Romeo Lunch 4-29-09

The Romeo gang met again this month for lunch at Bacci’s Restaurant in Stoneham, MA.
Although the restaurant doesn’t have a web site, you can see a restaurant review at the web link ….. http://www.wickedlocal.com/stoneham/archive/x1277295354/Auffrey-Bacci-s-of-Stoneham

It was a beautiful day in the 60’s with the sun shining and blue skies. Arriving a little early I parked in the municipal parking area in Stoneham Square. I got out of the car and saw Joe Loduca and Joe Lapiana walking in the park area. The town has done a great job with planting trees and flowers with park benches and paths for strolling or relaxing. From the park you could see a lot of the town buildings, homes and churches. I took some photos of the surroundings including some church steeples. Some had interesting architecture. Joe Lapiana commented that you could see a Congo in the distance. He was referring to the square shaped roof of a congregational church. There is a 2 hour limit at the muni parking lot, so I moved the car to Bacci’s lot that is quite small, after seeing the meter maid checking cars.

Stoneham square is a busy place filled with several restaurants, post office, police station, banks, shops, the Mass General Hospital Suburban annex and the Stoneham Theater. At the theater you can see live off-broadway plays. Ticket prices are reasonable and you can even pay what you want on the first Thursday of each month. See the web link at ……. http://www.stonehamtheatre.org/

Most Romeos arrived at about noon and we were seated at a long table in the rear. The décor is traditional Italian with paintings on the walls, sculpture and flowers. As you enter there is an open bar, area for take-out, booths for lunch and dinner and function room in the rear. Ten Romeos were in attendance: Joe Loduca, Ed Deschuytner, Jim Terlizzi, John Tweedie, Peter Gabriel, Joe Pignatiello, Joe Balsama, Paul Girard, Mark Ryan and Joe Lapiana. You can see some photos of the group at the web link below …… http://picasaweb.google.com/markryan312/RomeoLunch42909


We ordered drinks and waited for the others to arrive. Most ordered Peroni beer, Sam Adams, Amsdel Light, Martini, Soda and Ice water with Lemon. Peter G. (the frugal gourmet) likes to make his own lemonade. The waitress announced some specials and we read the menus looking for that special cuisine. The prices for lunch were quite good ($7-$10) with surprising large portions. The choices were different for each of us ranging from: chicken, shrimp or veal scampi or cacciatore, to Fra Diablo with mussels and calamari and lastly tripe. We also got two orders of calamari appetizers. The chef brought out a large plate of delicious Raviolis on the house and there was plenty of fresh toasted garlic bread.

The conversation was great as usual. We laughed and joked and poked fun at each other. Joe P. talked about making wine at the Winery in Dorchester. The process takes a whole year with several meetings to prepare the wine batch. Joe made a zinfandel wine, crushing and straining grapes and periodically testing the process.

Paul Girard is from French heritage along with his wife who is French and Polish. He spoke fluent French growing up and going to St. Joseph’s Parochial school in Salem. He also described eating polish blood sausage and other polish delights.

Joe Loduca and Joe Pignatiello ordered Tripe and talked about how they ate different foods as a kid. Joe L. raved about eating pig’s feet and others talked about other exotic foods like caviar, and cow’s brain. Joe P. mentioned how the TV Travel channel has a show on exotic foods.

John Tweedie is heading to Florida next week. He frequently visits Fort Lauderdale area and Pompano Beach for R&R and likes to play tennis there. In fact he left a little earlier today for a tennis date.

We talked about baseball and the Red Sox. I mentioned going to Lowell to see the Spinners and maybe dinner after. Joe Lapiana said he would get the particulars.

Joe P. talked about biking from Somerville to Provincetown Cape Code and taking the ferry back. He got stopped by a state trooper for biking on Rte. 6 and escorted off to Rte. 6A. I asked if he ever tried the Pan Am challenge and he said you need to have mucho pledge donations to participate as well as too long a distance.

After dinner we had coffee, cappuccino and dessert to share. Before we noticed 2 hours had passed quickly and we called it a day. Before leaving though, Paul Girard offered going to the BYC in Marblehead for lunch next month. All agreed.

Comments are welcome. Send email to markryan82@comcast.net

Romeo Lunch 3-25-09

The Romeo gang met again for lunch this month (March 25, 2009) in the North End at the Artu Restaurant, 6 Prince St.. See the link below for restaurant week and the restaurant …….. Go to http://www.restaurantweekboston.com/ and http://www.artuboston.com/

There were 8 Romeos in attendance : Jim Kearns, Jim Terlizzi, Joe Pignatiello, Joe Lapiana, Joe Loduca, Paul Girard, Ed Deschuytner and Mark Ryan. You can see some photos of the trip and lunch at the link ……. http://picasaweb.google.com/markryan312/Romeo32509

Ed D. coming from NH, took his car and found a great parking garage for only $10 (11AM-5PM) on Commercial St. Joe P. took the local MBTA. Jim T., Jim K and Paul G. took the train to Newburyport. Joe Loduca and Joe Lapiana and Mark Ryan took the Lowell commuter train which is $5.20 regular fare or $2.60 for Seniors. My senior Charlie Card certainly cuts the price way down.

I met the two Joes at the Wilmington Station for the ride to North Station. We had a great conversation on a number of topics and then about family doctors and home remedies that our families used. Joe Laduca said that his family used the 3 oils to solve simple family illnesses: (Castor Oil, Omega Oil, and Olive Oil).

We got to North Station from Wilmington in 28 minutes. We saw the Downeast Train on the platform and talked about taking it up to Portland for the day and having dinner with the Romeos some day. We then walked out the Bank North entrance over to the North End. You could see the Lenny Zankum Bridge and the Rose Kennedy Greenway as we walked. We turned down Hanover St. and then over to Prince St. We were still early for lunch and took a walk around the area over to Paul Revere’s House and St. Leonard’s Church.

St. Leonard’s Church has a peace garden out front and has beautiful flowers in the summer. It was open, so we went inside to look at the old architecture. The altar, Stations of the Cross reliefs, pipe organ and vaulted ceilings were just beautiful.

Joe Lapiana talked about his family living in the North End and attending the three different feast day parades. The Feast of St. Anthony and St. Joseph are always well attended as the statue of the Madonna is carried down the street. Joe’s family was very active in the St. Joseph’s Society and he recently went to a dinner held in Malden at Anthony’s Restaurant celebrating the St Joseph’s Society 87th year.

We returned to the Artu Restaurant and went inside to our reserved table. The others began to arrive one by one and soon were all there. Our waiter Joshua spoke with an English accent and was from Brighton, England. We ordered drinks and then looked at the menu. Since this was restaurant week, there were some specials for a three course dinner (Antipasti, Secondi, and Dolci). The three choices for antipasti were: salad, calamari, and eggplant medley, all written in Italian. The three choices for the secondi (main course) were fish, eggplant or veal. The Dolci or desserts were cannoli, tiramisu and a tort.

We all ordered from the specials and the antipasti was quickly served. We talked and laughed and ate and drank for a while and then the main course came. It was all delicious and prepared to perfection. We then ordered separate desserts and coffee or cappuccino.
As always, the conversations were varied and bounced around the table. Joe Terlizzi talked about his trip to India and had a photo album that he shared. Jim Kearns talked about his son getting a doctorate in biochem and getting an interview quickly. The discussion then went to job interviews and how employers now look to see if you have a Facebook page or Myspace page and whether it contains items that reveal a dark side of your personality.

The discussion then centered on what medicines we all take, especially antacids. Some take acid reflux medication like Prilosec, or Zantac or Ranitidine each day before antacid symptoms start. The conversation then somehow switched to Viagra and caught the attention of a women sitting at the next table. Of course all the single guys’ eyes lit up and others just hid their eyes.

The time really flew by and it was close to 2:30PM when we left. We all headed back to North Station and on the way Joe Loduca wanted to stop at a cheese shop to buy real Italian string cheese. However, when we got to the shop the owner didn’t have what he was looking for. Joe Lapiana saw a store window with Easter Candy and some sugar candies that he had as a child. We reached North Station and the Romeo party divided up to different stations to get their different trains.

It was a great day had by all. The sky was blue and the weather great and the air just a bit cool. I just love the sights around Boston. The people, the high buildings, the traffic are like a giant living heart. Moving and pumping and bulging in all directions and somehow all interconnected.

Comments are welcome…. Send email to markryan82@comcast.net

Romeo Lunch 2-25-09

The Romeo group met for lunch this month at Stelios Restaurant in Billerica, MA, located at 239 Boston Road (Rte 3A). Go to http://www.steliosrestaurant.com/ for more info.

You can see some photos/movie of the group at the link …..
http://picasaweb.google.com/markryan312/Romeo22509

The waitress brought drinks after most had arrived. Some had soda, coffee and the beer special was “Stelios Own” Draft Ale. (Although the ale was dark, it tasted like light beer) and a good choice.

The Romeos in attendance were Bob Simmons, Jim Kearns, Jim Terlizzi, Joe Lapiana, Paul Girard, Joe Pignatiello, Mark Ryan, Peter Gabriel, Ed Deschuytner, Joe Loduca and Jack Tweedie.

Peter Gabriel arrived a little late and said he went to the wrong restaurant even though Peter worked in Billerica for a million years. Joe Loduca gave directions to Peter by phone since he doesn’t have a computer and razzed him about getting lost. Peter and Joe are constantly jabbing each other like father and son. Peter was Joe’s boss before he retired and then Joe became boss. You can see some of the hazing in the movie at the above link.

The waitress then explained the menu and said that the items listed as today’s specials were what most people ordered and were top choices. The menu listed a lot of good selections at reasonable prices (steak, chicken, lamb, fish, pasta). Stelios serves - Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Since Stelios is a Greek restaurant, some ordered baked lamb with Greek salad. Others ordered pasta, steak and fish. Although Joe Loduca gave us a special dispensation for Ash Wednesday, some of us ordered the fish and didn’t take any chances !!! Soup or salad came with the meal. The fish chowder was great. Joe Pignatiello had some free coupons that allowed us to order some appetizers, (nachos and bacon wrapped sausages) .

The salads and soups were served along with rolls and butter as the conversations worked around the table. Shortly, the main meals were served and the portion size was quite large. I had the scallops and shrimp in a cream sauce over angel hair pasta. It was delicious. Everyone enjoyed their selection and said they would come back again.

The conversations were interesting as usual. However, it was hard hearing those at the other end of a long table. Jim Terlizzi talked a little about his trip to India, the northern part near Deli. Joe Pignatiello talked about a clot in his lungs and taking medication. However, the Doctor said he could go back to skiing but take it easy. Ed Deschuytner had his house sided with new vinyl siding and fiber board insulation and removed old cedar shingles. Mark Ryan may have operation on wrist for carpal tunnel. Peter said he also meets with another retired group in his neighborhood called the L-Street Gang. Sounds like the L-Street Brownie’s that take a winter dip in the cold ocean water.

Next month we are meeting on March 25th in the North End. Jim Terlizzi will send out details.

Romeo Lunch 1-13-09

The Romeo group met this month at Café Madrid in Chelmsford, MA. You can view the menu etc. at the link …. http://www.cafemadridchelmsford.com/

The eight Romeos in attendance were Joe Balsama, Joe Pignatiello, Joe Loduca, Joe Lapiana, Jim Terlizzi, Ed Deshuytner, Steve Winter, and Mark Ryan. We all arrived at about 12 noon with a few late birds. I was a little late because I looked at the directions and took the wrong exit 34 on Rte 3 instead of on Rte 495. Jim Terlizzi with Joe Balsama got stuck on Rte 128 due to a construction project. While we waited, drinks were served all around from Pepsi, to wine to Beer.

The waiter then announced the specials for the day and we all made are choices from the menu. There was a variety of salads, hot and cold sandwiches, Paellas and Tapas. Most of us ordered the Paellas with sea food or with pork on a bed of yellow Spanish saffron rice. Others ordered the special half sandwich (pastrami) and soup.

The meal was served in very short order with plenty of drink refills. Everyone enjoyed their meal choices and commented that it was tasty and filling. After dinner we all ordered coffee, espresso or cappuccino and Flan Espanol (vanilla and egg caramel custard) dessert to share.

Accidentally, one of the Joes (I’m not telling who) moved their chair back a bit and hit the floor partition which knocked against a folded louver door room separator that toppled over making a loud crash. All the patrons in the restaurant were quiet as a mouse for a split second with mouths all opened. Since there was no real damage and no one was hurt we all continued our conversation as the waiter picked up the partition. A Romeo will do just about anything to get attention.

As we ate, the conversation bounced around the table. Joe Lapiana talked about some TV he likes to watch (Two And A Half Men & The Big Bang). Joe Piganatiello told us that he was hospitalized during Christmas with two clots in his lungs. He has recovered and on some medication to dissolve the clot and thin the blood. Joe Loduca had been in the hospital last month to change his heart defibulator (pace maker) and is now A-OK. His doctor in the hospital asked if he could lift his sheet and check the catheter and after commented that the cold room temperature sure has caused some shrinkage.

Joe P. said that he would have to cancel his season ski pass to Wachusett’s Mt. due to his health. However, Joe Lapiana said he had only been able to go once so far to Wachusetts because it has been too cold. Steve Winter said he was planning to go skiing up north next week if the weather gets a little warmer.

Joe Balsama passed out his annual calendars to everyone from Swampscott Historical Society. The calendars show weather data that he has obtained from the New England Climate Service and the U.S. Naval Observatory. There are many interesting historical photos of places in Swampscott from 1830 to 1969.

The historical photos reminded me of some that I saw from Wilmington, MA where I live. I told Joe P. and Joe B. that there used to be a three story ice house on the shores of Silver Lake in Wilmington in the 1800s. In the winter they would cut out blocks of ice, stored them in the ice house and later transported it by train to Boston and Lowell. This was before refrigeration.

I also told Joe B. that I had a plastic rain gauge at my house that cracked with ice this winter. Joe said he has a metal rain gauge that doesn’t crack and that he measures snow depth with a snow yard stick and keeps daily weather data. I told him that I have used my snow blower 6 times this winter and had looked up the snow depths on AccuWeather.com. I’m sure that we will be snow blowing a few more times before winter is over.

Across the table, Joe Loduca talked about some baseball trivia. He seems to know a lot about it and quoted some sayings from Yogi Berra. I can’t remember exactly what he said so I looked some up on the web. You can find them at the link … http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/y/yogi_berra.html
Two Yogi quotes are “He hits from both sides of the plate. He's amphibious.” And
“Baseball is ninety percent mental and the other half is physical.” We all had a good belly laugh.

Ed D., Steve W. and Jim T. all tried to tally the bill. As Ed worked it out with pencil and paper, Steve quickly did it in his head and Joe Lapiana rounded off the figures and gave his answer. It sounded like a TV Quiz show. Eventually they all agreed and we divided the bill equally.

Next month we will meet on February 25th (Ash Wednesday) at Stelli’s in Billerica. Joe Loduca will give us a special dispensation. Joe T. will send info by email.

You can see photos at the link below …
http://picasaweb.google.com/markryan312/RomeoLunch11309

Romeo Lunch 12-18-08

Another month has gone by and the Romeo gang met again for lunch today at PF Chang’s Restaurant at the North Shore Mall, Peabody, MA. You can see the web site at the link … http://www.pfchangs.com/ . The web site also contains a complete menu as well as calorie and nutritional information about each menu item.

In addition, you can also photos at the link …. http://picasaweb.google.com/markryan312/Romeo121808


I arrived at the parking lot a little early and drove around looking for a spot. The lot was filled to capacity, due to a zillion holiday shoppers who were taking advantage of the mild weather. Although we are still recovering from last week’s ice storm, we now await tomorrow’s snow storm with several others to follow. Could this be another stormy winter to remember?

I entered the restaurant and joined Joe Lapiana who was the first to arrive and seated at a long table. Eventually, other Romeos arrived and in attendance were Joe Lapiana, Jim Terlizzi, Jack Tweedie, Jim Kearns, Joe Pignatiello, Steve Winter and Mark Ryan.

The waitress then asked for drink orders which ranged from Japanese Beer, to martinis, to water. She also left the menu and gave us time to look. Finally, Jim Terlizzi explained the cast he had on his right wrist. It turns out Jim likes to play ice hockey and plays often but at last week’s game he collided with another player and went ass over tea kettle. After spending time at the hospital emergency room, another day at the doctor’s office and another day getting an MRI, he finally got a cast on a small wrist bone fracture.

Joe Lapiana also explained the absence of Joe Loduca who had surgery to replace his pace maker (defibrillator) but developed an infection when he got home and had to be treated for that complication. Others, who couldn’t make it, had other obligations. We also wondered whether some Romeo absentees might still have no electricity from the ice storm.

The waitress returned and we all ordered one of the Lunch Bowl selections (Moo Goo Gai Pan or Shrimp with Lobster Sauce). This selection also came with soup and rice. In a short time the soups arrived and were very tasty (Egg Drop Soup or Hot and Sour Soup). The main course was then served with a tray of seasonings for all to use. The seasoning tray was immediately apparent since the rice was very bland unless you put on a lot of seasoning. This made the main entrée somewhat disappointing.

After the main entrée the waitress showed a display of the mini desserts. However, we ordered two of the large desserts (Banana Spring Roll) and spoons to share. The dessert hit the spot with crape rolled chunks of banana drizzled with strawberries and blue berries and refills of coffee and cappuccino.

As always, the conversation was great and centered on hot topics of the day. Jim Terlizzi mentioned some movies that he recently saw and a list of others were added by Jack Tweedie and Jim Kearns. The list included (Australia, Quantum of Solace, Milk, Slumdog Millionaire, Doubt, Valkyrie and others).

Other topics were also discussed like the $50 Billion Hedge Fund Scam of Bernard Madoff, another housing crisis predicted for 2010, foreclosures in Florida and Arizona. . I said that the foreclosures are so bad in Florida, that Real Estate companies now take buyers on tour buses through foreclosed neighborhoods.

Jim Kearns said that he attended an Obama rally where some were citing instances where people were afraid to vote in Florida due to threats from KKK groups who were also buying up property in foreclosed neighborhoods.

Jim Terlizzi talked about his upcoming trip to India with wife and grand daughter. He will be visiting the northern part of India around Deli and the Taj Mahal. He already started pills for anti malaria and other diseases. He also said he had to send away for special Visas to visit the country.

Joe Lapiana and Joe Pignatiello talked about getting ski lift tickets for the season at Wachusetts Mountain which they said was a great bargain especially if you can ski during the middle of the week.

The two hour lunch date sure flew by quickly as we listened to each interesting story. Eventually we decided on the next lunch date and place to be, January 13th at the Café Madrid in Chelmsford. Jim Terlizzi will send out an email with particulars.

Romeo Lunch 11-18-08

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

Romeo Lunch 10-21-08

The Romeo gang met again this month for lunch at Moonstone’s Restaurant, Chelmsford, MA at 12 noon on Tuesday, October 21, 2008. . The web link is …. http://www.moonstones110.com/ . You can find directions and a menu online.

The online directions were very good and if you followed them closely, you would have arrived on time. Going south on Rte. 495 you got off at exit 34 and the restaurant is right in front of you. However, I took a right and luckily only realized the mistake after a few miles.

When I finally got there, a few Romeos were still out in the parking lot waiting for others to arrive. After awhile, we drifted inside and were seated. The waitress asked if we were with the “older man” that had arrived earlier (Peter Gabriel).

We sat at a long table and eventually 12 Romeos showed up. That was a greater number than had been attending the lunches lately. In attendance were Jim Terlizzi, Jim Kearns, Joe Lapiana, Ed DeShuytner, Steve Winters, Mark Ryan, Peter Gabriel, Joe Pignatiello, Joe, LoDuca, Joe Balsama, Bob Simmons, and Paul Girard. You can see photos of the group at the link ….. http://picasaweb.google.com/markryan312/RomeoLunch102108

As usual the conversation bounced around the table. We talked about health problems, travel places and trips, families, health insurance, politics, ballot questions, Social Security benefits and teacher retirement, Medicare and GIC, jokes, other restaurants, Hall of Fame dinner, MSELA, NSTA conventions, and last months NSSSA meeting at Cat Cove which was very good.

The waitress took orders for drinks which were varied from beer and martinis to soda and lemonade. For appetizers, we ordered some focaccia bread, seafood platter, salads and soups. Latter we ordered the main course from the lunch menu (lunch salads, focaccia breads, sandwiches and entrees). It was hard to pick from the menu since the descriptions were limited and prices ranged from $10 to $15 in small print. Most of the gang ordered Petite (small….) Fillet Mignon, Gnocchi Bolognese, Seafood Paella and sandwiches. Some meals had large portions and others small but the food was good.

After the main course we had coffee and a few desserts that we shared around the table with extra spoons. However, the dessert choices were again limited and small in size. In general the food was good and the waitress was prompt with the servings arriving all about the same time.

We split the bill as Ed Deshuytner tallied up the amounts. A few Romeos left after dinner but some remained for more funny conversations. Joe Loduca talked about grocery shopping with his wife and putting items into the carriage as she took them out. Jim Terlizzi said he was a list guy who quickly ran through the grocery store only buying what was on the list.

Before leaving we decided to meet next month on November 18 at a restaurant in the North End. Jim Terlizzi will be sending out an email. At 3:00 PM, we finally left and said our good bye’s until next time.