Review: Carina Lounge brings new flavors to N.W.

Carina Lounge is a new restaurant located at 410 N.W. 21st Ave.

Carina Lounge opened its first location in the old Basta’s Trattoria building on the corner of Northwest 21st and Flanders on March 25.

The restaurant has ample seating for small- to medium-sized groups, a spacious parking lot, and the staff serve with positive attitudes.

The lounge is open all days for dinner and drinks from 4:30 p.m. until midnight. The dishes served range from small salads to small plates such as calamari or mussels to larger dishes like their house burger or a margherita pizza.

Having ordered the goat cheese ravioli, I expected a large bowl of pasta with sauce. I was pleasantly surprised when the waiter presented a small plate of three large ravioli bites, garnished with shallots, pancetta, and brown butter.

The brown butter and goat cheese combined together created a rich, creamy flavor which was delicious. It was hot and steaming on the plate, and I ate it all before I could snap a photo.

Another delicious item at Carina Lounge is the charcuterie plate. It’s a large spread of three meats, three cheeses, two different kinds of bread, pickled vegetables, house-made jam, and fresh fruit. The variety of flavors really set the stage for the rest of the delectable items on the menu.

A high point for Carina Lounge is definitely its service. The host that showed me to my table was warm welcoming.

The waitress who  took the order and brought out food was very knowledgable about what she was serving. When posed with a question, she was able to answer swiftly and with confidence.

The food overall is inexpensive, but it has high quality and thoroughly prepared. If one were to come here for a snack, a meal, or a drink at the bar, the charming staff members would be happy to accommodate any needs one requests.

All in all, it’s a beautiful restaurant.