TheBurg

MANgIA QuI. Located on North Street, Mangia Qui is one of three restaurants co-owned by expert chef Qui Qui Musarra. It is the most formal of the three. e others are Suba (a Spanish tapas bar upstairs at the same location) and the French-inspired Rubicon right next door. Mangia Qui's theme is Italian and Mediterranean, and the quality of the food is superb. Qui will often serve dishes that are rarely found elsewhere in the region, such as true Dover sole, whole branzino and dry-aged, hand-cut, Tuscan rib-eye steak. Here are my recommendations for a Mangia Qui Valentine dinner started with a glass of cold Prosecco. • Musticanza: a salad of baby greens with gorgonzola crostini and marinated tomatoes dressed with a fig balsamic vinaigrette. • Gnocchi all'Amatriciana: homemade gnocchi that are light as a feather tossed with a sauce of San Marzano tomatoes, onions, guanciale and pepperoncini (nice to split or request a half-order). • Anatra: a grilled duck breast and stone fruits served with polenta and a balsamic drizzle. Desserts change with the day, but I would hope for a lemon tart back there in the kitchen. e espresso is excellent, with many different types to choose from. CArLey'S rIStorANte AND PIANo bAr. We have gone to Carley's for many years so, for us, it always seems like we're going to the legendary Cheers, "where everybody knows your name." Carley's makes very good veal, and that's what we usually get there. So, to end my Valentine's Day culinary tour, I would order: • Baby Arugula Salad: a salad served with Gorgonzola cheese, candied walnuts and pears tossed with mustard vinaigrette. • Veal Marsala: tender veal cutlets sautéed in butter with mushrooms, garlic and shallots in a hearty Marsala wine. (is dish can also be prepared with chicken, if you prefer.) • Peanut Butter Pie: Carley's (and its sister restaurant Stock's on 2nd's) signature dessert. It is very rich and can easily be shared with your Valentine's Day partner. e pianist at Carley's will keep things lively, but you can always request a slow romantic tune. If you are out and about in Harrisburg on Valentine's Day, there are other choices. I also recommend Pastorante on N. 3rd Street, a casual and inexpensive choice for homemade pasta, Café Fresco for wonderful Asian-inspired dishes like salmon with black rice, and Home 231, which serves farm-to-table food that is unique and delicious. Brighten your Valentine's Day and the waning days of winter with a visit to one of these special Harrisburg eateries. ey are truly something to celebrate. Tom Eickert, Carley's. Qui Qui Musarra, Mangia Qui. Venison and wild mushroom gnocchi, Carley's. Grass-fed filet mignon, cold water Canadian lobster tail, dry vermouth demi-glace, pioppini mushrooms, Mangia Qui.

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