I have been going to Zola’s for years and never get tired of fresh rolls warm from the oven that have a made-from-scratch-yeasty freshness. Over the years, the menu hasn’t changed much, and I can always count on having my old favourite: sundried tomato and mushroom linguine with a creamy sauce.

On this visit, I looked forward to filling my belly once again with this comfort food. The large chunks of mushrooms and sundried tomatoes sat on top of perfectly al dente homemade noodles that twirled precariously and fat on my fork, slapping my chin in drippy retaliation. The sauce was a touch runny, even watery, and could have been a little warmer. I’d even say it was too chunky and could have used a whiz in the blender to marry the flavours.

But I will return to Zola’s, if only for the rolls that remind me of my mom’s fresh bread and a time when life was easygoing and familiar.