Tag: WFXXVII

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Bianca Ricotta Fior di Latte Chile Roasted Garlic Scallion Pizza

Bianca Ricotta Fior di Latte Chile Roasted Garlic Scallion Pizza from Volturno on Shrewsbury Street in Worcester, MA

Bianca Ricotta Fior di Latte Chile Roasted Garlic Scallion Pizza from Volturno on Shrewsbury Street in Worcester, MA

Perhaps in reading some of my reviews you may have gathered a little known fact about me. I am extremely passionate about pizza, specifically brick oven.

Therefore, when my turn came to select our next foodies’ adventure, it was foreseeable that I would choose the new brick oven pizza restaurant on the Worcester scene: Volturno. (Disclaimer: if you are looking for customary plain cheese pizza, perhaps meat lovers, you will not find that here. This is authentic Napoletana style pizza, my friends. Expand your inner foodie!)

Yes, of course, I had already been here a few times, but I was eager to introduce my fellow Foodie friends to Volturno, by chance they had yet to try. I suspect no one was disappointed.

I appreciate so many things about Volturno. The décor is distinctive and reminiscent of an eclectic upscale renovated barn with a twist. The beautiful floor to ceiling windows of the building, even preserving the “Buick” stained glass (was a Buick dealership back in the day). They offer outdoor seating, which I am a big fan of and my opinion we need more locations in Worcester to have. The clipboard menu is a charming idea, although one recommendation is the menu is a little hard to read with the type font (although super cool). Love the fact the staff utilizes the iPad for placing orders and accepting payment. The staff is extremely knowledgeable, welcoming, and attentive.

A very kind fellow foodie ordered some appetizers to share. When I saw the asparagus, bacon and egg arrive, I thought, I have to try that. I need to make this for brunch! It was so delicious. The asparagus was cooked perfectly with breadcrumbs, a fried egg (yoke broke exquisitely over it all), and thick cut bacon bordering the asparagus. Wow. That is what I am going to say about this dish. Wow.

Then came deciding what pizza to order, I was going to stick to one of my beloveds the pistachio pesto pizza but decided I would try something new. I ordered the:  BIANCA RICOTTA FIOR DI LATTE CHILE ROASTED GARLIC SCALLION and I added sausage for good measure. This was remarkable! I will admit, and please do not think I am absurd but I did eat the whole pizza, by myself. Seriously, it was that good. The sausage has such a wonderful flavor, the flavor of the cheese, the roasted garlic just tantalized your taste buds, and there is a slight “kick” with the chile. The best part of the pizza for me is the crust, I love the flavor, thickness, and it is cooked to perfection!

I will be back to Volturno soon and I really hope you give it a try! -LB

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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