Sagra

A Jazz Quartet performs at Sagra.

At first they said the place was cursed. The original restaurant at this location was called "SAUCE" and was opened by the same folks who brought us "Joshua Tree" just around the corner, a great success. Yet, "SAUCE" failed. Soon reincarnated as "400 Highland" it only lasted a few months before shuttering again.

I can't blame the location. The design, a two-level room with comfy dining and a casual lower floor with full length windows that open in Summer and a well-appointed bar were quite trendy. I blame the menu. It was all small plates, which is the trend, but very pricey. It simply wasn't a good value and that's what the locale demands.


The grilled lamb chops.

"Sagra" however, has finally gotten it right, with a classic Italian menu and affordable pricing. So, one snowy afternoon, as all of Boston stressed out trapped for hours, literally, in grid locked, blizzard like conditions, we enjoyed lunch and had the place to ourselves. The food was great, the ambiance warm and the service personable. We can't wait to go back for dinner and a cocktail.


The "Grand Melody" of fried foods including calamari and arancini.

"Sagra" also features live entertainment such as Jazz ensembles and on Sunday nights Rich DiMare croons the Sinatra hits. We enjoyed him greatly when we met him at a taping of "TV Diner" and he's also a Medford neighbor (home of our global headquarters).


Rich DiMare is featured vocalist on Sundays at "Sagra".

Sagra Restaurant
400 Highland Avenue
Somerville, MA 02144
617.625.4200




Well, The Boston Foodie was contacted last week out of the blue and invited to join the Insider's Table at "The Cheesecake Factory." The group is sort of a loosely organized board that is invited to review new menu items, provide feedback and direction and attend special events. It's all part of a huge PR effort (we think) to take the chain a bit more upscale. In any case, it's a chance for us to really get a behind-the-scenes view of how a major operation is run. We are proud to serve and thankful for the invitation. So, if you'd like to join the food blog community in Boston, contact us and help us enjoy all of the many benefits!