During travel around the country for wine or work, I like to throw up a short blog post about any great restaurant visit. Living 45 minutes northwest of Indianapolis doesn’t afford me many opportunities to get into the city to the better spots, but I make a point to eat well in Indy whenever I can.

An impending birthday (well, they can’t be avoided so embrace them) was the reason to head to Broad Ripple on Indy’s north side and a visit to classic – Mama’s Corolla’s!

Mama’s is a very busy spot for folks in the know looking for great Italian. I had been there once before and remembered it as good but Saturday night was off the charts good.

We started with the fried ravioli and a light marinara dipping sauce. The ravioli, with cheese stuffing, was toasty and delicious. We also had wonderful calimari – small pieces which were crispy and a great dipping sauce that had a hint of horseradish.

Mama Corolla’s on 54th near Broad Ripple!

My dinner was a signature Mama favorite, the Rosemary Chicken Lasagna. The old-fashioned sweet marinara was a perfect companion to the chicken, herbs, and cheese. It was one of the best entree’s I’ve had in a long time.

We split a piece of Ricotta cake garnished with blackberries. All the time we were enjoying a big fruity and soft Italian Ripasso.

I love the new chef-driven and farm-to-fork restaurants popping up. But once in a while the classics can’t be beat!

Oh Mama, you make me so happy!

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