta, an Almond Biscotti, and the Chocolate Raspberry Tiramisu. Naturally we had to go with the Tiramisu.
Taking a different, maybe Utah Valley-influenced, twist on the traditional espresso and mocha-flavored dessert, this version featured layers of raspberry custard around chocolate-soaked ladyfinger cookies. The pink dessert was beautiful to behold, but even better to devour. It was the perfect conclusion to our Italian lunchtime feast.
OREGANO ITALIAN KITCHEN
Where: 1600 N. Freedom Blvd., Provo
Hours: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 11 a.m. to midnight Friday-Saturday
Prices: $6.50 for salad, up to $20.99
Info: (801) 788-4185, OreganoItalianKitcken.com