Crossing into New Hampshire, head down Route 1 to North Hampton and Ronaldo's, another classic Italian eatery. Ronaldo's is a family place, exuding the same warmth and conviviality as a glass of good red wine. Casual and comfortable, with a dining room done in the soft golds and greens of the Mediterranean, Ronaldo's has a loyal following. In fact, many guests have developed friendships with the staff.

"Ronaldo's is the kind of place you can bring the kids to," says Donna Dewsnap, owner for the past eleven years (Ronaldo's opened thirteen years ago) and one of the chefs. "People run into people they know all the time. We've had two engagements in here in the past month. Most of our business is repeat; this place feels like home, and folks just like coming here."

Ronaldo's is known for its extensive Italian menu and large portions (plan on bringing some home!). There are lots of pasta choices, plus seafood and meat specials. The most popular appetizers are the Fried Calamari and Sautéed Mussels. The calamari is a large serving, done crisp, and served with homemade meat sauce. The Sautéed Mussels are farm-raised, and available in a garlic and white wine sauce, a red sauce, or for the adventurous, a hot and spicy fra diavola sauce.

All of the pasta dishes are popular, but one of the top picks is the Seafood Fettuccine, a bountiful blend of shrimp, scallops, and lobster in creamy alfredo sauce over fettuccine. Another favorite is Chicken Aragusta, a pan-fried chicken cutlet topped with a sauté of lobster meat, plum tomatoes, artichoke hearts, fresh basil, and mushrooms, then served with a lemon cream sauce over your choice of pasta.

"We also sell a lot of our Veal Venezia, a local favorite," Dewsnap says. "This is a traditional Italian dish of fresh veal with sweet Italian sausage, peppers, and fresh basil, steeped in marsala wine and perfectly seasoned. It is served over the pasta of your choice and makes a flavorful, hearty meal."

Desserts are all made in house and, of course, include the classic Tiramisu. However, regulars can think of only one thing: the cheesecake. This dessert changes two to three times per week, and each creation is a wonderful surprise. "Our chefs have come up with some incredible offerings," Dewsnap says. "It's almost turned into a competition, with each one trying to whip up something more decadent and delicious. Among the most recent creations have been lemon chiffon, white chocolate raspberry, and macadamia chocolate chunk. Each one has been amazing."

Ronaldo's does not take reservations but does offer call-ahead seating. Located on Route 1 in the North Hampton Village Shopping Mall, Ronaldo's is open Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., and Saturday from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. For more information, call (603) 964-5064 or visit www.ronaldosrest.com.

Best Kept Secret: Winter 2007-2008

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