 While the modern bones of Quattro---soaring ceilings with windows extending to their lofty heights---offer sleek environs, a touch of coziness is added to the glass-encased dining room by cleverly created nooks and the warm glow of ambient lighting. This contemporary-yet-cozy atmosphere also characterizes the cuisine of executive chef Alessandro Cartumini---favoring local ingredients, he and his team produce modern Italian food (veering to the north) with a rustic, almost earthy elegance. Unexpected ingredients engage the palate and add a refreshing lightness to most dishes. In a seasonal salad, fall vegetables mingle with pear, Marcona almonds, balsamic cotto and Oregon blue cheese for an appetite-awakening combination of sweetness, tang and crunch. The primi pastas are made in-house, and all offer rich reminders of just how luxurious simple, well-balanced flavors can be. Silky pouches of tomato ravioli burst with a taste reminiscent of a ripe tomato still warm from the vine, while the subtle flavor of ribbons of squid ink pasta is accented with a warm smattering of seafood. On to secondi, where a swordfish steak is paired with braised endive and a grape cilantro salsa, while a honey roasted duck breast is accompanied by mango relish, spring onion and a warm salad of red basmati rice. Desserts too offer sweet surprises---a chocolate cassis mousse with lavender gelato concealing the creaminess of marzipan.
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Splurging at top-rated restaurants is fun for special events, but where can you go for a good quality meal that won't break the bank? Gather the change out of your piggy bank and sofa cushions and take it to one of our selections for the best cheap eats in your area. Also, check out our picks for the Top 40 Cheap Eats in the U.S.
