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.