Trattoria Acqua back to basics

By LIGHT STAFF

Trattoria Acqua, which signed a new six-year retail lease after nearly going out of business earlier this year, is returning to its roots with its new “lease” on life.

“We’ve gone back to the basics — what made us the restaurant we were 16 years ago, “ said Michael McGeath who co-owns the Italian restaurant at 1298 Prospect St. with wife Victoria. “We’ve gone back to really being a full-on Italian restaurant.”

McGeath said Trattoria had strayed by experimenting with being “American-style” Italian. “We’ve pretty much taken the menu back to where we were 15 or 16 years ago,” he said.

The restaurant’s varied menu include Macaroni and Cheese made with Gruyere, Cheddar, Provolone and Mozzarella Cheeses.

The restaurant is also doing more community outreach. On June 8, Trattoria staff cooked for 60 fifth-graders at the Olivewood Gardens and Learning Center. Olivewood’s mission is to connect and motivate students and families through organic gardening, environmental stewardship and nutrition education.

Trattoria’s staff taught six classes, with 10 students each, how to cook healthy and delicious food providing them with dietary alternatives.

The Italian restaurant is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner. Lunch is from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and dinner is 5 to 9 p.m. weekdays, an hour later on weekends.

McGeath described his establishment as “white tablecloth.” But he noted it’s still very affordable.

“Eighty percent of our meals are under $20, he said, adding the restaurant’s list of 150 wines split evenly between American and Italian labels is marked up far less than similar restaurants in the genre.

To review the entire menu or make a reservation, visit

www.trattoriaacqua.com

or call (858) 454-0709.

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