Food & Drink

(New Arrival) Worldly Fare

by Amanda Stephenson | Nov. 19, 2008 | 5:00 AM

Downtown: Terry Tarantino, of Little Italy’s La Dolce Vita fame, has brought his Little Italy tastes to East Fourth Street withLa Strada, which opened in November for lunch and dinner. The Mediterranean-infused menu is worldlier than its Mayfield Road counterpart with dishes inspired by Morocco, Turkey, Greece and Spain.

La Strada’s concrete floors and tall ceilings may seem like the makings of a cold, institutional eating experience, but it’s just the opposite. Wrought iron railings on the second floor of the two-floor restaurant add a balcony feel and give diners a bird’s-eye view of the entire restaurant and kitchen. “I made sure the balcony level was only seven feet above the rest of the restaurant, so [the diners upstairs] feel just as part of the crowd as those on the first level,” Tarantino explains. If it’s a special occasion, call ahead and ask for the “Engagement Table.” Cushiony chairs and a central location on the balcony make this spot ideal for big announcements that require applause. 2050 E. Fourth St., (216) 861-3663

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