Rocca, the long-awaited new Italian spot from not-so-evil geniuses Karen Haskell, Michela Larson, and Gary Sullivan opens tonight. Rocca (pronounced ROQUE-ah, which yes, makes our post title nonsensical, but really, just be glad we didn’t go with our original instinct and call it Mo’ Rocca) is the first major fine-dining restaurant to open on Harrison Ave, where it will soon be joined by Seth Harris and company’s Gaslight Brasserie Du Coin. Rocca’s appealingly-priced menu (entrees top out at $25 and most pastas go for $10-14) takes its inspiration from Italy’s Liguria region. Liguria is nestled into the northwest corner of Italy, where it is surrounded by Tuscany, Piedmont, and the French Riviera. Like so much of the world’s great food, Ligurian cuisine evolved from what was available in the region: stellar anchovies, great olives, and excellent basil (pesto is a Ligurian specialty). To that end, the menu at Rocca is filled with dishes such as a pizetta with San Remo tomatoes, olives, anchovies, capers and fresh herbs; pasta with green beans, potato and pesto; and marinated sardines with radish and mint. We’re already salivating over the corzetti with braised rabbit in a red wine sauce. Run on down to Harrison Avenue tonight and toast the newest addition to the South End’s dining scene.
Rocca [MenuPages]
Rocca [Official Site]
Rocca Your World [Daily Candy]
