Three Tomatoes Trattoria

Three Tomatoes Trattoria (Lebanon location)
1 Court Street
Lebanon, NH
(Check out their website to see all TTT locations)
It was a really long day and I ended up in Lebanon, New Hampshire around dinner time. Three Tomatoes Trattoria looked like a good spot to eat and so I gave it a try. The place was well decorated and it looked like they were running a fine business. I tried the house veal meatballs with tomato basil sauce. These were pretty good but I didn't think they were spectacular or unique in any way. They were also a bit pricey, coming in a $2 a piece. And then there was the shrimp fra Diavolo (pictured). This was a pretty nice blend of shrimp, olives, crushed red peppers, garlic, white wine, and tomato basil sauce. I will say that these guys use a lot of garlic and that's a definite plus in my book.

This would have been a pretty good meal except for the fact that I had terrible service. My waiter didn't seem really friendly at first and I didn't pay any attention to that. She brought out the water, rolls, and appetizer pretty fast. But then I waited a really long time for my entree. She never came back to refill my water and I sat there for half an hour after my plate was very clearly clean before she even came back. And when I asked for the check, that took another ten minutes. I didn't want to pay with cash but I also didn't want to wait for her to come back, take the card up, and swipe it.

Maybe I would have liked the place better if I had had better service. As it stands, I cannot give this place a particularly good rating.

Bistro La Viola

Bistro La Viola
253 South 16th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19102

This “bring your own wine,” cash only restaurant in downtown Philadelphia is a great place to dine if you like a cozy atmosphere and some tasty veal. The dining room can only fit around 70 people and it gets very tight very quickly on busy evenings so go early. On nice days, one might be tempted to sit outside but there, one might be distracted and annoyed by the city traffic.

Start with the Grigliata Di Calamari (grilled calamari marinated in lemon juice, garlic and peppered extra virgin olive oil) and you’re on your way to a wonderful evening. The calamari is well grilled with some charcoal taste that is not overwhelming. They might add a bit more lemon though as the dish can verge into the too sweet category. The dish is not filling and leaves plenty of room for the Vitello Alla Viola (veal medallions with fresh mushrooms, garlic and prosciutto in a rich veal sauce). What can I say about this except that I am craving it now. The thinly cut veal is perfectly cooked and is juicy and tender. The sauce brings out the rich taste and the mushrooms compliment the dish perfectly.

The tables fill up quickly and since it is “family style,” you may end up with some happy couple sitting next to you as you are enjoying your food. A small price to pay though as the food is terrific and the waiters watch over you like hawks.

(Image by AG)

L’Osteria Ristorante

L’Osteria Ristorante
104 Salem St.
Boston, MA 02113
(Check out their website!)

In the North End and in the mood for some excellent seafood pasta? Why not try this little place, which boasts a fine menu and delicious food? Here’s a picture of the Brodetto di Pesce, which is basically a mix of seafood (mussels, scallops, clams, shrimp, calamari, schrod) over linguini, all mixed in a very light tomato sauce. It’s a real job to work through the mound of seafood and the taste makes every bite worthwhile. The dish comes in at almost $24 but is worth it if you’re willing to splurge a little. Add a bit of wine and you’ll probably pat yourself on the back for having ordered some good food and drink.

(Images by AG)