A Taste of the [adopted] Old Country

For the last three years I've lived directly above Piccolo Nido, located on the corner of North & Lewis Streets in Boston's North End. Last night was the first time I tried it. This visit was spurred in part because I met the owner, Pino Irano, last Friday evening. The building management for my office are good friends with Pino, and they were hanging out on North Street on Friday evening as I returned to my apt. I was introduced and they implored me to come in. For a long time they've been giving me the business about how I hadn't gone yet, they always rave about how good the food is, how great Pino is, and the celebs who pass through the doors of the place (unbenownst to me until recently, such glitterati as Doc Rivers, the Red Sox owners, Dave Matthews, Tim Russert, and many others). I've been sleeping on this place for far too long!

Excellent food. I tried the crespelle ai funghi - crepes stuffed with wild mushrooms served in a flavorful Medeira sauce - for an appetizer and the vitello valdostana - escalope of veal with prosciutto and fontina cheese served with an incredible demi-glace sauce. I had the crème brûlée for dessert.

Very tasty, nice atmosphere - away from the hustle and bustle of Hanover Street. A limited wine list was really my only complaint. Pino's an excellent host. No celebs last night but I'll be keeping my eyes open.

Salud!