There is something so special about dining while surrounded by art. It is made even better when the food is excellent. My experience at Ricolita’s Cafe was so great that I came back the next day for breakfast. Ok, I’ll be honest… I had breakfast during what could be loosely called “brunch hours” because these cold, Western PA winter mornings can make it hard for this former west coaster to get out of the house. This was not an issue, though, because Ricolita’s breakfast menu is served all the time!
Ricolita’s is an Italian American restaurant located within the Latrobe Art Center. The husband and wife team who own the restaurant, Rita and Harry Witte, are incredibly kind and welcoming. What sets Ricolita’s food apart from other Italian American restaurants in the area is that Rita is a native of Italy.
For lunch, I ordered the caprese panini at the recommendation of Harry. It was an excellent recommendation. It was not thin and smashed down like many other paninis that I’ve had, where the ingredients are made indistinguishable. Instead, it was lightly grilled and allowed the subtle flavors of the soft ciabatta to be enhanced by the soft mozzarella, fresh tomatoes, and verdant lettuce. Ricolita’s clearly prioritizes fresh, high-quality ingredients, which results in food that can stand on its own without the need for overcooking.
The next day, I returned for the Italian breakfast sandwich (also at Harry’s recommendation). I love a good breakfast sandwich. I think Ricolita’s Italian breakfast sandwich must be the best breakfast sandwich I’ve had in Western PA. Instead of bacon or sausage, I found flavorful, salty pancetta in its place. The traditional cheddar cheese and english muffin was replaced with fresh mozzarella and ciabatta and then topped with fresh lettuce and tomato. Fun fact: the tomato, mozzarella, and lettuce are in the same order as the Italian flag!
Both days, I sat outside and dined al fresco by being surrounded by art in the window displays. It felt like an incredible indulgence during this time of a pandemic in the middle of the winter. Even with the snow coming down, for a moment, I felt as though I had been transported to Europe, where my days were often filled with art museums, fresh food, and people watching on busy sidewalks. I’m thankful to Ricolita’s and the Latrobe Art Center for giving me that experience. (Smaller art galleries and museums take note – this is a smart way to get foot traffic!) Once this pandemic passes, I can’t wait to take art classes and anchor my visits with meals at Ricolita’s. In the meantime, I will enjoy some good meals outdoors surrounded by art when my senses need fed.
Ricolita’s Cafe at the Latrobe Art Center
819 Ligonier Street, Latrobe
Westmoreland Foodie 