Come On, Get Happy!
Dr. Ink 
Caterina D’Agata and Laura Bottolgia are practically giving away wine during happy hour at Tre Porcellini, which the two women from Italy opened almost a year ago. Get there before the end of the month, and a glass of house red or white will cost you only $1. If you’re a guzzler, you could essentially slam down a bottle’s worth without emptying the wallet.
The price-slashing promotion currently applies to Malbec and Italian Chardonnay, either of which normally cost $3.50 during these late afternoons. Even still, you’ll be hard pressed to find generous pours anywhere at that price point, not to mention small plates of bright-tasting Italian fare averaging at $4 apiece.
Seating during happy hour is confined to the bar and several high tops neatly arranged throughout the front lounge. No matter where you perch, however, a large wall splashing retro variety shows and vintage Italian movies remains in eyeshot, adding an artful twist to the restaurant’s sleek, modern élan.
Since inky Malbec happens to be one of Dr. Ink’s favorite varietals, due to its plum-like notes and lush finishes, I deferred to my drinking cohort for tackling the beer list. Of the drafts available for $3.50 apiece —Mission Pale Ale, Moretti and Francishaner Hefeweizen— he imbibed on latter two as I clung fondly to my stemware.
The Hefweizen was customarily creamy, leaving an agreeable orange aftertaste on my palate after stealing a swig. In the meantime, we played guessing games in trying to identify the era of the campy variety show projected on the “movie wall.” Judging from many of the Barbarella-like costumes worn by the women, we assumed it was from the late 60s.
Tre Procellini translates to “three little pigs” in English, thus we ordered a trio of dishes that teased our appetites for a future dinner here. The homemade “gnocchetti,” for instance, hails from the regular entrée menu. During happy hour you get three of the finger-shaped dumpings made with ricotta and spinach and served on a bed of sage butter and marvelous marinara sauce that demands a wash-down of red wine. Ditto for the arancini (rice balls) filled with wisps of mozzarella cheese. As for the generous portion of caprese served in a martini glass, it’s more manageable this way provided you don’t get too piggish with those $1 glasses of vino.
RATINGS:
Drinks: 4/5
Though the choices are limited on wine and beer, they escape the bulk, com¬mercial varieties and pair well with items on the food menu.
Food: 5/5
The owners are from Italy and adhere to fresh, homemade recipes and pretty presentations.
Value: 5/5
Glasses of wine for $1 apiece and served in a stylish atmosphere? Good luck finding that elsewhere.
Service: 5/5
Food and drinks arrive quickly and the owners greet their customers with smiles and endearing Italian accents.
Duration: 5/5
As proponents of everyday happy hours, Tre Porcellini gets our top rating. And you can come while it’s light out and leave when it’s dark without paying regular prices.
