Wall street | Mass Food & Wine

Posted on September 22, 2013January 21, 2016 by Staff Writer

Pappardelle alla bolognese

I was excited to try the new restaurant, Mare e Monti Trattoria, on Wall Street as I had loved their previous restaurant.

I started with the Arancini di riso which were 2-3rice balls filled with beef ragu, green peas and a small amount of fontina and parmigiano cheeses which had been lightly breaded and fried served with a fresh marinara sauce. I liked that they were only lightly fried which gave them a good texture but kept me from feeling too full before my main meal came.

For my main meal it was a tough decision as they have an extensive menu ranging from pastas, gnocchi, grilled meats and salads. After hearing that they made their own pappardelle noodles I went with the Pappardelle alla bolognese. What clinched the decision was after telling our waitress that I could not eat cream based items she told me since each meal was made fresh they could accommodate me by making an adjustment in the bolognese sauce since many restaurants make this sauce with cream in it. When the main dish arrived it was piled high with the homemade pappardelle (which are wide pasta noodles) and home made bolognese sauce (which is ground veal, pork and beef) and a small assortment of tiny diced vegetables. I was anxious to dig into the steaming hot pasta dish especially knowing the noodles were homemade. The pasta was excellent and good to the right level of tenderness. I admit I was disappointed in the bolognese as it was a tad too salty. I think since they tried to accommodate me by taking out the cream it left the sauce with too much salt without the cream to balance it out. Overall a good meal and I will go back and try the many other dishes that they have.

Posted on September 21, 2013January 21, 2016 by Staff Writer

Vitello alla Parmigiana

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!