Romeo Lunch 8-21-13

The Romeo Gang had lunch on Wednesday, 8-21-13 at Bellino’s Trattoria, 146 Lowell St., Wakefield,MA. You can see the web site at … http://www.bellinos.com for more information. (If the links don't work please copy and paste into your browser.)

This was a quick change since the original lunch date was set for the Aragosta Restaurant on Battery Wharf in Boston.  After several of the Romeos canceled it looked like only a few were left to attend.  However, after suggesting a more local restaurant, we were able to rally five Romeos for Bellino’s in Wakefield. Those able to attend were Brother Tim, Paul Girard, Joe Lapiana, Joe Pignatiello and Mark Ryan.

Bellino’s is located right at the circle on Exit 40, Rte 128 and Lowell St. right next to Honey Dew Donuts and the north end of Lake Quannapowitt. The restaurant has a pleasant décor inside with full service bar and a small deck outside overlooking the lake across the street.  The menu is authentic Italian with chicken, veal, seafood and homemade pasta entrees as well as paninis and pizza.

We were early for lunch and got a table outside on the deck. The waitress took drink orders and gave us the menus to look at. She also told us what some of the specialties were. One specialty was a Shrimp over Liquini in a white garlic sauce with artichokes. Several picked it as there entrée and were pleasantly pleased.

Several others ordered a Panini, Fussilli alla Vodka and Chicken Parmesan. We also had an order of Mussels in Red Sauce for an appetizer. The drinks were served and included margaritas, manhattans, beer and soda.

After a while the deck tables filled up with other customers as well as the inside seating. This is a very pleasant place for lunch and dinner.

As usual the conversation was lively and bounced around the table. Several asked about some of the missing Romeos and why they couldn’t attend. Even when you are retired there are always a zillion things that fill up your appointment calendar. We talked about sports, politics, and current news items. Joe P. mentioned that he had a rental property in Somerville and would probably use a management firm next year to handle it since it is a full time job dealing with the property. He also said that Somerville Real Estate was booming and the prices keep going up. A recent two family was on the market for $600 thousand and ended up selling for $900 thousand due to buyers out-bidding each other.

Brother Tim talked about flying but also his teaching duties.  Correcting and reading AP Exams over the summer. St. John’s Prep is opening a new Middle School for boys in grades 6, 7 and 8 in the next few years and there is a lot of building going on.

Joe L. talked about some of the feast days in the North End. He also was having a family gathering at his house in Westford for distant cousins who haven’t seen each other in a while. He plans on having a lobster bake.

You can see some photos at the Picasa web site … https://plus.google.com/photos/108806068200291783388/albums/5916610381948497441?banner=pwa&gpsrc=pwrd1#photos/108806068200291783388/albums/5916610381948497441

(If the links don't work please copy and paste into your browser.)

We then discussed the next lunch date. Jim T. will let you know in an email.

Wednesday, September 18 at Aragosta Bar and Bistro in the North End of Boston at 12 noon.
Aragosta is located 3 Battery Wharf.  Go to www.aragostabistro.com for more information and directions. (If the links don't work please copy and paste into your browser.)

Comments always welcome … markryan82@comcast.net