Fast Break: Checking out the expanded menu at Latte e Miele

Latte e Miele, a popular gelato and lunch spot at 7809 Jefferson Highway Suite A3 known for using fresh and local ingredients, has expanded into a full-service restaurant over the last few months. Though gelato, house-made flavored sodas and coffee items are still available, Latte e Miele has repositioned its focus, featuring a menu with small and large plates and pastas. The additions come via owner Luca Di Martino and Executive Chef Marcus Day.

Patrons were treated to a preview of the restaurant’s plans with a wine dinner late last year. With the menu in full effect, now’s a good time to catch up with the local spot.

The menu has a large selection, but it’s not burdensome. Patrons can choose from one of five small plates, including chicken liver pâté, a farm salad with Cover Rise Farm vegetables and Meyer lemon vinaigrette and the soup of the moment. On the pasta side, Day is cooking up Tuscan beef Bolognese, Spätzle with Cajun tasso and Agnolotti with house ricotta, mint, brown butter and Pecorino Romano cheese. The large plates include porchette, chicken confit and a Vietnamese poboy.

The latter dish features tender pork meatballs topped with cucumber, farm radish, aioli, pickled carrots, fresh jalapeńo, soft herbs and a soy gastrique. The pickled vegetables cut the intensity of the jalapeńo heat and pair well with the salt of the pork and soy. Served on flaky French bread and priced at $10, this is a dish that could easily become a local favorite.

Those who have already enjoyed the comfortable feel of the café shouldn’t be worried about the changes. Latte e Miele still has its cozy vibes intact. Its modern feel and ambience is perfect for lunch or dinner. If I had one qualm with the new sit-down atmosphere, it’s that the service wasn’t quite as attentive as it should have been. However, you don’t go to Latte e Miele for a rushed business lunch or dinner. You go to relax and enjoy whatever you order.

For more information on Latte e Miele, call 925-2282 or click here.