Tag: sausage

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Calamari and Orrachetti with broccoli rabe, sausage, and chilies

Grilled Calamari from Volturno on Shrewsbury Street in Worcester, MA

Grilled Calamari from Volturno on Shrewsbury Street in Worcester, MA

Volturno is most definitely one of my new favorite restaurants in Worcester. I was enticed first by its attractive location, renovated interior, historical “Buick” charm and over my last 5 visits…the food. On this gorgeous spring evening out with the Worcester Foodies, I had convinced myself to order something other than pizza. This was a difficult decision as my love affair with the pistachio pizza has become a relationship I’ve been forced to share with my husband. My mind was made up before entering the restaurant…the half Misty Knoll chicken, butternut squash, foraged mushrooms, and brussel sprouts. The entree sounded deliciously organic and absolutely delightful. One can imagine my disappointment when the menu arrived and the waiter explained that they had switched over to their “Spring” menu. Frantically, I perused the updated menu, and made a surprisingly simple decision…I would begin with the grilled calamari over hummus and have the orrachetti with broccoli rabe, sausage, and chilies.

The appetizer arrived and a new affair commenced almost immediately. The heaping portion of calamari was grilled and drizzled with olive oil and bright lemon juice over a mound of freshly mashed chick peas. It was love at first bite! The calamari was cooked to perfection…not chewy with a slightly charred flavor from the grill. The fragrant lemon and olive oil added a fresh dressing to the dish which was not overwhelming or heavy. I shared approximately two bites with my husband and devoured the rest on my own.

Orrachetti with broccoli rabe, sausage, and chilies from Volturno on Shrewsbury Street in Worcester, MA

My pasta arrived shortly thereafter and was gigantic. Clearly this was going to be a gluttonous evening when my eyes were larger than my stomach. I dug into the al dente pasta with vigor and my taste buds were met first with the bitterness of the broccolli rabe, then the distinct fennel taste from the sausage, and finally the spicy bite of the chilies. All three flavors melded together like a beautiful symphony. The grated cheese on top added a welcomed creaminess. Having already consumed a hefty appetizer, I cold not finish this dish, however, my fellow foodies devoured what was left practically licking the plate clean, all in agreement — the dish was a culinary masterpiece!

I look forward to continuing my love affair with Volturno and will explore the menu which has yet to disappoint! -AV

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Pistachio Pesto Mozzarella Sausage Pecorino Pizza

Pistachio Pesto Mozzarella Sausage Pecorino Pizza from Volturno on Shrewsbury Street in Worcester, MA

Pistachio Pesto Mozzarella Sausage Pecorino Pizza from Volturno on Shrewsbury Street in Worcester, MA

Volturno is Shrewsbury Streets newest entry into a bustling dinner scene. At first I was a little skeptical when I heard another pizza and Italian dining establishment was joining the mix, but Volturno has carved out its own spot in Shrewsbury Streets restaurant row. The owners of Volturno did an excellent job blending the old Edward Buick space with a new restaurant leaving an industrial open concept dining space that fits well with this brick oven dining spot.

For starters I decided to start with the grilled calamari, chili, olives, chickpeas, and parsley appetizer. A pleasant change from the usual fried calamari dish, the grilled calamari appetizer was extremely fresh and well prepared. The calamari was perfectly prepared, served over a bed of humus and chickpeas and topped with fresh greens. My only suggestion would have been to have the chili and olive portions of this dish a little more prominent to give the dish a little more flavor.

For my main course I opted for the Pistachio Pesto Mozzarella Sausage Pecorino Pizza. This perfectly prepared personal size pizza was a excellent choice of fresh ingredients that worked well together. The ground sausage, fresh mozzarella and pistachio pesto type mix worked well together to create a mild fresh pizza that is worth going back for. The pistachio flavors were somewhat lost in the sausage and pest—perhaps more coarsely ground bits might have added little more flavor and texture. The locally sourced fresh ingredients were evident in this worthwhile addition to the Shrewsbury Street dining scene.

In my opinion Volturno has carved out a place in the Shrewsbury Street dining scene that is worth going back for repeat visit. Nice atmosphere, great pizza, and a renovated Worcester landmark of a building make Volturno worth a try. And if you have room after dinner don’t forget to try the Nutella dessert pizza….. 
 -DO