Romeo Lunch 11-12-14

The Romeo gang met for lunch this month on Wednesday, November 12 at the Tuscan Kitchen in Burlington at 12 noon.  The Tuscan Kitchen is located at 24 New England Executive Park (next to the Lahey Clinic).  Go to www.tuscanbrands.com for more information.

There were seven Romeos in attendance including Joe Lapiana, Steve Winter, Joe Pignatiello, Jim Terlizzi, Ed DeSchuytner, Mark Ryan, and Paul Girard.  You can see photos at the Picasa link…. https://picasaweb.google.com/108806068200291783388/RomeoLunch111214

The waitress sat us in the middle of the dining room and then pulled up two more chairs for all of us to sit comfortably at a half round table.  The place was crowded but the waitress did her best with waiting on the table and brought bread and water all around.

 She then took our orders for drinks which included martinis, manhattans, beer, wine, soda and water.  There was a little mix-up on the beer.  Joe P. and Steve ordered the Miller Lite and Jim ordered the darker IPA which is heavier and more bitter.  Joe got the IPA by mistake and made a wrinkled face as he tasted it. He then switched with Jim with great relief.

The usual conversation included politics, weather, gas prices, retirement, and trips.  I congratulated Joe P. for his choice for the new Governor, Charlie Baker. Joe always gets a ribbing from all the democrats at the table.

We then talked about jobs and unemployment and the plans that Coakley and Baker had for Massachusetts.  Joe L . then said that his cousins in Italy recently told him the unemployment there was 54% compared to only 5.6 % in the US. I guess we are really lucky compared to the rest of the world’s economies.  As a result many people who lived in the suburban villages in Italy were moving to the big cities like Milan, looking for work.

We then talked about the Tuscan Kitchen which recently opened in Burlington, Ma.  The owner Joe Faro also owns the Tuscan Kitchen and Market in Salem, NH.  A graduate of the University of NH (91), he has been a shining star in the business world with more than 25 years of food experience. He is also involved with another business acquisition to open a fitness center on Main St. in Salem, NH and another venture at Rockingham Park.

The décor for the Burlington, Tuscan Kitchen was all deep wood mahogany with high metal ceilings depicting an industrial flavour.  However, they should install ceiling tiles to improve the acoustics. It was hard hearing everyone at the round table.

Although there were mixed reviews about the restaurant on the web site, our waitress was very pleasant and attentive and brought items quickly to the table. However, the kitchen was slow, leaving time gaps when bringing our entrees  at different times.

Our lunch orders included Paninis (chicken, beef and pork) with a choice of sides.  An order of Ravioli in Wild Mushroom sauce and one order of Ravioli with red sauce.  The food came in good size portions, was delicious, and had that authentic Italian flavour. They make their own pasta at the restaurant.

 Joe L. commented that he saw a review from Jack Tweedie on “Trip Advisor” regards Condos to rent in Pompano Beach, Florida.  John frequently stays there.

Joe L. also said he was visiting the Museum of Fine Arts that afternoon with the Art Council from Westwood, where he lives.  They would be seeing the GOYA Exhibit “Order and Disorder”. You can get more info at …. http://www.mfa.org/exhibitions/goya

We then talked about high school football teams and their ratings and divisions. Some schools have moved from one division to another.  Jim said that teams were rated be physical size of the players but Paul thought it might be due to winning records. Below are the rankings for schools in Division 3.

Bracket Notes:
1. Masconomet (6-1) 17.43
2. Marblehead (7-0) 17.00
3. Tewksbury (5-2) 15.86
4. Beverly (3-4) 10.00
5. Wilmington (3-4) 10.00
6. Danvers (3-4) 10.00
7. Somerville (2-5) 8.43
8. Revere (2-5) 6.71

We then talked about where to go to lunch next month. Tentatively it is Dec 17 at Turner Seafood in Salem MA.  Jim will send you an email to confirm.

Comments and suggestions always welcome : markryan82@comcast.net