Laura Zastrow
Lombardino’s, 2500 University Ave., is a Madison institution. Founded in 1954 by Matt Lombardino, the Italian restaurant changed hands in 2000, but the kitschy, “old-country” decor — complete with murals and Roman columns — remains. Cozy up to the bar under the mosaic-tiled scene of a cliff-lined Mediterranean coast and order antipasti, insalate, pasta or whatever floats your boat. But at this restaurant known for seasonally inspired dishes (and an extensive wine list), do not overlook the house-infused limoncello.
A lemon-flavored liqueur hailing from Southern Italy, with its abundant citrus groves, limoncello is listed on the menu as a “digestivo.” In other words, sip one after dinner to help aid digestion.
At Lombardino’s the liqueur is made by combing Smirnoff 100-proof vodka with lemon zest (or lime or blood orange zest) and letting it sit for four to six weeks. The zest gets strained out, and simple syrup is added. Then the bottle is kept in the freezer until served. The result is a sweet, citrusy, ice-cold and alcohol-forward drink that transports you to the Amalfi Coast, if only for a night.
