Little Italy in Downtown Flushing

Magna Ristorante, 35-25 Farrington Street, Flushing 11354

There was a new Italian restaurant that just opened up in Downtown Flushing, an East Asian cuisine dominating region, and I was psyched up that I have a European alternative for dinner now. When me and my sister walked in, it was actually empty on a weeknight with an exception of I think the owners and friends sitting at the bar watching TV. We were enthusiastically seated and was quickly given complimentary antipasti.

The bruschetta and caponata (Sicilian eggplant dish, a cooked vegetable salad made from chopped fried eggplant and celery seasoned with sweetened vinegar, and capers in a sweet sour sauce) was a bit on the spicy end for me, but interesting nonetheless. A bit later our waiter came out with more complimentary antipasti, parmigiana reggiano and homemade cacciatorini salami. The cheese helped calm my tongue, and the salami had a very distinct unique taste, definitely homemade.

So now our entrees arrived:

Penne Alla Vodka, this was what my sister ordered and I had a taste of it. It was actually more delicious than my dish. The cheese was really good, especially with the Parmesan melting in the pasta.

This was my dish, Dentice Marechiaro, a red snapper fillet in a light marinara sauce with shrimp and clams. It wasn’t too bad, considering I’m not a fan of marinara (I ordered it for the fish actually). The light sauce was actually pleasant. Yes, I finished my whole dish.

Now for the dessert:

I think this was the best part of the meal. The tiramisu was perfectly soaked (although it was a bit lopsided in presentation). I think the fruits were a great decorative, but wasn’t necessary since the taste of the tiramisu was perfect.

I would go back to definitely try other things on the menu and most certainly save room for dessert. ^_^