Second Helpings
Fri., Aug. 4, 2000
La Traviata
314 Congress, 479-8131
Mon-Thu, 11am-2pm, 5-9:30pm (bar open later); Fri, 11am-2pm, 5-10:30pm; Sat, 5-10:30pm
This bright new downtown restaurant with the operatic name is already popular at lunch and dinner, serving straightforward Italian food composed of fresh and seasonal ingredients. The dishes on the menu are characterized by light sauces, fresh vegetables, and judicious use of fresh herbs and aromatics, perfectly suited to Austin's summer weather. The generously portioned chicken parmesan is succulent and subtle, and the deceptively simple spaghettini bolognese is a charming combination of ground veal, beef, and pork with mixed wild mushrooms. It takes talent to make a classic Caesar salad seem special; this sherry vinegar-based version is a real winner.
