Taste Of The North End 2017

Chef and longtime friend José Duarte of Taranta was the recipient of the 2017 Taste Of The North End Award.  Chef José is not only a creative force in the kitchen but also a great North End community activist.

Restaurateur Donato Frattaroli ( Lucia and Il Molo) was at it again last week to present his annual Taste Of The North End event at the Steriti Memorial Rink in the North End.  Over forty-five participants gave us the opportunity to wine and dine with some of the North End's most popular spots.

It was great to have along our friend Joao Santos of The Glam Life Diary lending a fashionable presence at the event.

The Sam Adams table was quite popular, serving up some of their new summery sips.

What's better than a simple but delicious Prosciutto and Pea sauce on your fresh pasta?  Lilly's Fresh Pasta put on an impressive spread.

It wasn't all Italian fare, however.  Crudo was providing plenty of sushi to the hungry crowd.

And, of course, it wouldn't be an Italian-American event without little kids on the dance floor!  We really love the old-school neighborhood feel of this event with a fun crowd and, as always, great food.  Congratulations, Donato!!

This week we'll be across town and high above the city (likely in the clouds) at the Prudential Skywalk for The Taste Of The Back Bay where we will sample all of their restaurants!  The stunning views at this event is worth the donation itself but there will be yet more great food and drink as well as live music.  The social season is in full swing!  Hope to see you there.

Taste Of The North End is a charity event that we are happy to support with promotion and attendance.

Taste Of The North End

Lt. Governor Karyn Polito congratulates Donato Frattaroli (l), founder of The Taste Of The North End.

We were recently invited to attend Taste Of The North End, the annual celebration of all things food and wine in this historic part of our City.  First, I just want to say that the DCR Steriti Memorial Rink, where the event was held, has to be number one one the list of public skating rinks with the most spectacular view in this city. We had never been inside before and the view is absolutely stunning.

Second, this is a real, fun community event celebrating the old school Italian heritage and traditions that are still very alive in the North End.  If you haven't been to the North End in a while you would not be disappointed with an evening or weekend stroll through the area or a visit to one of the many great restaurants.  You will want to linger for hours.  Here are some photos of the many different tastes and sips we enjoyed.

Strawberry Shortcake from Modern Pastry.

Creamy polenta and braised short ribs from Lucca.

Jim and Rita Sorrento were there, enjoying the great food and company.

One of the many wines provided by Fantasy Wines, Fabrizia, Voga Italia Wines Champy and Zonin.

And look at that view at nightfall.  

We can't list all of the forty restaurants and food vendors that led us on the feast but we can certainly say that it was well worth it. Congratulations Donato on another great year!