eggplant | Page 6 of 12 | Mass Food & Wine

Broiled Lamb Chops from Wexford House on Shrewsbury Street in Worcester, MA

When I found out we were heading to eat at the Wexford House I was not sure what to expect. I knew I had to go with an open mind but I honestly was not expecting too much. What I got was a pleasant surprise. I have to say I have driven by this restaurant many times in my travels and never once thought to stop in and see what it was all about. I am glad I had an opportunity last night. The food was good.

Entering the Restaurant I noticed there were quite a few “older” diners and it gave me a feeling that everyone knew everyone else and had been dining here for many years. As my husband and I walked in and were seated. I noticed that they had keno on all the tables, Keno is one of my guilty pleasures and I secretly realized the night was not going to be a total loss.

The menu was quite extensive and I found myself torn between many items. I finally made a decision and went with an appetizer of Baba Ganoush; it was a very smooth puree of charbroiled eggplant and spices and served with Syrian bread. I loved it; I thought it had amazing texture and a good and pungent Smokey flavor. A must try for those Baba Ganoush lovers out there.

For my main course, I chose the Broiled Lamb Chops. I had 2 6 oz. chops cooked to my requested medium. They were cooked perfectly, I could not have asked for better. I did find them a little bland, wasn’t sure if any seasonings were added during the broiling process but the lamb itself had a nice flavor, a little gamey as some people would say but I enjoyed it. I had a side of mashed potatoes with it and they were indeed real mashed potatoes. A side of butternut squash rounded out my meal.

I found the Wexford House to have some really good offerings, while I’m not sure I’d order the lamb again it was good, and a look and a sample taste of my husband’s meatloaf has me wanting to go back and try this old time favorite. If I were in the area, again I would probably stop in especially if I am in the mood for some Keno.

Melanzane alla Parmigiana from Mare E Monti Trattoria on Wall Street in Worcester, MA

Pasta…only second to chocolate, is one of my favorite indulgences. But like chocolate, it must be limited in my diet because once I start eating…quite frankly, I can’t stop…especially when it is as delectable as my MELANZANE ALLA PARMIGIANA: Baked eggplant layered with homemade pomodoro sauce, parmigiano and mozzarella cheese served with linguine from Mare E Monti Trattoria on Wall Street in Worcester.

I had been looking forward to this Foodie outing since the date and location was set over one month ago. Having been to Mare e Monti Trattoria when it first opened, I could not wait to return. All day long my mouth watered with anticipation. I knew what I wanted to order, eggplant parmesan, because my friend had ordered this dish on my previous visit to the establishment and I just had to have it for myself.

The dish arrived piping hot. The plate, mounded with perfectly cooked al dente linguine, thin, crisply slices of flavorful eggplant, smothered in true Italian “gravy” that rivaled my mother’s homemade sauce. The stringy mozzarella cheese was melted throughout the dish and provided a creaminess that cut through the acidity of the sauce. I loved how thinly the eggplant was cut (not to mention tender and delightful). There is nothing more unappetizing than thick, watery rounds. I honestly don’t think I said 2 words after my dish arrived because I was too busy stuffing my face (not ladylike I realize, but an honest portrayal of my ingestion).

The atmosphere, attentive service, and most definitely the quality and authenticity of the dishes make Mare E Monti Trattoria, in my opinion, the BEST Italian restaurant in the city. I plan on returning as soon as I need to fulfill one of my frequent indulgent cravings for true Italian.