One of my favorite places for lunch in the QCA is Atlante Trattoria in downtown Rock Island. This is one of the few places in our area where you even get quiche, let alone good quiche. The quiche varieties change daily, so you have to check their specials. The day I was there recently the quiche was chicken, broccoli and gouda cheese, mushroom and brie, or the Mediterranean with olives, spinach and other good stuff. I had the chicken quiche, but no matter what variety I’ve ordered the quiche is always firm—not runny or overcooked, which is easy to do with delicate egg recipes. The pastry is flaky and buttery—the perfect pie crust. My chicken quiche sported a distinct but balanced broccoli flavor that did not overwhelm the daintier flavor of the chicken. All was enhanced with savory pockets of warm cheese, and the entire dish was finished with a golden brown flourish, served at the right temperature.

But Atlante is about more than quiche. The same day’s menu boasted roast chicken, lasagna, their usual assortment of sandwiches, a variety of flavorful salads, and paninis—none of which have I tried because I can never resist the quiche long enough to order anything else. Bread choices in the sandwiches include white, whole wheat, sourdough, wheatberry (my favorite), ciabatta, rye and French.

Top of your lunch with one of their delightful gelatos. My favorite is the tiramisu, a cool, rich, cinnamon-y treat with a soothing eggnog-like flavor. Other flavors include lemon, strawberry, pineapple (all garnished with fresh fruit), cookies’n’cream, and other surprises. Gelato is as refreshing as ice cream, but lighter.

All the items on Atlante Trattoria’s menu are affordable—most entries and salads are under $6. Soups are $3.50 or under. Atlante is open for lunch during weekdays and dinner on weekends. To learn more, visit their Web site at http://www.qcatlante.com/.

Tiramisu Gelato