Wow! That’s the rating for the ravioli at Gypsy Italian Bistro. They were there so briefly that I forget the count, but I think there were four on the plate. Filled with a delicious mixture of ricotta and spinach, these heavenly morsels were encased in tender, gilded wrappings that themselves were divine works of art. Thursday evening was our first visit to dine there, although we had peeked in a time or two on the way to events at the Long Center. I understand that the fillings for the ravioli vary according to availability of ingredients, the chief’s whim, and the season. Whatever the filling, I intend never, ever to miss these items when dining at Gypsy Italian Bistro, which I intend to do as often as time and the exchequer permit.

I sampled the tender veal sharing the plate with long slivers of French-fried potatoes and some vegetables. The veal was accompanied by an exceptionally delicious brown mushroom sauce. My own dish was a most generous portion of ruby trout in chopped pistachios, fresh from the pan. On both plates were generous quantities of pea pods and summer squash, cooked, but not over- or under-cooked. The green salad has a fine vinaigrette.

We did not succumb to the temptation of the soup of the day (tomato with basil), nor to the dinner special, although I nearly did (that one was baked tenderloin of rabbit and everything about it sounded alluring). The shared dessert was a chocolate cake of four layers, with chocolate frosting, and a bit of raspberry sauce on the side. The chocolate was of the fancy sort, which of course made the cake, a huge portion, all the better. Espresso was of excellent coffee.

We saw people dressed in Austin comfort and people dressed in full finery. The acoustics are excellent for private convesation. There’s music, but it’s not obtrusive. We thought we recognized Bobby Short, among other vocalists, and there were songs in Italian, Frensh, and Spanish. There’s a full bar here (and beer, too, of course), and a sensible wine list with plenty of good values. The idea of checking out some of the prosecco (it sparkles) was tempting, but we left it for another time. And there will certainly be other times.