Piatinni Wine Cafe

We have only been to Boston a handful of times so we are not very familiar with the restaurant scene.  In April 2010, when I (Mary) went to Boston for the Boston Marathon, I researched restaurants that I wanted to go to.  I was lucky to find Piatinni Wine Cafe on Newbury Street.  Thankfully, I made a reservation ahead of time, because  we saw lots of people searching for places to eat.  Our reservation was for 6:00 which worked out perfect.  If you are in the Boston area, this is a must-go-to restaurant.  When we first approached the restaurant, we were a little weary about how good it would be from the looks outside.  However, once you walk through the doors, the atmosphere is awesome and our thoughts quickly changed.  The restaurant is situated sort of underneath a building.  It is a small, quiet restaurant with a friendly staff.  As we were seated, we found the chef relaxing at our table.  He was very cool and laid back.  Shortly after we arrived, the restaurant filled up and parties were being turned away.  So make sure you have a reservation…especially if you expect to dine here during the weekend of the Boston Marathon!  I will most certainly be eating here next year for the marathon and I am already looking forward to it!

First, they gave us a HUGE basket of big, crusty, airy bread.  I love bread and easily had 4 slices.

To start, I ordered a great salad, The Almond Salad– Baby spinach, mesclun, Gorgonzola cheese toasted almonds, granny smith apple,tarragon vinaigrette.

I also had some of Todd’s Caprese Salad–Tomatoes, Mozzarella, Olive Oil, & Basil. Forgot to take a picture!

For the table we got some Ravioli’s in a meat sauce to share.

For my entree, I ordered the Fussilli alle Vedure--Fresh whole wheat pasta, roasted vegetable ragout. The serving size was pretty large and I ate it all up!  Had to get my fuel for the marathon!  I loved how the pasta was homemade and did not have the same shape as your typical fussilli pasta.  Absolutely delicious.  The waiter also grated some fresh parmesan cheese on top which made it even tastier.

My Dad ordered the Tortelloni di Funghi–Wild mushroom tortelloni, marsala wine sauce, fresh mushrooms.  I tasted this and let me tell you, it was amazing.  It had a sort of sweet taste to it which I think came from the marsala wine sauce.  I need to recreate this!

Todd & my Mom ordered the same thing, Vitello ai Funghi–Tender milk fed veal, shitake and porcini mushrooms, asparagus, mushroom demi glaze. I handed the camera to my Mom to take a picture, she thought she took a picture but she didn’t…hahaha.  I didn’t taste this but they said it was awesome as well!

We finished dinner with tea/coffee and dessert.  Todd & I split Tiramisu…one of my favorite desserts.  Good thing we split it because this baby was HUGE…but heavenly! haha.

Here is a picture of my Mom as we are enjoying our food….

Dad….

and Todd….

Will definitely be returning next April for the 2011 Boston Marathon!!!