By Zack & Brooklyn Bolin, Facebook:
Taste Budz, Instagram: tastebudz_spokane
If you read this column often, then you know my favorite cuisine is Italian. Well, Zack decided to surprise me and take me to a spot I’d never been to before.
What we enjoyed:
Bread Service
Wild Boar Gnocchi
Steak Tagliatelle
Chai Espresso Martini
I started with their chai espresso martini, and wow, it was divine. The chai foam was thick and sweet with strong notes of cinnamon. The martini had bold espresso flavors, it was perfectly balanced.
Zack and I always show up to dinner starving, so we started with their bread service. The house-made focaccia is served with balsamic and olive oil. The bread was delicious; they topped it with flaky sea salt. It’s dense yet fluffy all at the same time. Needless to say, we scarfed it down quickly. 
Onto our main courses. I was having such a hard time deciding between the lamb ravioli and wild boar gnocchi. Tomato-based sauces are my favorite, so I decided on the gnocchi. The boar was so tender; it was braised in red wine and practically melted in my mouth with each bite. The tomato sauce was bright and acidic, and they topped the dish off with a cherry pepper and parsley medley. It was truly one of the best Italian dishes I’ve ever had; the richness from the fat was paired perfectly with the brightness from the tomatoes. The only thing that could’ve made it better was a little more cherry pepper topping.
Zack almost got the fettuccine but decided on the steak tagliatelle instead. They tossed house-made tagliatelle noodles in a rich, creamy sauce loaded with a variety of mushrooms. Then cook a tender, juicy steak to medium, slice it, and lay it on the bed of pasta. Zack devoured it, and I snuck a few bites in, as I always do. Everything was perfectly cooked; the noodles were soft but chewy; the mushrooms had so much flavor; the balance between creamy and earthy flavors was perfetto (as the Italians say).
Italia Trattoria is nestled in the charming, historic Browne’s Addition. The ambiance is romantic yet casual. I wouldn’t recommend bringing young children; however, it is a perfect date night or anniversary spot. They even have a lovely patio that will be perfect in the summer.
Next time you have a special occasion, consider spending the evening at Italia Trattoria.
144 S Cannon St., Spokane, WA
509-459-6000
italiatrattoriaspokane.com
