Hillcrest has always been a really interesting section of town for restaurants. As you walk down University Ave., you see store fronts with small little bistro’s and trattorias. Some are very good; some are decent and get by. Others, however, make you wonder how they keep their doors open.
One recent addition has brought a bit of whimsy and fun to a familiar and very prime location.
Tre Porcellini offers a unique and playful atmosphere. With its trademark “Three Little Pigs,” Tre’s interior style is as simple as the nursery rhyme itself. Soft white chairs are shuffled around white tables. Big punches of bright pinks pop from the walls and vintage pictures of classic movie stars make for irresistible conversation pieces.
The menu is designed with the same feel, and is broken out into typical sections of antipasto, primi, insalate, carne and pesce. Little pink pig faces are printed next to their specialties of the house. None should not be missed.
This is a great place to gather with friends before a night out at the clubs. You can find parking early, and get a fabulous meal that doesn’t break the bank. Offering very generous portions, the value here is one of the best aspects of dining here.
I am always a big believer in sharing starters – especially at Italian restaurants. However, the Carpaccio ($9.50) is so delicious, I order one of my own each time I go. Thinly sliced beef tenderloin is topped with peppery arugula, tangy artichoke hearts and salty capers. A few squeezes of lemon and some parmesan cheese on top makes for a perfect dish.
The Mac and Cheese Risotto ($10) is one of those dishes listed next to one of those cute little pink pig faces mentioned earlier. This is rich and decadent food. It should probably be shared unless you want to spend an extra two hours in the gym. The Arborio rice makes for a great substitution for the traditional pasta. Gooey, aged white cheddar and shredded parmesan cheese are melted with the risotto, and then topped with Champagne and white truffle oil. Sinful, but delicious.
Now of course, pasta should always be a shining star on any Italian restaurant menu and they’ve achieved that here. I offer accolades to them for Tre Porcellini’s use of its own fresh, homemade pasta. And if you don’t have the energy to make your own pasta at home, the folks there will make it easy for you, as you can now even pre-order their daily made pastas to go.
I urge you to dive into one the following dishes with great excitement. Classics like Carbonara ($13.95) and Tagliatelle alla Bolognese ($14.95) are traditional in all senses, so I suggest branching out into one of their more “signature” dishes. The Fusilli con Salsiccia ($14.95) brings to you plump sausage, flavorful porcini mushrooms, all finished in a marinara cream sauce. Pappardelle alla Vodka ($14.95) has a different twist with the addition of salmon. Thick ribbons of pasta are tossed with chunks of moist salmon, crunchy asparagus spears and a rich vodka sauce.
If you are off carbs or watching your intake, the Vitello Saltimbucca ($16.95) is pounded thin, wrapped in prosciutto, layered with mozzarella and sage and finished with a bright lemon caper sauce. But if calories are not your worry, the Trio Porcellini ($20) will really hit the spot. A pork loin, belly and chop are all served together with different sauces, prepared and presented in style.
I do have an important criticism, however. As with many restaurants in our town, the wine list is small and its vintages are not always available. You don’t need to have a large selection, but if you offer a small one, make sure everything is in stock. Twice I was told the wine I ordered was unavailable.
Still, it is nice to have a restaurant come into town, open up with a concept that is fun and provide good substantial food at quality prices. So, grab your own little trio and take a trip over to this brick house. I don’t think there will be any wolves blowing it down anytime soon.
REVIEW
Tre Porcellini
1417 University Ave.
San Diego 92103
619-294-9201
treporcellini.net
