The Airport Shopping Center is home to one of Lehigh Valley's newest upscale Italian restaurants. Roma Ristorante actually opened in June of 2010, but I had my first chance to experience it a couple of weeks ago and it is delightful.

My dining pal, Jeanne, and I chose to sit at the bar. Jeanne tried their signature martini, "Midnight In Roma," which consisted of Grey Goose vodka, Cointreau, pomegranate juice and champagne. I went for one of my standbys, a French martini. We got there during happy hour so our drinks were $2 cheaper than normal. Bonus!

For starters we ordered the Mozzarella Con Pomodoro, which was served with fresh mozzarella, tomato slices, kalamata olives, roasted red peppers and red onions, all drizzled with a balsamic reduction and extra virgin olive oil.

For dinner we each started with a classic Caesar salad. Jeanne chose the Lollipop Chops as her entree; "7" lamb chops served with asparagus and angel hair with a rather unique pomodoro sauce. Joe, the owner, said he visited Sicily a little while ago and was able to recreate his sauce to mock their version. It is a thin, sweet-style red sauce. I asked Joe if he had any culinary schooling and he said he grew up in a Sicilian family and learned the hard knocks way. They did an excellent job being his mentor.

I chose the Shrimp Spagna; shrimp, broccoli and red peppers with an extra virgin olive oil and garlic sauce served over angel hair pasta. Both entrees were very good. At this point we were too stuffed for dessert, but we perused the menu and it all sounded divine.

Our server/bartender, Jimmy, did a great job. He was very charming. We will definitely be heading back sometime soon. Next time we want to try their signature 3-course dinner for $20; an antipasta, pasta and entrée choice.

Total damage for two martinis, two glasses of wine, one appetizer and two entrees, including tip: $100. I don't consider this too much as we both had enough food for another meal!

I give Roma Ristorante the two thumbs up, how about you?