This monthly edition of Worcester Foodies comes from Mare E Monti Trattoria on Wall Street. Now before you jump to conclusions about the restaurant based on location and neighborhood, I implore you to give this place a try. You will not be disappointed!! When entering the small restaurant front, you are greeted by a small, but chic neon lit bar leading the way into the main dining room. Once sat, we indulged in fresh, soft bread at the tables with available olive oil and roasted garlic for drizzling and spreading. After perusing their expansive menu of Italian favorites and local classics, I decided on the vitello alla parmigiana or veal parmesan. The menu gave the in depth description as provini veal pan fried in extra virgin olive oil, topped with homemade marinara sauce, romano and mozzarella cheese served with choice of pasta (linguine or penne), all for $20. I decided to go with penne due to the fact that the ridges on the pasta catch and hold the sauce better. When I received the dish, I could not believe the portion size! There were large pieces of veal, that were lightly battered and fried until golden brown and crispy on the outside, yet smooth and juicy on the inside. The whole plate was smothered in red sauce that was slightly chunky, but had a good heat and sweetness behind it. The pasta was cooked al dente and was the perfect vehicle for the sauce. The wait staff was extremely pleasant, willing to help and always around in the event that you had questions about the menu, or simply needed a refill on your drink. For those looking for a casual night out for a good Italian dinner and maybe even looking to stray off the beaten path, Mare E Monti Trattoria is your next spot to try!
Tag: mozzarella
Melanzane alla Parmigiana
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.