~Mandola's Italian Market vs. Regal Ravioli~
Battleground: Austin, TX
Food: Gnocchi
Mandola's Italian Market
4700 Guadalupe St.
Atmosphere:
I’ll admit, I was hesitant when I went into this establishment as it was recommended by fellow college students, as was Torchy’s. Unfortunately, while not a total bomb it was overall: Bland, mediocre, and overpriced Italian cuisine. The location is also at a popular apartment complex, thus making parking troublesome. However once near the restaurant, the patio offers a nice relaxing sitting area. The inside of the restaurant has two sides, one in which is more of a traditional restaurant –and had zero customers seated, and the other side in what is considered the “market”. I was able to place my order here and whilst I waited I was able to admire their bakery section- always a pleasurable way to pass the time.
Food:
In all honesty, I thought this would be the battle that I would draw a tie upon because I couldn’t think of not liking any gnocchi; I was very, very wrong. As much as I love Italian cuisine, this may have been some of the worst gnocchi I ever had. Although it had a shorter transportation home than my food from Regal Ravioli, the sauce splashed out of the foil tins, breaking through the large paper bag. I’d assume they would provide either a better transportation device or a better bag, but you know what they say about assumptions. And while the packaging was subpar, the biggest flaw was that this gnocchi was overcooked to the point that it had no bounce when biting into it. It just became mush in your mouth and the flavor was lacking to the point I laughed when I remember that the sauce was described as spicy. The sauce was tomato sauce, probably from a prepackaged can. Accompanying my gnocchi was a side of bruschetta. This also lacked any real flavor development, however it was still better than the gnocchi.
Although I would come back for the bakery- the cakes and cookies did look amazing, I’d eat the menu items with caution.
Food Quality: ***
Menu Variety: ****
Location: ***
Ambiance: ***
Wait Time: ***
Price: ***
Regal Ravioli
1501 S 1st St.
Atmosphere:
Located in South Austin, this little Italian restaurant on wheels brings authentic Italian food at an affordable price. As I drove through South Austin on a late Monday night, I was getting hungry and was not in the mood to be disappointed. (I’m looking at you, Torchy’s.) The menu had a good amount of options for the small truck and there was a covered, seated area surrounded by white lights that gave a warm, cozy feeling that many high-end Italian restaurants strive to achieve. There was only one other couple waiting for their food, so parking was a breeze in the big lot. I quickly ordered and was told it would be about 10 minutes. The food arrived in less than that and was very hot- fresh out of the pot. Overall, the environment made you want to eat their food. The truck and dining area has a feel good vibe that radiates from within.
Food:
The food was served in round foil tins, but transported well as I chose to go home to eat; no sloshing around in the bag or sauce seeping out the sides. The gnocchi was a simple sweet potato gnocchi served in a meat sauce and topped with parmesan cheese. It was simple. It was pillowy. It was what gnocchi should be. The texture was what I knew and loved and overall the
exact consistency that I was craving. The sauce, although I tad bit spicy for my sensitive palette, was still full of flavor and freshness. For a side order, I got a simple caesar salad. Although filled with fresh, crisp, clean lettuce and sweet cherry tomatoes, the dressing was a bit lacking for a caesar- though still nice as a lighter rendition. I finished my night full, but not bursting- the portions are perfect and don’t leave you feeling the need to unbutton your pants. Additionally, they serve daily specials that are made with fresh ingredients and seem to sway from the traditional Italian rhetoric- that day in particular, they were serving philly cheesesteak ravioli! Just another reason to come back!
Food Quality: ****
Menu Variety: *****
Location: ****
Ambiance: *****
Wait Time: ****
Price: ****
Final Verdict:
While I still see potential in other foods at Mandola’s, Regal Ravioli wins the gnocchi battle. The perfect puffs of potato dough brought a smile to my face and stomach- a true sign of authentic Italian cuisine. Mandola’s mush just simply fell flat, and well, mushy.
