Pa Raffa's Restaurant

2857 Acushnet Ave.

New Bedford, MA 02745

(508) 995-7711

Date visited: 7/14/08

I know that Fall Riverites and New Bedford residents aren’t supposed to get along, but Mom and I just adore some of the restaurants that are offered in The Whaling City. After taking a quick visit to Can King Redemption on Tarkiln Hill Road (love that place), Mom and I were trying to narrow down somewhere to have lunch. Since I just started learning where certain New Bedford roads connect to each other, I was pleasantly surprised to learn that we were very close to Pa Raffa’s – one of our favorite Italian restaurants. Once I clued Mom in, we soon found ourselves pulling into a parking space at just around 3 p.m.

One of the things that Mom loves about Pa Raffa’s is that they let you seat yourself. Since it wasn’t really a busy time for the restaurant, Mom and I pretty much had our choice of seating. We chose a table on the top level (there is a sunken area with booths) right in between two windows. We were soon greeted by a waitress, who left us with two plastic covered menus and took our drink order – two Diet Cokes. They soon arrived in plastic glasses. I was really in the mood for pizza, but Mom decided to get one of the Italian dishes instead. This worked out well because I could choose any pizza topping I wanted! When I share with Mom, I always make sure that the topping is to her liking. What a martyr I am. She’s not a fan of green peppers, olives, or any kind of veggie on her pizza. When the waitress returned to take our order, I ordered a spinach pizza ($7.95) while Mom chose the chicken parmagiana ($11.75), which came with soup or salad. She chose the minestrone soup, which arrived along with a basket of warm bread and butter. Mom said that the soup was piping hot, full of vegetables, and had a really tasty broth. The bread was also very good - served warm with little packets of butter to spread on the slices.

As we waited for our food to arrive, we took a look around the dining room. It may not look like much from the outside, but Pa Raffa's is actually a really cozy restaurant. With lots of dark wood paneling, faux plants, and dim overhead lighting, the atmosphere really makes you feel right at home. I often see large parties and families with children visit Pa Raffa's for their terrific food and large portions. They offer several specials daily (written on a chalkboard) and do an extremely large take-out business. They actually have an entrance just to retrieve food to go, which is what we did when we ordered a large antipasto for a holiday one year. Let me just stop for a second to talk about this antipasto. It is amazing. Just the individual size alone would feed at least two to three people. Covered in shredded mozzarella, Pa Raffa's antipasto consists of only the freshest vegetables and the finest Italian meats. It is accompanied by a bottle of oil and water, and several empty plates for sharing. People visit Pa Raffa's just for this salad. It's unbelievable. Other delicious items on the menu include several varieties of pizzas ($6.95-9.90), hot grinders and sandwiches ($5.55-6.80), salads ($5.58-12.24), lasagna or ravioli ($7.55-11.70), spaghetti or macaroni ($5.10-9.20), and various side orders like meatballs or garlic bread ($1.10-12). If you're looking for something a little heartier, there is a long list of dinners such as homemade manicotti ($9.50), baked ziti ($6.50), and eggplant parmagiana ($11). Pa Raffa's also sells their tomato and meat sauces and their minestrone soup in pints and quarts ($3.80-6.90). Since everyone is being really frugal these days, Pa Raffa's has cleverly come up with two "money savers" - a dozen meatballs for $12, and a bucket of spaghetti (Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday only) for $6. Also, for people who don't have time to sit in the dining room, they offer their own speciality pizzas in "take and bake" form. That's right! They make it, you bake it (at home). The only complaint we have is that Pa Raffa's seems to be very "generous" with their sauce, i.e., sometimes the food is drowning. Mom and I ordered an appetizer of fried meat ravioli a few visits ago, and they were swimming in sauce. I was hoping that the chef eased up on today's meal.

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When our food arrived, I could tell right away that Mom's plate was too saucy. However, she thought that everything was great. The chicken was in a dish by itself, which was unusual. The bottom of the oval crock was covered with chicken pieces, then covered with a layer of thick sauce and gooey cheese. There was so much topping that Mom had trouble finding the chicken, but when she did track it down, she thought that it was fantastic. The chicken was very tender, moist, and cut into little chunks so that each piece was perfectly done. It was worth digging through the sauce to find. The other plate had the spaghetti, which was served piping hot like the chicken pieces were. Although very tasty, the star of this meal was definitely the chicken. Mom said it was one of the best chicken parms that she's ever had.

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I loved my spinach pizza. It really had a lot of flavor and you could tell that all the ingredients were very fresh. I ate the entire thing, and I know that sounds piggish, but the pizza has a very thin, crispy crust and just goes down very easily - and quickly. Believe me, I didn't want to move after eating this, but it was worth every mouthful.

It was at this point that Mom and I began to discuss whether or not we should bring something home for Dad's dinner. She was originally going to make him something at home, but since we were at Pa Raffa's, and he enjoys Italian food as much as the next person, we figured that we'd just grab him one of their delicious hot subs to go. When I raised my head to try and spot our waitress, who had been very friendly during our visit, I noticed her walk by with her purse, as if she were heading out the door. Once she spotted me spotting her, she slowly walked back to the kitchen area, put her purse down, and trudged over to our table. Still being very polite, she asked us if we would like anything else. I saw her face fall when we told her that we would like to order a meatball torpedo with cheese and peppers to go ($5.55). Since she had already brought over the bill (in hopes that we wouldn't want anything else), and wrapped up the rest of Mom's chicken parm to go, she slowly walked back to the kitchen to put in our order. Now, we're not saying that she wasn't friendly because she was. It was just a little uncomfortable to know that she was in such a rush to leave. I felt bad about holding her up, but couldn't someone else fill in for her? It was only one meatball sub.

While the food was still being prepared, I decided to use the ladies' room. It was very clean and organized, as was the entire dining area. When Dad's food was ready, our waitress brought over the sub in a box and started rewriting the bill. She was very frenzied, as if she were now very late for something, and asked to borrow my pen. Good thing I had one! I let her figure out the bill, and when she was done she returned the pen and sprinted back toward the kitchen. The total came to:

2 Diet Coke - $3.90

Spinach - 7.95

Chicken parm - 11.75

Subtotal - $23.60

Tax - 1.18

TOTAL BEFORE MEATBALL SUB = $24.78

Meatball sub - $5.55

Tax - .28

TOTAL OF JUST MEATBALL SUB = $5.83

1st total - $24.78

2nd total - 5.83

GRAND TOTAL = $30.61

I was starting to pull out my wallet to make change with Mom for the $36+ I was going to leave her. I laid some money on the table, but it wasn't the correct amount yet. Before we knew it, the waitress was flying over to our table and almost walked off with half the payment! We had to stop her and tell her that we weren't ready. "OK," she said hurriedly. Mom and I raced through our wallets to find the correct amount plus the 20% tip we were leaving, despite her frantic state. Once we had all our ducks in a row, she appeared again (she had to have been standing nearby) to take the money right out of Mom's hand and rush off, wishing us a good night.

As Mom and I left the restaurant with the rest of her chicken parm and Dad's sub, we commented on how rushed the waitress was. We hadn't even arrived at our car yet when we heard footsteps very close behind us. We turned around - and there was our waitress! She smiled at us and hurried to her car, jumped in, put it in drive, and sped out of the parking lot. Mom and I hadn't even buckled ourselves in yet. I really hope that she wasn't late picking up a kid, or anything, but seriously - I think someone could have covered for her. The place wasn't that busy.

Before I got my license, my friend Tammy used to rave about how good Pa Raffa's was and how I should go one day to try their fantastic food. Now that I've been several times over, and I've never been disappointed, it's funny to think back to the days when I couldn't just get in my car and drive to Pa Raffa's. Like I said before, I know Fall River and New Bedford are rival cities, but this is one place that everyone - no matter what town they're from - should try at least once. Can't we all just get along?

Pa Raffa's Restaurant is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

PS - Dad loved the meatball sub (where else can you get a sub that big for $5.55), and he also enjoyed the rest of Mom's chicken parm. He did, however, agree that there was a bit too much sauce over everything. Good sauce, but too much of it.

Gennaro's Eatery

12 Blanchard Road

Quincy, MA 02169

(617) 773-1500
www.gennaroseatery.com

My mother is a woman in love - and oddly not with my father. She has fallen for Gerry, the owner of our favorite Italian restaurant - Gennaro's Eatery. Although perhaps it has something to do with Gerry's cooking abilities rather than his good looks, Mom always gets starry-eyed when we visit.

Although some think we're crazy to drive from Fall River to Quincy just to have Italian food, I say once you've had a meal at Gennaro's, the phrase "Olive Garden has the best Italian food" should never be uttered. At first we were a little concerned that the restaurant was going to be packed. Due to its popularity and size of the dining room, this place fills up quickly. However, as we pulled into the small parking lot, it seemed that the craziness had not yet begun. I was even able to score a parking space! With only 14 spots (including handicapped) available, it must be nuts trying to find a place on a busy evening. The Gods must have been smiling down on us.

Upon entering the restaurant at around 4:30 p.m., we noticed that something had changed. It seems that Gennaro's had been renovated, and the changes were beautiful. We stopped at the front desk where we were greeted by a friendly hostess. She informed us that she would have to check to see if there was a table available, and she quickly disappeared into the dining room. Then, we heard it. A jovial voice coming from behind a row of lemon cakes featured in the dessert window. It was Gerry. My mother was all aglow. Standing at the take-out window, he had spotted us waiting for a table and began to exchange pleasantries with my mother about desserts. Since Mom was distracted by the fabulous Gerry, it was up to me to bid him farewell as the hostess returned to lead us to our table. We were seated at a back table near a window, which was coincidentally the first table we had ever dined at. I was hoping that this meal was going to be just as good as the first.

The interior of Gennaro's is quite beautiful. With a mixture of both tables and booths, the restaurant is able to accommodate every patron quite comfortably, despite only seating 70 people. The warm green and beige colors compliment the burnt orange fabrics and curtains, while the low lights and chandeliered booths bring a cozy feeling to this delightful family style restaurant. An added touch are the framed photos throughout the dining area and the Italian music playing in the background, while the shaded windows give customers an optional view of busy Blanchard Road. As always, I tried to take a picture of the interior. However, I had a hard time doing so because of the crowd, so I've included both my attempt and a picture from the Gennaro's Web site, which is fantastic. The site really gives an in depth look at everything Gennaro's has to offer, including the menu!

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picture I took

picture from the Web site

After looking quickly at the plastic-covered menus the hostess had left us with, we were greeted by our waitress. Her name was Erica, and she - along with the other staff members - were dressed in black uniforms. I really think this brings an air of class to restaurants. She was very polite and handed us a handwritten list of specials, although it was a bit on the illegible side. For our drink order, Mom chose a Coke while I ordered a Diet Coke. While Erica went to get our drinks, I spotted what would soon be my meal on the list of specials - the toasted pumpkin ravioli with sage cream sauce ($12.99). This sounded so delicious that I folded my menu and put it to the side, because I was done looking. Mom was still mulling over what to get since Italian food is her absolute favorite. When Erica returned with our beverage-filled glasses (mine was topped with a lemon), she also brought a basket of fresh bread with butter, and asked us if we were ready to order. I stuck with my toasted raviolis, while Mom ordered the manicotti with meatballs ($9.99). Erica took away the menus while Mom and I started buttering our bread. It was so hot and delicious that we each had a second piece right away.

There is plenty to choose from at Gennaro's. On previous visits, Mom has ordered the chicken parmigiana with penne ($11.99) and she said it was the best she's ever had. I've ordered both the Florentina pizza ($9.99) and the pesto ravioli, which I unfortunately noticed had been taken off the menu. Both meals were absolutely fantastic. The appetizers range from a $4.99 loaf of garlic bread to a $6.99 shrimp scampi. Also on the menu is a large list of soups ($3.79-7.99), salads ($3.99-7.99), Italian subs that are prepared on sub rolls and served with chips ($5.99-7.99), calzones ($7.99-12.99), and pizzas, including traditional brick oven and speciality topped ($6.99-12.99). Lunch is served from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and both the lunch and dinner prices are listed on the menu. Aside from the many pasta, chicken, seafood, veal, and pork specialties available, there are several traditional house specials. With dishes like the lobster and pumpkin raviolis ($11.99), baked ziti ($11.99), potato gnocchi ($11.99), fettuccine Alfredo ($10.99), linguine in clam sauce ($10.99), and rigatoni rustica ala vodka ($11.99), it is no wonder why these meals have become a favorite with customers. Gennaro's has a large dessert menu, and all the desserts are made on the premises using Gerry's authentic recipes. Although Mom and I have only been able to make room for dessert on one occasion, we were sure that we made the right choice. We ordered the tiramisu ($4.29) and it was the absolute best version we have ever tasted. It was moist, fresh, and topped with real whipped cream. Other desserts include ricotta cheese filled cannolis ($2.49), carrot cake ($4.29), chocolate layer cake ($4.49), and Italian style rum cake ($4.49). Daily specials are also available. Gennaro's also has a kids' menu, and list of side orders that you can order in or take home, such as two meatballs or two sausage ($2.79), chicken parmigiana ($6.99), or some of their homemade marinara sauce (pint $2.99; quart $5.49). Gennaro's also serves alcohol, and has a large list of both beer and wine. Make sure to ask your server about the recommended wines with certain meals.

When our food arrived, it was delivered by a man who seemed to have a heavy Italian accent. He was very polite and placed each steaming platter down in front of both Mom and myself. Mom's manicotti was accompanied by what looked like two baseballs. She had never seen meatballs that big before, and she was very pleased to see that they were well done. At first she was afraid that, because of their size, they would be a bit mushy inside. To her enjoyment, they were both tasty and deliciously spiced. The tomato sauce was more sweet than tangy, and the three manicotti were filled with a creamy ricotta cheese blend.

To my surprise, my dish actually came with chicken. This may have been mentioned on the list of specials, but I hadn't noticed it. The four pieces of white meat chicken were topped with the same sage cream sauce that the raviolis were in. The chicken was extremely moist and tender, and the raviolis were to die for. The pumpkin filling was spiced with nutmeg and cinnamon, and the breading was delicate and flavorful. I have had pumpkin ravioli in other restaurants before, but never toasted. It was definitely a fantastic dish, but a bit on the heavy side. I wasn't able to finish one of the raviolis and some chicken pieces, and believe me, I was kicking myself for it. I didn't want to leave any of this dish behind. It quickly became one of my favorites.

When Erica had come over to our table to ask how our meals were, we gave her one of those mouths-filled-with-food kind of responses. While we were stuffing our faces, we noticed that the couple at the next table was not only taking home their leftovers and ordering dessert, but they were ordering extra servings of sausages and meatballs. When their waitress brought over a large piece of carrot cake, the gentleman exclaimed, "This is the best presentation of a carrot cake I've ever seen. This guy really knows how to do it." They continued to ooh and ahh over the dessert until all that was left was the empty plate. You could tell that these people were definite hardcore fans of Gennaro's.

Erica must have noticed that Mom and I had stopped moving because we were so full, so she returned to our table to clear away our plates. After turning down her offer for dessert and coffee, she left us with the bill:

Ravioli - $12.99

Manicotti - 9.99

Coke - 1.99

Diet Coke - 1.99

Subtotal - $26.96

Tax - 1.35

TOTAL = $28.31

We left $34 on the table for Erica, including 20% tip. She was an great waitress. After climbing through the crowd that had gathered near the dining room and the take-out window, Mom and I decided to use the restroom. Since there was only one unit, we had to take turns. While I was waiting for Mom, I decided to track down a new take-out menu because Gennaro's had not only changed the interior, but also updated some of the items. Mom spent her time waiting for me by watching Gerry serve customers. The restroom was adorably decorated, clean, and organized.

Although Mom didn't get a chance to say goodbye to Gerry, we left Gennaro's with full bellies and big smiles. The crowd was definitely starting to thicken, and we were glad to be getting out of there at around 5:30 p.m. - before the dinner rush. Gennaro's Eatery remains our favorite Italian restaurant because of its beautiful dining room, fantastic food, low prices, and friendly atmosphere. It is the perfect place to bring a date, stop by with friends, or get together for a family event because Gennaro's also specializes in catering. Neither Mom nor I have ever had a bad thing to say about this place - and I doubt we ever will ... especially while Gerry is there.

Gennaro's Eatery is open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Monday, and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Tuesday through Saturday. Sundays are available for the pickup of pre-ordered catering and private parties only. All major credit cards are accepted.

Johnny Macaroni's Restaurant

582 West St.

Route 106
East Bridgewater, MA 02333

(508) 378-9335

www.johnnymacaronis.com

Johnny Macaroni's is still pretty new to us, even though it has been around for 10 years. Only recently discovered, this place quickly made its way onto our "excellent" list with its spectacular food and great service. Obviously, both Mom and I were excited to be going back.

View from the street.

Rear dining room entrance.

We pulled into the large parking lot located behind the restaurant at around 4 p.m. The parking lot is large, but fills up quickly. The entrance to the dining room is also located in the back, but there are other doors at the front of the building. We've never parked there as it's right on the street, but most people use the front entrance for their take-out retrieval. When we got inside, Mom and I were greeted by a friendly hostess who sat us at our usual table (half booth, half table) against a wall. We actually really like this seat as it's semi-hidden from the back of the restaurant. A very pleasant waitress, Kathleen, came over to our table and placed two very large, pleather-covered menus down in front of us, accompanied by a list of dinner specials and a wine list. She took our drink order - two Diet Cokes - and gave us a few minutes to look over the menu. You will definitely spend a lot of time with the menu, because there is so much to choose from. After Kathleen returned with the drinks, in plastic glasses, Mom and I were ready to order. Mom chose the cheese ravioli with a meatballs ($10.95 plus $1.50 for the meatball), and I chose the fettuccine Alfredo ($9.95). A few minutes after taking away the menus, Kathleen returned with a basket of three slices of sesame-topped bread. The bread was delicious with a crispy crust and soft middle. We couldn't wait for our meal.

Everyone seems to know each other at Johnny Macaroni's. It is definitely a favorite of locals, and is very welcoming to new visitors. Mom and I had been to Johnny Macaroni's twice before, and each time we commented on how pretty the decor is. It resembles an Italian trattoria. With beige walls lined with black and white checkered tiles, the small building looks larger indoors than it does from outside. All the tables are decorated with plastic, floral tablecloths, and paper place mats make for an easy cleanup. In a separate dining room, there is a painted scene of an Italian villa on one of the walls that you can see through a cut-out in the main dining room wall. Surrounded by lighted ivy and wall lamps, the rooms are quite cozy, and the hanging plants and soft music playing in the background give the restaurant that little something extra. A large mirror hangs above the large bench at the back of the dining room, and the ceiling fans keep customers cool and comfortable.


There are so many food options at Johnny Macaroni's. From appetizers to house specialities, everything we've had here has been delicious. One of my favorites is the chicken Florentine ($14.95), tossed with fresh spinach, ricotta and mozzarella cheeses, and bow tie pasta in a garlic cream sauce. Their appetizer list ranges from a $3.25 garlic bread to a shrimp scampi for $11.95. Soups and salads are available, along with different meats to add to your garden or Caesar salad (with chicken - $9.95; beef tips - $11.95; teriyaki shrimp - $14.95). Johnny Macaroni's has a large list of burgers and sandwiches such as the veal parmigiana ($9.95), prosciutto with fresh mozzarella tomato basil ($7.95), and the eight ounce black Angus beef burger ($6.95). All sandwiches and burgers are served with fries or cole slaw. Seafood choices range from dishes like fried scallops ($13.95) and broiled scrod ($13.95), to more intricate dishes like the baked stuffed jumbo shrimp ($15.95) and the seafood diavolo (with calamari - $11.95; shrimp - $15.95; scallops - $16.95). Grilled marinated sirloin tips ($13.95) and Christoforo's steak ($24.95) are two of the delicious choices listed under beef, and all entrees are served with veggie of the day and a choice of rice, potato, or ziti with tomato sauce. Lunch is served until 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday through Friday, and both prices are listed on the menu near each item. You can also choose to Pick-A-Pasta , where you'll get your choice of spaghetti, linguine, ziti, bow tie, fettuccine, or angel hair pasta with either tomato, garlic and oil, diavolo, marinara, or butter and cheese sauce for $7.95. If you choose to try the vodka tomato cream, mushroom, meat, or cacciatore sauces, the dish will cost $9.95. Add a sausage for $1.75 or a meatball for $1.50. Special requests and substitutions may have an additional charge. Some of their house specialities include the baked ziti ($10.95); Uncle Abb ($19.95), which is veal and chicken scallopini with jumbo shrimp, sauteed with mushrooms and prosciutto in a savory marsala wine sauce, served over linguine, and topped with mozzarella; Bona Bocca (chicken - $14.95; veal - $16.95), which is a breaded veal or chicken cutlet sauteed with mushrooms, onions, and marsala wine, topped with Genoa salami, fresh mozzarella and served over pasta; and the Festival of Italy ($15.95), which includes chicken parmigiana, lasagna, and a meatball. A catering and take-out buffet menu is also available for all your party needs. The handmade calzones are just one of the featured items.

It didn't take long before we noticed Kathleen coming over with our meals. They both arrived steaming. Mom loved her ravioli. She said that it was obviously freshly made and delicious. The raviolis were nicely filled with cheese and not watery in the middle, and they were cooked perfectly al dente. The sauce was not bitter at all - it was actually a little sweet. The meatball was delicious and very well cooked. The entire dish was served nice and hot, and the portion was a good size.

My fettuccine Alfredo was out of this world. Normally my favorite place to get this dish is at Magoni's in Somerset, MA. However, the Johnny Macaroni's version was just as good - if not better. The cheesy Alfredo sauce was thick and plentiful, while the fettuccine noodles were fresh and had a great texture. The portion was huge, and I was sad to leave a few forkfuls behind, but there was just no room left. I was full and deliciously satisfied.

On our second visit to Johnny Macaroni's, I ordered the antipasto ($9.95). I, unfortunately, did not care for the taste of the marinated eggplant. This never happens. I called the waitress over and apologetically told her that I would not be finishing my dish. Instead of making a huge scene, the polite waitress was very sympathetic and immediately took back the antipasto and removed it from the bill. She offered me something else from the menu, and I chose an appetizer of toasted ravioli ($5.95). I was not expecting them to be so kind to me after not liking the taste of their marinade, but they were very obliging and were quick to try and resolve my issue. People rave about their antipasto, and although it was good, the marinade wasn't a flavor that sat well with me. This is just my personal preference. If you're a marinated eggplant fan, definitely give it a try.

Kathleen had come over during the meal to ask how everything was. It was delicious, and we reiterated this to her when she came back to clear away our dishes. She then brought the bill:

2 Diet Cokes - $3.50

1 Fettuccine Alfredo - 9.95

1 Ravioli with Tomato Sauce - 10.95

1 Meatball - 1.50

Subtotal - $25.90

Tax - 1.30

TOTAL = $27.20

We left $33 on the table, including a 20% tip for Kathleen because she was an excellent waitress. She was also our waitress on our very first visit, and she was just as great then as she was now. Before leaving, Mom and I stopped at the ladies' room. Although the ladies' room was beautifully decorated and clean, there is only room for one. Customers have to wait in line in order to get inside. This normally wouldn't be a big deal, however, the area where the bathrooms are is also the area where the waitstaff hangs around. Add that to the customers waiting in line to get to the restroom, and you will have quite a pileup in that small area.

We left Johnny Macaroni's around 5 p.m., happy and stuffed. Both Mom and I are big fans of Italian cuisine, and paired with our fantastic dining experience, we will definitely be keeping this restaurant on our "excellent" list. Johnny Macaroni's is open from 11:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., Tuesdays through Thursdays; from 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Fridays; 3-9:30 p.m. on Saturdays; and 3-8 p.m. on Sundays (closed Mondays).

Spumoni's

1537 Newport Ave.

Pawtucket, RI 02861

(401) 726-4449
www.spumonisrestaurant.com

Two fantastic things happened in October of 1978. I was born, and so was Spumoni's, one of our favorite Italian restaurants. Located in Pawtucket, RI, Spumoni's has been a local favorite for nearly 30 years. Since Mom and I were in the area, and we had been yearning for a really good meal, Spumoni's was the obvious choice. We'd been missing it.

Mom and I arrived at Spumoni's at around 4:15 p.m. They have a very large parking lot, and thankfully we had arrived just before the dinner rush. After grabbing a few take-out menus at the front counter, we were greeted by a polite young man who quickly ushered us to a table at the far end of the restaurant and left us with two large, colorful, plastic menus. Soon after, Angelica, our waitress, arrived to take our drink order. Both Mom and I ordered Diet Pepsis that arrived in large plastic glasses. Angelica also brought us a basket of their delicious Italian bread, served with butter packets. Although we already knew what we wanted, both Mom and I had quickly glanced through the new menu. We noticed some changes, but were glad to see that all our old favorites were still available. Angelica then took our order - an appetizer of fried ravioli ($5.25), and a regular four cheese pizza ($11.50). As our waitress walked away, Mom and I started devouring the bread. It is one of the tastiest Italian breads we've ever had. Mom has always wondered if they make the bread on the premises, or have it sent over from a local bakery. Either way, she always wants to take home a loaf.

Spumoni's has a very family-style feel. With dark wood walls and booths, colorful paintings of Italian foods, and the hanging plants and strings of lighted ivy, coming into Spumoni's is like visiting an old friend. Italian music, both upbeat and romantic, is piped in through overhead speakers, and the individual lighted wall lamps and colorful menu-place mats allows Spumoni's to be both elegant and practical at the same time. The dining rooms (there are a few) are always spotless, the red and yellow checkered rug is always neatly vacuumed, and the mixture of booths and tables are set up in way where customers can access them easily. Spumoni's fills up fast, and we saw first hand how a quiet dining room can be turned into seating for a incoming party of 25. About four of five servers were setting up extra chairs and tables against a large bench at the corner of the room we were in. Although we left before the party arrived, the staff setup seemed quite effortless and very well organized. You can tell that they are used to serving large parties. A group party menu is also available.

Spumoni's has a very large menu, and one thing I love is that their take-out menu is actually the entire menu. Everything is listed! They also have a Web site, and what I love about it is that they actually list the prices! This is quite a rarity with some of these Internet pages, and I was glad to see that Spumoni's has nothing to hide from its customers. From Italian favorites to a variety of seafood options, Spumoni's has it all. Appetizers range from a $2 shrimp cocktail, to a platter of clams ala Zuppa for $11.50, which are little necks steamed in red or white clam sauce. Fresh salads and soups are available, such as Papa's Antipasto ($7.99) topped with selected Italian meats, cheeses, olives, a hard boiled egg, and Spumoni's special antipasto dressing, and the baked onion soup ($3.99) served in a crock and topped with a layer of melted cheese. There are several chicken dishes available such as the chicken parmigiana ($12.50), chicken and ravioli ($12.50), and chicken calabrese ($13.99), which is a breaded, boneless breast of chicken covered with sauteed mushrooms and oven roasted peppers, topped off with Spumoni's own sherried cream sauce and selected blend of cheeses. The Italian favorites range from a $7.99 stuffed manicotti, to an Italian Pu Pu Platter for $13.99, featuring veal, meatballs, sausage, peppers, manicotti, and ravioli topped with tomato meat sauce. With pizzas, burgers, sandwiches, and pasta by the pound, there is certainly a lot to choose from at Spumoni's. They even have something called A Tour of Italy for $11.50, where you can choose from six different Italian combo meals appropriately named The Tuscany, Roman, Palermo, Napoli, Sicilian, and The Pisa. Each "location" features three different Italian dishes all served on the same platter with your choice of soup or salad. The menu also suggests specific wines with certain dishes like the fettuccine Alfredo (Maso Canali Pinot Grigio) and any Tour of Italy combo (Beringer White Zinfandel). Spumoni's is also famous for their twin lobster special, and other lobster dishes such the steamed or baked New England style lobster, and the lobster/scallop casserole ($14.99). They have a children's menu and a dessert menu featuring a variety of liquored Italian coffees. Also served at Spumoni's is a wide selection of veal and steak choices, along with a special lunch menu that is served from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Spumoni's also has an all-you-can-eat lunch buffet for $6.50 from 11:30 am. to 1:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursday. Mom and I have visited this buffet once, and although on the small side, it had baked scrod, meatballs, Italian sausage, lasagna, and other Italian favorites. Everything was hot and delicious. Spumoni's even offers frequent diners a reward for their patronage - a dinner club card. Visit the Web site for detailed information.

Almost immediately, Angelica brought over our basket of fried raviolis. Accompanied by a dish of Spumoni's homemade tomato sauce, these raviolis are a hit with customers. I often hear people ordering them, and they never take long to arrive. The raviolis are packed with cheese (no watery middles) and nicely fried so that they are crunchy, but not rock hard. Always served steaming hot, the dipping sauce adds a light sweetness to the thickly breaded raviolis. There were about eight of them on our plate, which means that we certainly got our money's worth. Each ravioli is a good size, and extremely tasty. It's our favorite appetizer.

Our four cheese pizza arrived looking as delicious as ever. This pizza comes in three sizes - individual ($7.99), regular ($11.50), and large ($16.50). This is by far my favorite dish at Spumoni's. Mixed with garlic, olive oil, and diced tomatoes, the blend of cheeses that is used is out of this world. It gives the pizza a tangy, cheesy flavor, without being too overwhelming. The crust is outstanding. It is both crispy and soft, and supports the pizza and all its toppings. I usually get the individual size for myself, and although Mom doesn't like diced tomatoes, she loves the flavor of this pizza. It is definitely one of the best pizzas I've ever had.

We finished all but two pieces of the delicious pie before our stomachs gave up. Angelica came over to ask us if we would like anything else, but that seemed impossible. She returned with the bill and a Styrofoam box for our last two slices:

Soda (2 @ $1.99) - 3.98

Fried ravioli - 5.25

Regular 4 cheese - 11.48
Subtotal - $20.71

Tax - 1.45

Local tax - .21

TOTAL = $22.35

We needed change, which rarely happens, but Angelica quickly cashed us out and we left her a 20% tip. She was an excellent waitress, and that is another thing we love about Spumoni's - we've never had anything but excellent service. From the hostess to the busboys, everyone is always pleasant, their uniforms (with ties) are always neat and clean, and they never forget to come around and ask how the meal is.

Although we didn't use the restroom on this occasion, we have in the past and it has always been very neat and tidy. With full stomachs and the Styrofoam box in hand, we left Spumoni's extremely satisfied and already longing to revisit. We love the atmosphere, the prices are fabulous, and we've never had a bad meal at Spumoni's. As we were leaving at around 5:15 p.m., we saw customers start to pile in. The food is definitely the reason why this place is so popular, and I would definitely recommend Spumoni's to anyone looking for a delicious Italian meal. Mangi!

Spumoni's is open on Sundays from 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Bella Roma

239 Broadway

Taunton, MA 02780

(508) 823-5558

Mom and I had mixed feelings about Bella Roma. I had been there three times prior to today's visit, and Mom had been four. On our first visit, everything was spectacular. On our second visit, we were very disappointed. On Mom's trip here with Dad, she found the food to be average. On our third visit together, we found it to be nothing out of the ordinary. However, we kept hope alive in thinking that today's trip to Bella Roma would rival our first visit. It unfortunately did not.


We pulled into the parking lot of the restaurant which is located in a plaza that is home to a Brooks Drug Store (soon to be Rite Aid), a Friendly's, and a liquor store. It is set back quite a bit from the street, so if you are on the look out for this restaurant from Broadway, just remember to pull into the plaza parking lot. You'll see the slim, white restaurant signs against the red roof of the building. After checking out the painted artwork on the outside wall, Mom and I went inside at around 2:30 p.m.

There was only one other couple in the restaurant at this time, and once we were spotted, we were told by a nearby waitress that we could sit anywhere. After gazing at the delicious choices in the spinning dessert case, we chose a booth that was close to Bella Roma's large soup and salad bar. The waitress quickly came over to us, handed us two large plastic covered menus, and took our drink order of two Diet Cokes. When she returned with our drinks, which came in large plastic cups, Mom and I were ready to order. I chose the same dish that I remembered loving on my first visit - the stuffed shells with broccoli Alfredo ($11.95 for the regular size). Mom ordered the pasta bolognese ($9.95 for the regular size), and she had her choice of linguine, ziti, or angel hair. She chose angel hair. The waitress informed us that both of our meals came with the soup and salad bar privilege, so of course, we took advantage.


I really like this salad bar. There is a lot to choose from, everything is always well stocked, and the fruits, vegetables, and ready-made potato and pasta salads always seem to be very fresh. However, Mom did point out that the bagged salad used as their lettuce base was kind of limp on top, and she had to dig around to get some leaves underneath the pile that were crispier. The available soup was chicken noodle, but Mom and I were not in a soup mood. I like their pasta salad, but the pasta is always a bit overdone and has a a sticky texture. However, I try to make it work. With black olives and crushed tomatoes mixed into the salad, and with the chick peas that I like to throw in, the salad is quite tasty. Mom threw some French dressing onto her bed of lettuce, shredded cheese, and croutons. She said everything was very good, but the homemade croutons stole the show. They were excellent.

While we were waiting for our food to arrive, I started making some notes on the interior. The beautiful artwork that is displayed on the outside of the restaurant is carried onto the walls of the interior. There is a huge wall-sized mural of various gangster movie and TV show characters, along with several other large murals toward the back of the restaurant that show various Italian landscapes and scenic displays. There are only booths here, but they are wide and roomy. Topped with glass, all the tables are covered in white tablecloths, which work well with the mauve booths and light wood walls. Each table has a framed black and white photo of local sports heroes or Hollywood stars from Goodfellas, The Godfather, and other movies of that genre. The chandeliers, mini blinds, and low lights give the restaurant a homey feel, but the temperature on every one of our visits has always been a bit chilly, which doesn't do anything for the temperature of the food. There is a small bar at the front of the restaurant with high chairs that are the same color as the booths, and two TV sets - one of them being a flat screen TV that was given to the owners as a gift for the restaurant's 15 year anniversary (Mom and I just happened to be at Bella Roma on that day).



As for the food, Bella Roma certainly has a lot of choices. From pizza (starting at $6) to Steak Mafia ($13.95), you will definitely need a few minutes deciding what to order. Their appetizer list ranges from a basket of garlic bread for $2.75, to a hot antipasto with mussels, calamari, sausage, roasted red peppers, and stuffed mushrooms for $9.95. The children's menu is budget friendly - everything is under $6. They have several pizza selections including "an old world favorite," the Margherita Pizza (large size) for $13.95. This pizza is described as being made with the finest imported olive oil, garlic, diced tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and seasonings. Bella Roma also has luncheon specialities, grinders (served with fries), burgers, and pasta, chicken, seafood, steak, and veal dishes. Although none of the regular size meals are over $20, Bella Roma does serve complete dinners ranging from Prime Rib Au Jus at $13.95, to the lobster and shrimp over pasta dish for $22.95. Be careful - as noted on the menu, some of these dishes are not always available, and these complete dinners are only served on Fridays and Saturdays. Each complete dinner comes with soup, salad, and the chef's choice of pudding for dessert. Bella Roma also has family size platters of the pasta dishes. They have a huge catering menu, and by the large Bella Roma truck that I usually see out in the parking lot, they seem to be very popular. They also have quite a take-out business as I always see boxed items flying out of the restaurant. They also have half (serves 6 to 8) and full (serves 15 to 18) size trays available to order for parties and other occasions. If you wish, Bella Roma can also set up a buffet for you and a minimum of 25 people. The buffet varies in cost and food choices, but the price includes the task of having the staff set up and break down the buffet, high quality disposable plates, chafing dishes, napkins, chafing fuel, and utensils. The buffet ranges from $8.45 to $15.95 per person.

Our food did not take long to arrive, and perhaps that was the downfall for Mom's pasta. She said that although it wasn't terrible, the angel hair did not seem like it was left in the boiling water long enough. The pasta, just like the pasta in my salad earlier, was tacky and stuck together. Also, the temperature of her pasta was not as hot as she would have liked it. This is was actually a problem that we encountered on our second visit to Bella Roma, and although she could deal with the temperature, Mom seemed to have discovered something else she didn't like about her dish - the sauce. She said that it was nothing more than watery crushed tomatoes plopped onto her pasta with some ground meat (she wasn't sure what kind) mixed in. As I watched her eat, I noticed that she was having a hard time keeping the pasta on the fork, which was an obvious result of the watery sauce. It was unfortunate because Mom loves pasta, and I could tell that she was definitely having technical difficulties with this particular meal.


My dish was good, but it was not as good as the first time I ordered it. My plate looked nearly empty compared to Mom's large serving of pasta, but luckily for me I had filled up on pasta salad, so the three stuffed shells on my plate were all that I could have eaten. The shells were a bit tacky like the rest of the overcooked pasta. The cheese inside was very good, but I noticed that some of the cheese had leaked out of the pasta and had been burned to a crisp, resulting in a very crunchy bottom on each shell. The Alfredo sauce was good, but a little watery. The broccoli was green and plentiful, but a bit on the chewy side.


Also, when the waitress (who wasn't our particular server) brought over our dishes, she asked us if we would like to have bread with our meal. We said yes, and she proceeded to bring out a loaf of bread with a charred top. As Mom tried to cut into the crispy bread, and was making a sea of crumbs spread out across the table, we noticed that nicer looking loaves were being served to other tables. Again, this was very disappointing.

As we finished, our waitress, who had appeared earlier to ask us how our meal was, brought the bill:

Stuffed shells - $11.95

Angel hair bolognese - 9.95

Beverages - 4.00

Subtotal - $25.90

Tax - 1.30

TOTAL = $27.20

We left $32.60 on the table for our waitress (including 20% tip) and headed for the ladies' room. The ladies' room used to be decorated with pictures of Disney characters, but Bella Roma has since updated the bathroom with very dark fuchsia and navy paint. It was a bit dramatic, but the restroom was clean and organized.

You may ask why we didn't complain to our waitress about the food. The reason for this is because on our second visit, we did complain, but nothing really has improved. We were served ice cold meatballs, but we just pushed them to the side and chalked it up to the hour we visited the restaurant (it was almost closing time). We just figured that the servers were in a rush to go home, and luckily for them, we were already getting full before we decided to try the meatballs. Both Mom and I feel that the food at Bella Roma may not be cooked to order. Because of their large catering business, they may already have dishes made, and when someone places an order, the kitchen staff just heats it up. Unfortunately, the dish never seems to get heated entirely. Sometimes the middle of the dishes are cold, or in today's case, sometimes the pasta is left in the water too long. Either way, the food here really resembles that of Olive Garden, which is nothing but reheated food. Since Mom and I have eaten at some authentic Italian restaurants, we feel that Bella Roma is really not up to par.

Riccardi's Italian Restaurant

38 Sconticut Neck Road

Fairhaven, MA 02719

(508) 996-4100

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901 Hathaway Road

New Bedford, MA 02740

(508) 991-4200
www.riccardis.com

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Mom and I have been to both Riccardi's locations. The original building is located on Hathaway Road in New Bedford, and is a bit on the small side for the amount of business they do. However, the size is quickly overlooked when you get a taste of their fantastic food. Thinking that this was the only location, I was very excited when a friend of mine told me that there was an even larger Riccardi's on Sconticut Neck Road in Fairhaven. We thoroughly enjoyed the meal on our first visit to this establishment, and we were happy to be having lunch here again at around 3 p.m. today.

This Riccardi's location is in a pretty popular area of Fairhaven, yet on this visit there weren't many cars in the parking lot. I got a spot right by the entrance and proceeded to go inside. Mom and I walked through the take-out area (where the entrance door opens to) and took a left into the dining room. A friendly waitress told us that we could sit wherever we'd like. Mom and I decided to take a back booth that was up one step and against a beautiful window. Our waitress, Kerry, quickly appeared with two large, colorful menus and took our drink order. Mom and I both ordered Diet Pepsis and proceeded to browse through the delicious selections.

Riccardi's has a very large menu, and everything that Mom and I have ever ordered from here has been delicious. By far, my favorite is the antipasto. The individual size of this salad ($5.95) will definitely be enough for one person - maybe even two. It is loaded with fresh meats, greens, and topped with a load of mozzarella cheese. Accompanied by oil and vinegar, this salad really is one of the best around. Riccardi's also does a lot of business in the pizza and sub department, especially with those customers ordering take-out. Their subs range from a small meatball for $2.95 to a chicken Parmesan for $6.95. For the pizzas, Riccardi's offers a variety of toppings along with a few gourmet choices ($8.95) like the Taco Grande, Garden Alfredo, Pesto Chicken, and Southwestern Tex-Mex. They also have a guilt-free pizza featuring low fat cheese, broccoli, onions, and mushrooms ($7.95). The Italian dishes, or Pastabilities as they call them, are quite mouth-watering. From the Baked Ziti en Casserole ($6.95) to the Fettuccine Alfredo ($9.45), everything is made fresh and is served piping hot. Riccardi's also has something called Sicilian Room Specialities, which feature some of the pricier dishes like the Charbroiled Sirloin Steak ($13.95) and the Shrimp Scampi with Pasta ($10.95). They have an extensive wine list and feature a special called the Sicilian Feast for Two. This feast consists of an antipasto, followed by a generous platter of lasagna and your choice of spaghetti or ziti, smothered with meat sauce. Included is a side order of two meatballs and two Italian sausages, and a half carafe of house wine or two drafts of beer - all for $23.95. Riccardi's has a children's menu and a separate menu on the table that boasts their specialty drinks and desserts. They have a large catering business, and for the dine-in customers, lunch is served from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Mom and I had quite a decision to make!

Kerry came back with our drinks and a basket of delicious bread and butter. Mom decided on the Cheese Filled Ravioli with Meat Sauce ($7.95), while I chose the Southwestern Tex-Mex Pizza ($8.95), which consists of spicy BBQ sauce, chicken, cheese, sliced red onions, and green and hot peppers. As Kerry left our table, Mom and I dove into the Vienna loaf. It was fabulous. While we were waiting, I took some notes on the pretty interior of the restaurant.

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I think the first thing that I noticed was the floral carpeting. It is everywhere - even on the small stair leading up to the raised platform where Mom and I were sitting. With both booths and chairs, there are plenty of places to sit comfortably here without being cramped like Riccardi's New Bedford location. The dining room is decorated with dark woods, hanging plants, and Italian plaques and paintings. There is a small bar at the front of the dining area with a television set, and large windows on the two walls where the booths were set up. Everything was clean and organized, and the waitresses seemed to be very attentive to the few customers that were seated.

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We didn't wait long for our food to arrive. While Kerry was bringing our plates over to the table, Mom and I could already smell the banana peppers from my pizza. When she placed the dishes down, both meals looked fantastic. Mom said that her ravioli was perfect. They were nice and plump, filled with ricotta, and the sauce had a spicy/sweet mixture. She was also glad to see that there were about a dozen raviolis (she ordered the dinner portion). She exclaimed that she would definitely order this dish again.

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My pizza was spicy! My skin was pink and shiny as it gets that way when I eat spicy food, and I scarfed down all but two pieces of this delicious pie. The cheese and veggies were fresh, the sauce was tangy, and the crust was just crispy enough to hold the heavy toppings and still be tasty. The banana peppers really gave the pizza an extra kick, and it really made this concoction extra special.

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Kerry reappeared to clear away our plates and bring the check. While I recuperated by drinking an extra soda that was brought over to me (free refills), Mom read the bill:

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2 soda - $2.90

1 ravioli - 7.95

1 Southwest tex - 8.95

Subtotal - $19.80

Tax - .99

TOTAL = $20.79

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We left $26 for Kerry on the table (with 20% tip included), and before we left, Mom and I paid a visit to the ladies' room. It was decorated in the same dark wood/Italian design, and was very clean in both the sink and stall area. On our way out, I managed to get a take home menu from one of the waitresses, and noticed that Riccardi's was voted the Southcoast's "Best Italian Restaurant" and "Best Pizza" since 2003. Both Mom and I definitely agree that Riccardi's has some of the best Italian food in our immediate area. The food is quite a step up from the supposed "authentic" tasting food at Olive Garden, and the antipasto is definitely a showstopper. With the holidays coming up, you should definitely take advantage of some of their take-out platters (as Mom and I did one holiday season). You won't be disappointed.

Romano's Macaroni Grill

www.macaronigrill.com

Because we were going to be in the Warwick, RI, area, we decided to hit a delicious place that we had only visited once, but vowed to return to - Romano's Macaroni Grill.

When we first heard of the Macaroni Grill, we did not realize that it was a chain since there are none in our immediate area. However, with all the positive feedback it received on the Internet, Mom and I just had to try it. We found everything delicious on our first visit, and we hoped that this visit would be just as good. I pulled up to the Bald Hill Road location and parked my Kia at around 2:50 p.m. There weren't a lot of cars in the parking lot, but there was one thing in the parking lot that we could have done without - a burping Macaroni Grill employee. What a pig!

As we stepped inside, we quickly took a gaze around the restaurant. It is beautifully decorated with a heavy emphasis on Italian decor. A tall gentleman host politely greeted us and took us to a booth at the back of the restaurant and right in front of a large wall of bottles containing Romano's signature wine. The booth was extremely comfortable and was raised off of the dining room floor, so Mom warned me to "be careful" when I stood back up as she knows how clumsy I am. Being sprawled across the dining room was not how I wanted to spend my Saturday.

What I like about this place is that they use a large sheet of white butcher paper as their tablecloths for the boothed tables (there is a regular white tablecloth on the regular tables with a piece of butcher paper on top). On top of the paper were three crayons, and when our waitress, Marissa, came to our table, she wrote her name on the sheet for us to remember. Marissa brought over a loaf of Italian bread which was flavored with rosemary and which we were able to dip in a concoction that Marissa made for us - Italian oil from a large bottle that was on our table, and ground pepper. She gave us two large, thick menus and took our drink order. Although Mom and I ordered two Diet Pepsis, we were sad to see that they offered Italian cream sodas, which we definitely would have gotten if we hadn't already ordered the Pepsi.

They have quite an extensive menu, but Mom and I already knew what we wanted as we had already peeked at the online menu (which also lists the prices). When Marissa came back, she took our order. I ordered the Pesto Chicken Pizza ($9.79), which is grilled chicken, pesto, sun dried tomatoes, mozzarella, ricotta and Parmesan cheeses baked with garlic-olive oil. This is my second time ordering this pizza because the first time I had it, it blew me away. Mom ordered the Twice Baked Lasagna with Meatballs ($11.49), which is six layers of tender pasta stuffed with seasoned meatballs, three cheeses, and Bolognese sauce, then baked in the brick oven until bubbling. After Marissa left, Mom and I scoped out the rest of the dining room.


It really is one of the prettiest dining rooms I've ever seen for a chain restaurant. Covered with dark wood and subdued (and stringed) lighting, the walls of wine adds both design and substance to the interior. It is a rather large dining room with a couple of different seating sections, one being near a huge fireplace. There is also a small bar and, if seated in the middle of the restaurant, you are able to see right into the kitchen. Oh, and remember that burping employee? He was a chef. Splendid!

The appetizers (or "antipasti") here run from a Tomato Bruschetta for $5.79 which is toasted bread topped with extra virgin olive oil, fresh tomatoes, and basil, to the Romano's Sampler ($9.99) which includes the Tomato Bruschetta, Mozzarella Fritta, and Calamari and served with Romano's zesty pizzaiola sauce. They also have a large selection of vino (wine), bevande (drinks), brick oven pizzas, insalata (salad), signature soups, pasta di prima, over-stuffed pasta, Amore De La Grill (grill items), classico Italian (basic Italian foods), desserts, and a kids' menu. Although we were not to get dessert on this occasion, we did have the Lemon Passion ($5.29) on our first visit, and it was to die for. The cool citrus cake was soaked in a sweet cream, topped with lemon mousse, and finished off with fresh Italian whipped cream and caramel. Simply delicioso! Also on visit number one, Mom ordered the Spaghetti with Meat Sauce ($9.29) and she thought it was fantastic.

It did not take long for our food to arrive, and when it did, both plates were steaming hot. Mom's large lasagna arrived in a bowl, and was surrounded by several mini meatballs. She said that she thought it was one of the best pieces of lasagna she'd ever had, and she was glad that it was hot throughout the whole thing - which she loves. Sometimes a big hunk of pasta can get a little cool inside, but not this one. They also had the right balance of all the ingredients, and a complete blend is sometimes not always achieved throughout the entire piece. However, this one was perfect.

I actually almost forgot to take a picture of the food because I began eating about two seconds after the plate was set down on the table. My pizza was a delight, but missing the ricotta cheese! I even began to doubt that ricotta had existed on my first pizza, but when I reread the menu, I realized that yes, ricotta was a main ingredient. Although the pizza was not as spectacular as I remember (due to the missing ricotta), it was heavenly and I had to pace myself by eating crust so that the entire pizza didn't disappear in a matter of minutes. I just love pesto sauce. It really gives the cheese and tomatoes an extra kick of flavor.

Marissa came back to take our plates away, and soon returned with the bill:

2 sodas - $4.38

L-MtballLaz - 11.49

Pizza chick pest - 9.79

Subtotal - $25.66

Sales tax - 1.80

Local tax - .26

TOTAL = $27.72

We left $33 which included a 20% tip for Marissa. Both Mom and I decided to visit the ladies' room, which we hoped was still pumping the sounds of an Italian language tape like it was the last time, and we were in luck! While we were in there, I learned how to say "how much" (quanto) and "where is the bank" (dove è la banca) in Italian. What a fun idea! I can't wait to visit Romano's again. I already set my sights on a nice bowl of mushroom ravioli. Bellissimo!

Leo's Ristorante

365 Hope St.

Bristol, RI 02809

(401) 253-9300
www.thebestitalianfood.com

Mom and I love to drive through Bristol and Warren, RI. On our trips, Mom often spots Leo's Ristorante and exclaims, "One day I'd like to visit that restaurant, sit on the sidewalk, and have a delicious lunch." Well today, she finally got her wish.

We headed over the Mount Hope Bridge and into Bristol. It was a gorgeous day - just perfect for an outdoor feast. Hope Street is a very busy main street, and I was quite pleased to find a parking space right across from the restaurant at around 2:20 p.m. There is no metered parking, but there is a two hour limit. However, we were quite certain that we would not be needing the full two hours to eat lunch.

Mom and I crossed the street and walked past several of the cloth-covered tables and into the restaurant. A sign outside read that if you wanted to be seated outdoors, you must go inside first and tell your server. As we stepped inside, we found that Leo's was a lot bigger than we thought it was. They have a large dining area off to the left, and a few scattered tables and chairs throughout the front room and even up a few stairs near the main entrance. A waitress came over and we asked to sit outdoors. She promptly grabbed two hearty-looking menus and walked us back outside, but not before I snapped this picture of the interior:

It looks like there is a huge sandwich board just above where the cashier stands. It's quite adorable. However, Mom and I had our minds made up on eating surrounded by the fresh afternoon air. The waitress first brought us to a table right by the main entrance, but I asked to be seated at the last table to the far left of the restaurant. It was quiet and cozy; I didn't want to be bothered with people going in and out of the restaurant. The waitress left the two thick green menus on the table while Mom and I took our seats. Both the tables and chairs were made of dark green plastic, and the cloth table covers were a dark cranberry. There was salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes sitting on the table, along with some sugar packets. A second waitress came over and asked us what we would like to drink. We both ordered Diet Cokes, and they promptly arrived in two sealed 20 oz. bottles along with glasses of ice topped with a lemon. Since Mom and I had already reviewed the on-line menu before visiting Leo's, we were able to give our order right away. Mom ordered the Tortellini Caesar Salad ($7.25) which is freshly made cheese-filled pasta served over romaine lettuce and crunchy croutons topped with parmesan cheese and Leo's own special Caesar dressing. She ordered it with chicken which made it $8.50. I ordered the Mediterranean Salad ($7.25) which consisted of mixed greens, olives, tomatoes, red onion, cucumbers, walnuts, and feta cheese. Although I did not get it topped with chicken, you could for $8.50. Mom and I also split a personal classic (cheese) pizza for $4.50. We are both huge pizza fans and were looking forward to seeing how well Leo's can make a plain one. The waitress took our menus away, and only now as I write this did I notice that the menu online does not have the updated prices. Everything seemed to be 25 cents to $1 more in person than what is listed on the Internet.

Leo's has a lot of delicious meal choices. Appetizers range from a $3 small garlic bread to a $10.95 dish of littlenecks in garlic and oil. They have pizzas, soups, salads, wraps, paninis, sandwiches, entrees, pastas, and house specialties which include your choice of soup or salad. They have a dinner special for two which includes two entrees with a choice of soup or salad and a bottle of wine for $29.95. Catering services are also available, and I was surprised to read that Leo's Ristorante has been around since 1948. Who knew? All pastas are cooked to order, and although there is alcohol served indoors, it is prohibited to be served outside. Parties of eight or more will have an 18% gratuity fee added to their bill.

Our food came fairly quickly and everything looked amazing. We dug into the pizza first. Delicious!! The crust was thick and puffy with a crispy rim. The tomato sauce wasn't actually a sauce, it was crushed tomatoes, which made the pizza sweet versus acidic. The hot melted cheese did not overpower each individual slice. The taste was fresh and flavorful, and Mom noted that it was one of the nicer pizzas that she's had in a while.

Mom's salad was a hit. It was a great portion with lovely thin pieces of white meat chicken sitting atop of bed of Caesar salad and tossed with nice assortment of tri-colored tortellini. The chicken was tender and well done, the tortellinis added a extra flavor to the salad, and the dressing was nicely spiced and went well with the fresh greens. Mom said she would definitely order this again. Even the croutons were delicious!

My salad was also outstanding. I love nuts, and every time I order a salad that includes them, there are usually only about five or six scattered throughout the greens. Not this time. My salad was chock full of walnuts; I had one in every forkful. The greens and feta cheese were very fresh, and the olive assortment was fun and flavorful (black, green, and Greek). It was a great portion size, and the dressing that topped it was cool and tangy. A great summer mix of veggies on a wonderful summer day.

I finished my meal first, but Mom was still working on hers when the waitress came over to clear away my plate. She had come over once during the meal to ask how everything was, and we had only good things to report. Although my mother thought that she stared at us too much, it may have just been that she was having trouble seeing our eyes through our sunglasses, ha, ha. She took my plate away at around 2:50 p.m., but she didn't return until 3:11 p.m. to take my mother's plate and ask us if we wanted dessert. It wasn't too bad of a wait because it gave Mom and I plenty of time to decide where we wanted to see the new Harry Potter film. We declined dessert, and at 3:15 p.m. the waitress brought the bill:

Mediterranean - $7.25

Tortellini w/chicken - 8.50

Personal pizza - 4.50

2 Coke - 3.00

Subtotal - $23.25

RI7 - 1.63

RI1 - .23

TOTAL = $25.11

*I think the RI7 is Rhode Island 7% tax, but I don't know what the RI1 is.

I took the bill inside while Mom waited for me at the table. I left our waitress $30 (including 20% tip) and decided to use their restroom. They only have one unit, and the little sign on the outside green door informs users that it is a unisex bathroom. I knocked on the door and, since it was empty, I went inside. It is a very skinny room with a toilet at one end and a sink at the other. It was very clean. I quickly rejoined Mom and we noted that this was a great find and we look forward to coming back again. Although eating outdoors isn't for everyone, there was something about sitting on a main street surrounded by tourists, dog-walkers, and historic buildings that made our lunch at Leo's extra special.

***NOTE: I should mention that a friend of mine had a bad experience here involving a hair in his panini sandwich. Although he has not been back since, I look forward to my next visit. However, I'll keep my eye out if I ever order a sandwich.***

Bertucci's

www.bertuccis.com

Although the food was good, I wasn't overly impressed with Bertucci's. It reminded me of an Olive Garden, which I'm also not that impressed with (although the food is good). I've had pizzas and desserts from Bertucci's, and they've always been served hot and fresh. However, the taste is that of a heated up microwave meal. Tasty, but not super delicious. I would visit a Bertucci's again and give it another shot. Perhaps I would try one of their many pasta dishes, but as of right now, it's nothing to write home about.

Ma Raffa's Restaurant

1142 County St.

Somerset, MA 02726

(508) 324-0909

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85 Rockdale Ave.

New Bedford, MA 02740

(508) 992-8467
www.maraffas.com

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This place has a great pizza deal. On Monday through Thursday, you can get a large pepperoni or linguica pizza for only $6.99. Believe me, they're worth it. They make a really good pizza here. It's thin crust, they're generous with the toppings, and the cheese is fresh. We often will get three pizzas to bring home ($22.02). Besides pizzas, you can eat inside and they have all manner of Italian cuisine. They have pastas, subs, appetizers, meat dishes, etc. I've had the spaghetti and meatballs here and it was really tasty. They have a delicious meat sauce - one of my favorites. Laura's had the stuffed shells, toasted raviolis, and her favorite - the antipasto. Get the small if you're just getting for yourself, because the small is huge. It's filled with Italian meats, cheese, roasted red peppers, olives, and other fresh veggies. It's delicious. Laura often makes a meal of the antipasto just for herself. They also have catering, and if you give them 48-hours notice, you can get large pans of meatballs, Italian sausages, lasagna, ziti, antipasto, garlic bread, etc. We ordered some of their family take-out for the holidays. Everything was outstanding. Plus, it saved me a lot of time. But believe me, no one complained! This is a nice place to come for pizza, or to come with the family for a sit-down Italian meal.

The Tuscan House

58 East Grove St.

Middleboro, MA 02346

(508) 923-0099

www.tuscanhouserestaurant.com

The Tuscan House is a beautiful restaurant inside and out. We had the pleasure of going there on a terribly rainy day. It was literally pouring cats and dogs and we had to run in from the car. Inside the restaurant was warm and inviting and we couldn't wait to start our meal. It was quite empty for being lunchtime, but it could have just been the weather. Laura and I shared an order of toasted ravioli which were very good and served along with some nice Italian buns. For our main course I had chicken parmigana over penne which was very good and Laura had a grilled chicken panini which she found to be a little off tasting. She only ate half and was not happy with the half she ate. The bread was too stiff (ciabatta bread) and did not go well with the grilled chicken. Everything was a little dry. We didn't have dessert and headed back out into the horrible weather. I would try Tuscan House again, but Laura would definitely not get that sandwich.

Olive Garden

www.olivegarden.com

To everyone that thinks Olive Garden is authentic Italian cooking at its best, I say - you haven't had real Italian food. Olive Garden is not bad, but their dishes really seem like they're frozen entrees heated to order. I guess they have to do that because it's a large chain, and the taste has to be consistent from restaurant to restaurant (notice you never smell anything cooking in these restaurants). I understand this, but it's not real Italian cooking. I would say it's Americanized Italian food. However, people love it because it's always crowded and there's usually a line to get in. We've been here a couple of times, and I have tried the minestrone soup (not that great - very watery), breadsticks (excellent), chicken parmigiana (OK), and the lasagna (better than the chicken parm). Laura's had their fettuccine Alfredo (she's had