Sample summer with Tutta Bella's Insalata di Salerno

Can you feel it? Springlike days are tiptoeing their way back. Gray mornings break to bluebird skies, daffodils burst from cracks in the sidewalk and heavy coats are being tucked away into closets. It's only fitting that we start craving a little vibrancy -- a little zing and a little green on our plates. Although our backyard tomato vines won't brim with fruit for several months, we can take comfort at Tutta Bella [0] with the Insalata di Salerno ($8 small/$11 large). Ripe red cherry tomatoes, crispy cukes and bright shavings of fennel tumble together with velvety little balls of fresh mozzarella in a zesty vinaigrette with hints of mustard, pepper and basil. Each bite is like summer on a fork, no waiting required.

What do you crave? Which local restaurant makes the salad that drives you to distraction? Post a comment below and tell us about it.

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