QUICK BITE: Family Style Italian at La Cucina del Capitano

La Cucina del Capitano is the Italian specialty restaurant on the Carnival Mardi Gras.   It is complimentary for a limited time so there is no upcharge.  And you can order multiple mains so we had a family style feast. 

Starters were the Nona's meatball and arancini.  

The meatball was my favorite.  It had beefy notes with some hints of fennel from sausage.  Complimented by a simple but tasty marinara. 

The arancini (fried risotto balls) were very tasty and creamy but could have been crisper.  Served with the same delicious marinara as the meatballs.   

The highlight of the mains was the Farfalle El Pistachio.  Well cooked pasta in a carbonara sauce with some crunchy pistachios. So good. 

Also tried the eggplant parmesan, veal scallopini and short rib.  

All very good.  The veal was so flavorful with a savory mushroom sauce.   The short rib just fell apart - so tender.  Lots of flavor or red wine and mushrooms. Could have used a bit more au jus.   The eggplant was flavorful but a bit too greasy. 

No room for dessert, but we did enjoy a nice bottle of Chianti.  As my in-laws told me, always look for the black Rooster to verify authenticity.