Lucia's Tavola | Italian Restaurant | Ayer, MA

I am not sure if this is the correct board for Central Massachusetts, so moderators please move my post if it is in the wrong place.

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I brought my MIL to Lucia's Tavola for her 75th birthday. I have been there a few times before and the food and service have always been outstanding.

I called ahead to make sure that the bill came to me at the end of the night and to ask if they could do something to acknowledge the birthday girl. I was given a choice of desserts and arrangements were made to have it delivered tableside with a candle.

We arrived on time and were sat immediately. Our waiter, Matt, was very welcoming. He asked if we had been to the restaurant before. I said that I had but my tablemates had not. He made sure to welcome them and thank me for introducing more people to the restaurant.

Drinks were ordered and we started to review the menu. Everything looks so good and it was hard to decide. MIL asked for the Aragosta e Gnocchi, lobster and handmade gnocchi in a sherry cream sauce, so we ordered one for the table. I would be happy eating this every day for forever. Light, creamy and totally addictive. The white whine sangria was sweet, citrusy and refreshing.

MIL ordered the veal Marsala and I had the salmon special with house made ricotta and pea ravioli. Our dining companion had the chicken Parmesan. Both were very happy with their choices. I loved the salmon and ravioli; my only complaint being that the peas and diced onions in the dish felt very under cooked, meaning I'd get hard little nuggets mixed in with the creamy sauce and delicate salmon.

After plates were cleared, Matt came to the table offering dessert. MIL and companion both declined. I tried to telepathically communicate with him, reminding him to bring the cake. Apparently my psychic powers were lacking that evening. He must have thought that us saying no meant to 86 the birthday dessert. MIL didn't know I had requested the cake so she does not think she missed out on anything . . . and it's not like any of us needed dessert or could have eaten any of it anyway, being happy and full on dinner.

Matt brought the check and handed it to me, so at least that part of the message got through.

Lucia's Tavola is truly a hidden gem in Central Massachusetts. If you go, get the chocolate cake. It is incredible!