The crisp air, newly unpacked sweaters and grinning pumpkins lining the doorsteps of the neighborhood mean it’s time for rustic dishes of the season, courtesy of Carlino’s new Market Catering menu.
You’ll find it’s chock full of handmade, warming dishes that give a fun spin on traditional recipes. Take a break from cooking, or enhance a meal with a few extra courses. Let’s dig in!
Seasonal Starters
Gather the family around the table and whet everyone’s appetite with Carlino’s sensational array of appetizers. There are dishes for vegetarians and meat-lovers alike.
Start with something fresh, like the Caprese salad: layers of creamy, handmade mozzarella, fresh tomato, fragrant basil, extra virgin olive oil, cracked black pepper and flecks of kosher salt. Or try the antipasto Carlino—it’s a crowd-pleaser, to say the least. This tantalizing platter is a luscious spread of imported prosciutto, artisan salami, hot soppressata, Parmigiano Reggiano, Carlino’s air-dried extra sharp provolone, marinated ciliegine mozzarella, pepper shooters, grilled peppers with balsamic créme, Sicilian black oil cured olives, olives stuffed with provolone and homemade crostini for mopping it all up. Molto bene.
The chilled firecracker shrimp tray is brimming with poached and seasoned shrimp served with lemon wedges and spicy house cocktail sauce. Finally, what feast is complete without a killer cheese plate? The connoisseur’s choice cheese platter is a heavenly combination of Brilliant Savarin triple créme, eight-month Manchego, Moosbacher, Mahón, Prairie Breeze artisanal cheddar, honeycomb, fig jam, Marcona almonds, grapes and strawberries.
The Main Attraction
Be sure to save room for some entrees! For the pasta lovers, Carlino’s offers a selection of freshly made pasta in every style, including baked manicotti, classic cheese lasagna and baked rigatoni.
For the meat course, try the beef brasciole, a tender beef filet filled with a signature blend of Locatelli cheese, garlic, breadcrumbs and fresh herbs, hand-rolled and simmered in rustic tomato basil sauce. It’s a taste of Italy anywhere you are.
Try the comforting and satisfying chicken Marsala—seasoned chicken breasts sauteed with a medley of savory mushrooms, finished with fresh thyme and the sweetness of Marsala wine.
If seafood is what you’re after, Carlino’s crabcakes fit the bill. They’re handmade with signature lump crab, red bell pepper, panko breadcrumbs and lemon juice with a side of spicy, tangy tartar sauce.
For a quick meal for the family, Carlino’s offers a selection of pizzas and sandwiches to please all palates, including tomato pie topped with Carlino’s signature fresh, chunky tomato basil sauce and the house porchetta sandwich stuffed with slow-roasted seasoned porchetta, pulled, sliced and served au jus or house pork gravy served on a housemade football roll.
Super Sides
Don’t forget to eat your veggies! Carlino’s offers side dishes just as tantalizing as its main courses. Broccoli is always a little better with some cheese, right? The broccoli con formaggi combines fresh broccoli florets, garlic, grated asiago cheese and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. For a lighter take, the corn salad with roasted corn kernels, dill, bell peppers and carrots tossed with white balsamic vinaigrette is perfectly refreshing. The whole family will love the classic twice-baked potatoes for a hearty accompaniment to the meal. It’s an irresistible combination of sweet or russet potatoes, baked and stuffed with Parmigiano Reggiano, butter and Italian parsley. Double yum.
A Little Something Sweet
Top off the meal with one of Carlino’s decadent desserts. Whether you choose the Chocolate Sensation—a selection of seasonal truffles, chocolate-covered strawberries, chocolate-kissed cannoli, chocolate tartlets, tiramisu, petit fours and eclairs—or the traditional cookie and brownie tray, there’s surely something to suit every sweet tooth.
So don’t sweat entertaining this fall—call up Carlino’s and take your get-togethers to the next level with its Market Catering menu.
Carlino’s, Makers & Purveyors of Artisan Food has two locations: 2616 E. County Line Rd. in Ardmore, phone: (610) 649-4046; and 128 W. Market St. in West Chester, phone: (610) 649-4046.
- Photos: Carlino's
