My husband and I discovered the delicious Italian meals at Biscotti’s in Conneaut, Ohio, about seven years ago. It’s owned by Dick and Lori McLaughlin, and it’s kind of like a step up from Chuck and Ginny’s — if you remember it from downtown Erie. It’s located in a small, 100-year-old building at 186 Park Ave., in a small town that’s just nice to visit. It’s great food — not cheap, not expensive, but worth every penny.

My hubby and I often head to Conneaut for quiet getaways and Italian dinners that are sure to please. I had a gumbo pasta that was so good I just had to share. It’s spicy and flavorful, and my family is glad I filled up on the bruschetta and salad because I brought a lot of the gumbo pasta home. I’m not one of the foodie writers for the Erie Times-News, but I did want to share a romantic getaway to a small town not far from home. Biscotti’s and Tarsitano’s are among our favorites. And if you like gumbo, you’ll love this pasta.

We got a bonus — a couple was holding their 35th anniversary party right behind us. They needed a photo, and we scored cake for photographer duties. Beautiful, homemade cake with almond flavoring.  It was outstanding.  So we missed the fabulous Biscotti’s desserts, but there is always next time.

Pam Parker, mom of three and stepmom of three,  is an award-winning writer and editor for Lake Erie LifeStyle, Her Times and House to Home at the Erie Times-News in Erie, Pa.