THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Sportello Menu

THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Sportello Restaurant Review:

Tucked away in an unobtrusive warehouse, Sportello offers a modest take on classic Italian trattoria fare. Barbara Lynch's casual restaurant features two U-shaped counters that are popular at lunchtime. At dinner, larger parties (five or more) can be seated at private dining tables. As for the food, potato gnocchi is made with mushroom ragù, while polenta is taken to a higher level with porcini and black truffle. Entrées are perfectly acceptable but don't break any new ground --- think spaghetti alla puttanesca with cauliflower and olives, roasted leg of lamb with Vidalia onion and roasted half chicken with broccolini. More of a surprise is the meal at midday, when the business crowd flocks here for citrus-cured salmon, carne bruschetta with horseradish and the selection of Italian cheeses. Desserts are kept simple with cannoli, gelati and sorbetti. The Italian wine list presents reds and whites poured by the glass that may be enjoyed at the five-seat wine bar. A variety of olive oils, honeys and pastas for at-home gourmets is for sale, too. There is no cocktail menu at Sportello, which is situated just above Lynch's libation salon Drink, where bartenders whip up unique creations, making it a convenient post-nightcap hangout.