Blackburn + Sweetzer Has Moved

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Can’t believe we hadn’t been back since January, but the husband and I finally returned to Allora at 8432 West 3rd Street. Despite good food and service our first time around, I’ve been concerned that this Italian eatery wouldn’t make it 1) because of the economy, and 2) because they are still without a liquor license.

Turns out these two elements also may be a help since 1) people don’t have a lot of money to eat out and Allora is pretty darn reasonable (in fact, I think they might’ve slightly lowered their main dishes to pasta-range prices) and 2) no liquor license means no corkage fee, meaning you can get out of Allora for under $50 for two people.

It was Friday night and the place was pretty busy, particularly with groups of six or larger. Great idea, since group dinners can get very pricey and there are two big booths in the window perfect for it. We also noticed people walking by and craning their necks to see what the place was all about, with a number of couples walking in and clearly being directed to St. Regis to pick up some vino.

The food, the bill…

But down to the food. I ordered an arugula salad with artichokes and shaved Parmesan, as well as penne with green beans, potato and pesto. The husband ordered mushroom ravioli. We’ve been trying to do ‘meatless Mondays,’ but (whoops!) totally forgot last Monday, so this was our attempt to make up for it—albeit, indulgently—later in the week. Overall, another winning dinner at Allora, and the bill was $43.70.

» B+S Eats—Good Sign, Italians Eat at Allora Cucina Italiana