The problem with most takeout is that it tastes, well, like it’s been sitting on the plate for a while. This is not the case at DiFranco's [2], a new Italian eatery and market in the Golden Triangle neighborhood.

The small storefront on Lincoln Street (parking is typically available right out front) serves a menu of fresh, house-made pastas (you can mix and match the noodles and sauce), sandwiches, salads, and sweets. The market also features a small but impressive selection of packaged pastas, cheese, charcuterie, and jarred sauces and veggies from local companies.

I stopped in on a Friday evening and created a thoroughly satisfying, end-of-week meal for two composed of ricotta ravioli topped with prosciutto-vodka sauce, spears of asparagus, and fresh herbs. On the side: a nicely bitter dandelion Caesar salad.

While waiting for the order—it was assembled and cooked on the spot—owner Ryan DiFranco offered me a lemony ricotta cookie made from his grandmother's recipe. The treat was so delicious, I immediately bought several more to go.

955 Lincoln St., 720-253-1244