Cranelli’s: Dinner deliciousness in Lone Tree!

Sometimes there is nothing like going very carb heavy for date night. On this particular visit to our local Italian restaurant, Cranelli’s at the Waterford apartment complex in Lone Tree, we definitely indulged! Lasinda Crane, is as always, a bright spot in our lives, and should be credited for always making everyone feel at home. For this particular night, we indulged!

First, we ordered our regular appetizer, stuffed mushrooms. It’s stuffed to the brim with a four-cheese and sausage blend, and coated in their house-made breadcrumbs. It’s rich, melty, and always perfectly cooked. They are one of a select number of appetizers that we always wind up ordering. For our entrees, like I said, we indulged in carbs! Eric ordered the baked ziti that was mixed with Italian sausage, ricotta, white onions, garlic, mozzarella, a touch of bolognese, and a marinara sauce. It was filling, cheesy, and something that Eric hadn’t ordered at a restaurant in a long time! I went spicy, carb-heavy, and seafood themed with the diablo pasta and added in shrimp. It’s mixed with sauteed spinach, red onions, garlic and crushed red peppers, in a house-made sriracha-blonde sauce, and tossed with perfectly al dente spaghetti! Garnished with fresh, whole pepperoncino and shrimp, my mouth was definitely on fire!

To cool my palate, I went with the homemade classic panna cotta topped with fresh strawberries, along with a black Manhattan made with Amaro Nonino, Laphroaig scotch, and garnished with three Amarena cherries. Regardless of the time of day, definitely stop by Cranell’s. It’s local, family-owned, and you’ll feel like you’re at home. Also, if you haven’t attended their new monthly wine tastings, go! They just started them a little over a month ago. Tickets sell out fast so be sure to get one sooner rather than later. Check for details on their website.

Cheers!