THIS RESTAURANT HAS CHANGED NAMES La Cucina di Mamma

THIS RESTAURANT HAS CHANGED NAMES La Cucina di Mamma Restaurant Review:

Jake Imperiale's 24-seat neighborhood haunt in Brookside is adjacent to Bella Napoli, his Italian grocery and deli. Rice balls are stuffed with ground beef, peas and cheese and fried until crunchy and golden. Insalata rustica --- fava beans, red and yellow bell peppers, roasted fennel and bacon --- gets dressed in olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Lasagna consists of a half-dozen layers of noodles with zucchini, ham and hard-boiled egg. Pizza-lovers will take to the Neapolitan-style pies, made from imported flour, tomatoes and cheese. The Pugliese version (one of our faves) is fashioned from tomato sauce, caramelized onions, fresh mozzarella and hot pepper oil. And if it is Thursday, gnocchi is on the menu as a daily special; grab it and you won't be sorry. Among the options: butternut squash, tomato-basil and mushroom. The restaurant offers wines, beers and spirits, including grappa and limoncello. Start early and toast with happy hour, 4 p.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Friday.