Small towns in Texas aren't exactly known for producing great Italian food, but it makes those wins so much sweeter. One unlikely success in Temple, Texas, is now leading to a Georgetown expansion, bringing globally inspired Italian dishes a touch farther south.
La Riv, led by Chef Vira Chudasma, is opening at 200 E. 8th St. on May 15. The original and only location in Temple has been open since 2014, and has been featured in national news for feeding neighbors during the pandemic.
Although at a glance, the menu seems entirely Italian — with staples like rigatoni Bolognese, osso bucco, and creamy polenta — it does branch out. Crucially, these seem to be little departures rather than huge shifts in identity. The restaurant also emphasizes its commitment to local produce, often sourcing ingredients from local farmers markets.
On the Georgetown menu, a truffle mac and cheese gets a little French and Dutch with gruyere and smoked gouda; some steakhouse selections lean into the red meat; and a wood roasted chicken will surely cater to even the most cautious eaters. The biggest leap is to an ahi tuna crudo, with avocado mousse, pickled celery, and a citrus-ponzu emulsion.
It's not as easy to find tomahawk steaks in Italy as it is in Texas.larivkitchen.com
Notably, this menu is quite different from the Temple location's, which places the global inspiration in individual plates rather than across the menu, with items like smoked local sausage and potatoes, and a tuna tartare bolstered by olive oil, sesame ginger sauce, Calabrese peppers, avocado, and potato chips. But, hey, maybe in another ten years the Georgetown location will be serving curries.
"We are thrilled to be part of this vibrant community," said Chudasma in a press release. "At La Riv, we pride ourselves on offering an exceptional dining experience that emphasizes bold flavors and unique combinations. We can't wait to share our passion with Georgetown."
La Riv in Georgetown will be open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 4-10 pm, and Sundays from 4-9 pm. More information is available at larivkitchen.com.
