Flora provides satisfying meal

The Sicilian region of Italy has had a long history between other countries in Europe, resulting in an exotic mixture of ingredients in their culinary recipes. If you are looking for a quiet romantic place to experience such delicacies, then venture off campus to Flora, 620 W. 5th St.\nThis moderately priced restaurant features family dishes of pasta, chicken and pizza, all of which will enlighten and delight your taste buds. \nThis restaurant offers a limited amount of appetizers. Nevertheless, most of the entrees come with a small house salad and freshly baked bread directly from the oven. Be sure to add some olive oil and parmesan on your bread to help evoke thoughts of Mediterranean islands. \nWhen deciding what Entree to order, first choose whether you prefer to eat meat or pasta. If you opt for a meat dish, you have a variety of choices. The same if you are choosing a pasta or pizza dish. During my visit to this restaurant, I ordered the gnocchi in a red meat sauce. Gnocchi has been a longtime favorite dish of mine, and Flora did a wonderful job creating this dish. You may decide upon a marinara or an herb and olive oil sauce if you don't prefer a meat sauce. The only disappointment I had with my Entree that evening was that I waited a long time before the dish was served.\nTo further indulge myself after a terrific meal, I decided to order the home-baked chocolate five-layer fudge cake that had just been taken out of the oven. My waiter warned me that it was a large slice and even though I didn't question him, I was shocked when a square slice of cake, 6 inches by 6 inches, arrived at my place. Upon finishing that slice, I was full. \nIf you have an open evening and you would like to experience food from Sicily, bring a friend and make the trip to Flora. You will not be disappointed.