The Romeos met again for lunch today at Massamino’s Restaurant in the North End. What a beautiful winter day. It was cold but the sky was blue and the air was crisp.I took the train from Wilmington to North Station and met Joe Lapiana and Joe Loduca who got the train in Lowell. We arrived at North Station in a short 28 minutes and started our walk to the North End. It was great watching other people on their way to different destinations as we leisurely gazed around.
The old elevated train is now gone and you can see tall buildings and new construction in every direction. As a youngster in the 1960’s, I remember taking the elevated train from City Square to North Station as it squealed around the right angle corner and you got the smell of baking bread from the bakery below..
As we walked along Causeway St. , you could see the Rose Kennedy Green Way on the right, the Lenny-Zakum Bridge on the left and the Banknorth Garden (Old Boston Garden) behind us. We waited for the crossing lights and then headed toward the North End.
Joe Lapiana’s family came from the North End and he gave us a guided tour along Endicott St. as he talked about the St. Anthony’s Feast and the various Italian social clubs which helped Italian immigrants who moved here in the early 1900’s. I added that my mother grew up on Prince St. just around the corner. As we arrived back in front of the restaurant, we met Paul Girard and went inside. The maitre’d met us at the door and seated us downstairs in a small function room. We ordered some house wine and toasted the event. Shortly, others arrived and the waiter brought bread and oil and drinks. Those in attendance were Jim Kearns, Mark Ryan, Joe Loduca, Joe Pignatiello, Joe Balsama, Steve Winter, Jack Tweedie, Ed Descheytner, Paul Girard, Joe Lapiana and Jim Terlizzi.
The menu had great selection of fish, chicken, and veal all with an Italian flavor and side of pasta. After ordering, the meals arrived at the table in quick time. Each of us ordered something different as dishes of unique size, shape and color were placed on the table. In addition, large platters of antipasto salad were placed in the center of the table for all to pick from. The antipasto had an assortment of greens, peppers, artichokes, mushrooms, calamari, cheese and salami. After the main course we ordered coffee and dessert and spoons to share. Our waiter Michael, was informative, quick and attended to all are needs in short order. Everyone enjoyed their meal and thought they might come back again soon.
As usual the conversation was great as we took turns contributing to each story. Joe Pignatiello had gone fishing earlier in the day for smelt and herring near the Charles River. The day was pretty cold and the catch light. Next time he would try shrimp for bait. Jim Kearns talked about shopping at Demoulas and the family controversy that finally was settled in court. Joe Lapiana had the Demoulas children in science class at Dracut HS. Jim Terlizzi added that the prices at Demoulas were certainly better than Shaws.
Joe Loduca commented that next we will be talking about the old age home and our ailments and medications. Ha Ha. Later, Joe Loduca talked about watching Judge Judy on TV and the court participants. I said that they have to be pretty desperate to appear on live TV but Joe added that they get paid for participating ($10,000 he thinks).
Next, the automobile bail-out issue was discussed. Joe Loduca said, isn’t funny how Chrysler and GM were talking about a big merger to solve their financial problems until the senate offered a $25 billion loan. Jim Kearn’s son works in finances and said that the merger would have given Chrysler control of the GM financing departments (car loans) and GM would take over Chrysler’s auto building. The merger was ready to take place and then put on the back burner when congress offered free money.
We then talked about taking the train into Boston because the parking was so expensive and the train cheaper. The one way fare from Wilmington to North Station is normally $5.25 but for seniors $2.60. It also costs about $4.00 to $5.00 per day to park at an MBTA lot. Ed Deshuyntner took his car in today and parked for $12 per day near North Station which wasn’t bad. Joe Lapiana said the parking garage at Government Center was $24 per hour !!!!!
Although some left early, we all departed the restaurant about 2:30 PM and walked toward North Station to take the train home. Joe Loduca, Joe Lapiana and Mark Ryan took the Lowell train at 3:10 PM and talked as we traveled north. Joe Lapiana talked about burning wood in his wood stove but commented that the price of a cord of wood was about $425 as oil prices continue to decline. The conversation then changed to cooking and Joe Loduca talked about his days as the chief steward at the seminary. He prepared all kinds of meals and especially Thanksgiving Dinner. He would buy several smaller turkeys so everyone could get a leg or wing. He also made several meals out of the turkey which lasted all week in different forms. Turkey dumplings, pie, sandwiches, croquettes and what ever else he could dream up.
As I departed the train at Wilmington Station, I reflected that this was a great day spent with some great friends and anticipated our next great adventure.
You can see photos of the trip at the link …..
http://picasaweb.google.com/markryan312/RomeoLunch111808?authkey=QHjKbRGx7N0
Comments or suggestions are always welcome. Send emails to markryan8@comcast.net
