Mangia! The Ultimate Guide to Federal Hill
Whether you call it Federal Hill or Providence’s “Little Italy,” there’s no doubt that the neighborhood is changing, but there’s still a lot to love that’s exactly the same. Let’s appreciate what we have while we still have it, and also embrace some of the newer multicultural businesses that are making their home along the city’s famous red, white...
Cal Mare welcome addition to downtown Springfield dining scene (review, photos, video)
One of MGM Springfield’s two fine-dining operations, Cal Mare is the gaming resort’s acknowledgement of Italian food’s near-universal appeal. Located off the main casino, Cal Mare's bright and airy open-plan layout lets suggestions of slot machine honky-tonk filter in. A proscenium kitchen delivers behind-the-scenes perspectives; a mostly tables-an...
At Newtown’s Panificio Navona, the Deliciousness is in the Details
Today the bakery and cafe lives up to the premise of both descriptors. It offers an assortment of baked goods worth traveling for that are perfectly balanced between sweet and savory flavors. The biscotti are on the softer side and delectable, avoiding the stale-tasting crunch too often found in the pastry. Other standouts include the almond scones...
La Pescheria
Boston, prepare to embark upon a compelling maritime journey at the launch of our newest restaurant: La Pescheria. Join us for the launch on April 26, and come back soon for the menu! OUR MISSION La Pescheria’s concept revolves around relationships. With every single dish, we hope to illustrate four powerful connections we have with the sea: 1. Ita...
No cheese? Rhode Island's 'red strips' are an odd take on pizza
The scene: Great American Bites has tried many of the nation’s regional pizza specialties, from New York to New Haven style, Chicago deep dish to Detroit pan, ultra-thin cracker-crust St. Louis pizza to crispy Neapolitan classics. But perhaps the most unusual – and least known – major style is exclusive to Rhode Island. While it is virtually impos...
How to Explore Boston's North End Like a Local
If that sounds extreme, it's only because the city’s oldest residential neighborhood matters that much to its residents, and to the city at large. The labyrinthine, lilliputian North End (square mileage: 0.36), first settled in the mid-1600s, today embodies Boston’s IG-worthy charms, from its cobblestoned streets to its European-inspired brick town...
When Lupone’s Department Store was the hub of Clinton
Morgan School students from years gone by are sure to remember the requisite trips to Lupone’s Department Store. There were the gym outfits, purchased by the girls freshman year, and the letter sweaters for the athletes. “All the girls would hate going there, because Auntie Vi was an employee who worked there her whole life and was part of the fami...
Caffè Nero opens this week in Winchester center
After months of construction, Italian-style coffee house Caffè Nero will open on Wednesday, April 10 at 547 Main St. in Winchester Center. Winchester’s location will be the 28th in the Boston area. On its first day the coffee shop will open at 7 a.m. and will close at 3 p.m. All the visitors will get to try any coffee or handcrafted beverage for fr...
Critic Finds Italian Traditions and American Whimsy in South Boston
MC Slim JB reviews Karen Akunowicz’s new South Boston enoteca Fox & the Knife for the Improper Bostonian this week, digging into the full spread of Italian dishes, from aperitivo hour through dinner and dessert. Starting dinner with the house-made focaccia, “lasciviously oozing melted taleggio,” and easing into a “genius reinvention” of a Caesar sa...
Little touches helped Mike’s pizza win West Haven’s Pizza Wars
Mike’s Pizza & Restaurant took both top awards in the recent West Haven Pizza Wars event, but there’s no real secret ingredient, said pizza maker Mike Buonocore. It’s more about the little touches and knowing what to do and not do after 47 years. “I’m the only one who makes pizza dough here and I take a lot of pride in what I do when I make pizza....
Tony & Elaine’s is the newest old-school restaurant in the North End
Tony & Elaine’s, a red-sauce joint from North End restaurateur Nick Frattaroli (Bodega Canal, North Square Oyster, Ward 8). The restaurant is new, but it feels like a throwback, intentionally: red-checked tablecloths, raffia-wrapped Chianti bottles, cheesy vintage posters, the works. It follows in the footsteps of restaurants like Carbone and Parm...
Sweet success: Fabrizia Spirits experiences growth, moves to larger location
Still settling into the new location that’s more than three times the size of their old warehouse, brothers Phil and Nick Mastroianni are gearing up for the busy limoncello season. The owners of Salem-based Fabrizia Spirits have come a long way during their 10 years in business. In the beginning, the two would gather their friends and family on ni...