Gotta admit that although my mom is 100% Italian American, I would be struggling big time if I ever had to prepare a proper Sunday dinner. (You know, macaroni, gravy, the whole ball of wax…or should I say the whole meatball? And we never used the word PASTA in our house.)

I mean, I could run to Solitro’s in Knightsville or Scialo on Atwells Ave for bread, but beyond that…

That being said, when it’s my turn to tackle Sunday night eats, I pick up the phone and order takeout.

This past weekend I ordered from Cucina Rustica and two of the most difficult Italio Americans to please at my table — my mom and my sister — absolutely LOVED the food.

From the sliced bread and butter and salads to the parmigianas (chicken and eggplant respectively) and the raviolis (stuffed with eggplant) and other pastas.

First off, my sister kept saying how you can judge how great (or not great…womp, womp) a restaurant is by their EGGPLANT and she gives theirs the thumbs up.

Furthermore, my mom adored that there were peas in the gravy, a hallmark of authentic Sicilian cooking.

Also, everything’s made in house, including the pasta.

(My momma also bragged to one of my brothers over the phone when he checked in later that night, which is a major accolade.)

So, 10 out of 10, we would definitely order from them again.

Also, the hubs and I want the full in person experience — going to dinner there at some point very soon.

Regulars rave about their calamari, meatballs, seafood and classic Mediterranean sweets like cannolis.

PS — Chef (and co-owner along with his wife Gina) Brian was featured on the Netflix show Pressure Cooker.

Find Cucina Rustica at 555 Atwood Avenue in Cranston, Rhode Island.

As always, if you go for supper or carryout after reading THIS, please let them know you were inspired by Patty J and PattyJ.com.