Romeo Lunch 2-19-14

The Romeo guys met for lunch this month at Jacks Restaurante in Malden located at 655 Eastern Ave.. You can see the website and menu at http://www.jacksinmalden.com . The restaurant was highly rated on the Phantom Diner and the Chronicle TV program. Four Romeos attended the lunch which included Joe Lapiana, Jim Terlizzi, Ed DeSchuytner and Mark Ryan. You can see some photos at the Picasa website .....
https://plus.google.com/photos/108806068200291783388/albums/5982597302561057889?authkey=CK3Zn_PmuruoswE

We just had another snow storm the previous night, dumping another 5 inches where I live in Wilmington and over one foot elsewhere. I like snow but this is enough. This year I have had my driveway plowed seven times so far and it has now become a headache. Luckily my driveway and the roads were cleared so we could attend the lunch date.

The snow and ice build-up on roofs has also become quite a problem with some roofs collapsing under the extra weight. Ed said that he has bought some ice removal packets (Calcium Chloride) that he throws up on his house roof to melt the ice and form small rivers for the water to flow off more easily.

Joe said that he is getting tired of lugging out the old snow blower to remove snow at his house because it weighs so much and is hard to manuever. Next year he is going to get a contract for the entire winter for snow removal. Right now he is paying more than $50 each time it snows. I have my neighbour plow my driveway for $30 a time. He has a small Bobcat with a plow and has piled the snow along the sides of my driveway. It now stands 10 feet high and I am running out of room.

Jim didn’t complain too much about the snow. I think it’s because he has been away skiing most of the time. He recently took a trip to Colorado for a ski vacation with his wife. However, even there he had a hard time getting around with all the snowfall. Luckily he rented a four wheel drive car so he could travel to several local areas. He also recently went skiing at Attitache with a neighbour during the week. Although ski rates keep going up he said it was only $25 for the day midweek.

The waitress seated us in a small room near the back of the restaurant. She then took drink orders and brought bread to the table. After waiting til 12:20, no other Romeos showed up, so we looked at the menu and made our lunch choices. 

There was a separate lunch and full menu and we ordered from both. We made our choices and the waitress returned with soups and salads to start. The soup was Italian Wedding and very good. We then got the main courses. Three of us ordered the Linguini with Clam Sauce and Jim ordered a Sausage dish. After we had coffee, cappuccino and a Bongo (chocolate covered ice cream). The waitress brought spoons for all to share the dessert. Everything was delicious and good size portions and we all had enough to take home for later.

Jim was interested in watching the Olympics Men’s Hockey on the TV near our table. Team USA was playing the Czechs. We won 5 to 2 and it was an exciting game. Jim still plays ice hockey once a week and loves the sport. As we watched the game on TV, Jim named most of the players and predicted future Boston Bruins players.

Ed then told us that on the way here for lunch he drove by the offices of the New England Pigeon Association located near the restaurant which brought back old memories. Ed said that he raised homing pigeons when he was a teenager. He even entered them in competitions where he won enough money to pay for his college tuition.

Later I told the group that I was starting Cardiac Rehab this Thursday. It will be 2 days of exercises each week for 12 weeks. I’m looking forward to the activity and plan on getting healthier, slim and trim.

We then talked about where to go for lunch next month and picked a Lebanese Restaurant in Andover for March 26th. Jim will send out email notices.

Comments always welcome …. Markryan82@comcast.net

Romeo Lunch 12/11/13

The Romeo gang met for lunch at Strega Prime in Woburn on 12/11/13. You can see the Restaurant  web site and menu at http://stregaprime.com/menus.html     There were 8 Romeos  present :  Jim Terlizzi, Paul Girard, Ed DeSchuytner, Steve Winter, Bob Simmons, Joe Pignatiello, Mark Ryan and Joe Lapiana.  You can see photos at the Picasa web site below……

https://plus.google.com/photos/108806068200291783388/albums/5956643999330708577?authkey=CKDAkabfl6CnUQ

The restaurant was previously The Beacon Grille and last month reopened as Strega Prime,  an Italian Steakhouse. The whole interior has been done over. There is a large waiter staff all dressed in white diner jackets. The prices are quite high but the food and service are excellent. One delight is a prefixed lunch on the menu for $21.00.  This includes a three part meal with Caesar salad, lobster bisque or steak tartare to start. The main entrée was either club sirloin steak, chicken Milanese, veal or salmon, and lastly a dessert of ricotta pie or macaroon cookies.

Most everyone ordered the steak and the chicken with lobster bisque or Caesar salad.  After ordering drinks , the waiter brought us all a large popover and then the salad or bisque. The main dish was then served and lastly the dessert with coffee or cappuccino. The meal was just great and the service excellent.

As you might have guessed, I have not written the blog for November since I made an unexpected visit to the hospital and had a double bypass heart operation. The operation was at the Lahey Hospital in Burlington and I would recommend this hospital and medical staff with the highest regard.  I was up and about the next day and walking by the end of the week. Admitted on 12/11 and discharged on 12/17/13. Over the past month at home, I have gotten stronger each day and was able to resume driving a car and somewhat normal activity. Of course no snow shovelling or heavy lifting.

Back to the Romeo lunch, the conversation bounced around the table with topics on medical problems, sports, politics, trips, movies to see, and Iphone apps.  The crew was glad to see me and didn’t expect me back for another month.  I did learn that everyone has a list of their medications with more ailments each month but living longer.

Jim is planning another trip to Colorado for a skiing vacation in January.  Joe Ps. daughter moved to California for better job opportunity and Joe misses his weekly trip to NH where she lived previously.  Joe mentioned that when they were at the German restaurant (Carl’s Sausage) last month , Steve told stories of his family immigrating from Germany during WWII.  Joe L. talked about a trip to Sicily but not during summer when it’s too hot. 

I commented that the temps in NH were getting to the minus numbers and was happy about it. This past summer I had a mice problem in my trailer in NH and hoped that the little buggers would freeze in the cold weather if they were in the trailer. I tried everything to get rid of the little critters.  I blocked all the holes and put out traps. I just kept catching them in the traps. My neighbour then told me that they were getting in his trailer through the 30 amp electric wire feeding the trailer. He put steel wool around the hole for the wire and no more mice. I did the same and seemed to get rid of them at the end of summer.

Everyone at the table then had a mice story to tell.  I also commented that my sister in law lives in Revere where they are doing a lot of construction around her house and she is infested with mice.

We then learned that Paul will also be in the hospital this Friday for a procedure to correct an irregular heart. Good luck Paul and our prayers are with you. During my stay at the hospital I learned I had an irregular heart too that was adjusted with medication. 

We decided to try a Malden Restaurant in January (Jack’s).  Jim will send out the information shortly.

Comments always welcome ….  Markryan82@comcast.net

 

 

 

 

Romeo Lunch 9-18-13

The Romeo Gang met for lunch on Wednesday, September 18, at the Aragosta Bar and Bistro in the North End of Boston at 12 noon. Aragosta is located at 3 Battery Wharf along the waterfront. Go to www.aragostabistro.com for more information and directions.

There were 8 Romeos present including: Jack Tweedie, Joe Pignatiello, Ed DeSchuytner, Jim Terlizzi, Joe Lapiana, Mark Ryan, Paul Girard and Steve Winter. You can see some photos at the Picassa web site .............

https://plus.google.com/photos/108806068200291783388/albums/5925776107699213793

We all arrived around noon. Some took public transportation and others came by car. Ed and Paul parked in a local garage. Joe P. came with Steve and used the valet parking at the restaurant. The others took the commuter train to North Station.

I met Joe L. In Wilmington on the commuter train from Lowell to North Station. With senior discount (half price), it cost me only $3.35 one way from Wilmington to North Station. One of the great perks for being a senior citizen.

Joe and I arrived at North Station about 11 AM and then walked over to the North End down Hanover Street to Battery Wharf. It was a little hike but a beautiful sunny day for a stroll along the city streets. There were a lot of visitors along Hanover Street taking in all the historic sites. Along the way we stopped to look at St. Steven Church and St. Leonard's. We passed the Paul Revere Statue at the beginning of the Freedom Trail that led up to the Old North Church and looked at some vendors selling paintings and prints.

We passed the fire station on Hanover St. where there was a robbery a few nights back. We talked to a fireman on duty and he showed us the rubber boot that was stolen and later recovered. It had been filled with money being collected for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

We then arrived at the Aragosta Bistro on Battery Wharf just before noon. It is located in the Fairmont Hotel on the waterfront. From the wharf you could see Boston Harbor, the Coast Guard Station and the local boat and ferry traffic.

Although the menu had a limited selection and a bit pricey, most ordered the chef's special Exhale Spa Fish which was a broiled haddock on a bed of vegetables - ($19). The others ordered the Aragosta Insulata (marinated clams, mussels, shrimp, calamari on a bed of lettuce) - ($24) and Grilled Chicken Panini - ($16). Price is not a problem when Retired Old Rich Men Eat Out (ROR-MEO)s.

I was a surprise to see Jack who had not been able to make the lunches for a few weeks. Jack has been busy with part-time work and traveling to his home down the Cape. Jack mentioned getting an annual physical exam and a shingles short. We all affirmed that we also have had the inoculation against shingles and commented how painful the affliction was.

Joe P. Said he was going on a trip to the Azores for 10 days and was looking forward to it. He also said that there are a lot of inexpensive trips including airfare and hotel being offered by AAA that we all should look into.

Paul then mentioned to Steve that he was looking much healthier today. Steve mentioned that it was all due to a good s.....x life (Ha Ha).

Jim then said he attended a sox baseball game recently and hoped that the Sox would be in the play-offs. (They are today.) He also recently saw a few new movies at the theater and on DVD that he recommended, (RUSH) was one.

Ed then said that his son recently bought a condo on Beacon Hill. While looking, he was surprised at the condo prices on the waterfront. Ed said that a condo just above the Aragosta overlooking the water goes for 4 million. I guess I will have to call my friend Warren Buffet for some pocket change.

We then talked about where to have lunch next month. Jim will send you an email. Afterwards, we all said so-long till we meet again and went off in different directions.

On the way back Joe L. And I stopped into Mike's Pastry to get some cakes to bring home.

We then arrived at North Station to catch the 3:10 train traveling back toward Lowell.

The train arrived in Wilmington at about 3:40 and I decided to walk home. On a cool day the 3 mile walk to my home is not a bad hike. After 2 miles my baseball cap was wet with sweat. I guess I will have to consult my personal trainer (Arnold -The Terminator) to get back in shape.

Comments and suggestions always welcome.... markryan82@comcast.net

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

Romeo Lunch 7-24-13

The Romeos had lunch on Wednesday, 7-24-13, at the BYC (Boston Yacht Club) in Marblehead. The BYC is located at 1 Front Street.  Go to www.bostonyc.org for directions and more information.

The six members present were Paul Girard, Jim Terlizzi, Joe Pignatiello, Ed DeSchuytner, Joe Lapiana and Mark Ryan.  You can see some photos at the Picasa link below …..

https://picasaweb.google.com/108806068200291783388/Romeo72413?authkey=Gv1sRgCPa81dzS84ifIg

Getting to the BYC is somewhat difficult since the streets in Marblehead are all one way and very narrow. You can follow direction or better yet have a GPS to lead you through the winding streets. I arrived about 11:45 AM, just before the noon lunch.

After parking the car in the small lot, I strolled around the side and entered the club through the back deck. From here there is a beautiful view of Marblehead Harbour with all the boats tied to their moorings. There are over 2500 boats anchored in the harbour and serviced by five yacht clubs and a public access dock. Most boaters grab a water taxi to get ferried out to their mooring and then set sail to the outer harbour and beyond.

I met Ed and Joe L. on the back deck looking out on the water. We talked for a while and then Jim arrived. We then went to the bar and ordered a few drinks when Paul showed up. Paul had made reservations to sit out on the deck downstairs. So we all followed, with drinks in hand, to the lower level.

Paul G. has been a member of the BYC for several years and has invited the Romeos out for lunch each year as his guests. He use to sail but now has passed on the gauntlet to his children and relatives. Looking out on the water Paul pointed to his son in law’s boat. Paul enjoys his membership at the BYC and has had many memorable family events here. When his daughter married the reception was here at the club.

Next week is Race Week and all the boating enthusiasts will be sailing, crewing or watching the races as the various class boats try to out manoeuver the pack by tacking and jibing with mainsail and jib.

Paul told us that there is a 10 year waiting period to acquire a mooring in Marblehead Harbour since boating has become such a desirable activity.

After sitting at a round table on the outside deck the waiter gave out menus. Joe P. then arrived and we placed our lunch orders which consisted of lobsters roll, haddock roll and shrimp salad and chowder. The meal was served quickly and was very good.

As always, the conversation bounced around the table as we kidded with each other. Politics, movies, and sports were among the topics. Jim is interested in a new car and had scheduled a test drive in a BMW after lunch. Jim was going on a trip to Iceland but cancelled since his wife got ill. She is better now. Ed said he bought a kit and changes his own oil on his BMW in about 5 minutes.

I talked about gardening and having lost a lot of plants to a gopher. The little varmint has had a family and has dug holes all over the yard under garden fences and under sheds. I have tried everything to get rid of the pest to no avail. I looked up some methods on the Web to get rid of the pests which included traps, fox urine and Geraniums. One fellow installed strobe lights and says the little critters stay away. All we need is some disco music.

Joe L. said has dog chased one right into a gopher hole and almost didn’t come out. Ed said his dog trapped one near a gravel walkway. The gopher escaped by digging a tunnel and throwing out rocks like a Gatling gun.

Ed talked about doing online courses at NECC. He said the cost is about $300 per credit.  A Chemistry course is 3 credits online. A 1 credit lab course has to be taken in person at the college if needed.

We then talked about some items in the news. The Bulger Trial, Travon Martin, Weiner Election. We then discussed all the books written about Bulger and the Winter Hill Gang. Everyone had an opinion.

Joe P. then talked about a wine tasting and dinner at the the Boston Winery. Joe L. then told about the St. Joseph Feast in the North End this weekend and some related festivals in Lowell.

Ed D. then said his son finally bought a condo on Beacon Hill in Boston after looking for two years and seeing over 300 properties. Jim said his sister has a condo there which she is trying to sell.

’m sure there were other topics which were discussed but that’s all I can remember right now.

We then scheduled the next lunch for August 21 in Boston on the water near Battery Wharf. Jim will let you all know the details.

Comments always welcome ……  markryan82@comcast.net

 

Romeo Lunch 6-19-13

The Romeo Gang had lunch on Wednesday, June 19, at the Seaport Grille in Gloucester.  Go to www.cruiseportgloucester.com/seaportgrille for more information. The six Romeos present were Joe LaPiana, Ed DeShuytner, Paul Girard, Joe Pignatiello, Jim Terlizzi and Mark Ryan.  You can see photos at the Picasa link below :  https://plus.google.com/photos/108806068200291783388/albums/5891723936465503169?authkey=CNq0m4nhi6a_Tg

I was early so decided to stop at a few places in Gloucester before going to the restaurant. My first stop was Stage Fort State Park. What a beautiful park for a family picnic, ball game, stroll, swimming at two beaches and yes surf fishing. I stopped at the Visitor’s Center and talked with the attendant. They had loads of free flyers describing the area. My grandchildren have been to Half Moon Beach and have had a great time.

Next, I stopped at the Fishing Pier across the bay from the restaurant. There was a lot of fishing container companies along the pier which then ended in a big parking lot at the end. Whole Foods and Gorton Fish were among them.  Several giant storage houses contained freezers to store fish. I talked with a local and he told me that the harbour use to be full of more than 50 local fishing boats but now there are maybe three. The new federal fishing laws and limited fishing and foreign fishing fleets have killed the local industry.

There were also a few locals fishing off of the pier and I learned that the fishing is good for mackerel and strippers on the incoming tide. However, you do need a Salt Water Fishing license (permit) but if you are over 70 years old it’s free.

It was near 12 noon so I went back to the restaurant and found Ed and Joe P.  at the bar where I joined them for a drink. The others arrived shortly and we were seated at the back of the restaurant which looked out into the harbour. Boats cruised in and out which carried tours and whale watchers.

The waitress took our drink orders and gave us all menus. We then ordered a few appetizers and our main entrees. The appetizers were calamari and steamers and the entrees consisted of seafood stew (cioppino), Seafood diablo and  lobster roll with chowder.

After drinks were served we all raised our glasses and toasted all the departed Romeos. May they be in a better place at the Romeo Ranch in the sky. We then commented how they all loved getting together with the group. ” Happy Trails and Till we meet again”.

The conversation was lively as always and hit all the main topics in the news. We talked about the Bruins and the various players. We then predicted how many games before they win the Stanley Cup!!!!  I mentioned to Jim that my grandson was playing street hockey and loves it. Jim said his two sons played ice hockey and the equipment gets quite expensive.

Paul asked Jim where he planned on traveling next. Jim said he was going to Iceland for a 9 day trip. Icelandic Air had a trip with flight, hotel and car but Jim wanted to take the bus tour of the island.  He said there were a lot of scenic things to see and he was looking forward to the trip.  Joe P. said he was there and really enjoyed it. Joe P. also commented that the best trips to Europe were the three (I’s) – (Iceland, Italy and Ireland).

Joe L. said the river cruises in Europe were great too. I then said that a friend just went and was disappointed because of all the rain which made the rivers higher and the boats couldn’t get under the bridges. Joe said that the tour companies would then bus you into the local towns for a tour and another boat would pick you up on the other side of the bridges.

We then talked about the next lunch and decided on the BYC in Marblehead. That is always a nice lunch right on Marblehead Harbour. Paul said he would check the dates since the Sailing Races and Regatta were planned for the end of July. Jim will send an email and let us know the time and date.

Comments Always Welcome: markryan82@comcomast.net

 

Romeo Lunch 5-15-13

The Romeo Gang had lunch on Wednesday, May 15 at the Chama Grill in North Andover at 12 noon. The Chama Grill is located at 115 Main St.  Go to: www.chamagrill.com for more information

Those present were Ed DeSchuytner, Joe Pignatiello, Steve Winter, Joe Lapiana, Mark Ryan, Paul Girard and Jim Terlizzi.   Mark and Joe L. were the first to arrive and stayed outside to enjoy the warm weather. After Paul and Ed arrived we went inside and waited for the others. We were worried since they were late but eventually showed up. The place was mostly empty but had good reviews from Ed who also had a 15% discount coupon. You can see some photos at the Picasa link below …. 

https://plus.google.com/photos/108806068200291783388/albums/5880260486942143713?authkey=CIDDnNiSnenybw

We quickly ordered drinks which were soda, beers on tap, margaritas and mojitos. The waiter then brought bread and oil for dipping and gave us menus to browse. We ordered a few appetizers (mussels and calamari) to share and the main courses which were scallops orzo, steak tips, salads, onion soup and chowder. The food was pretty good but the orzo was too starchy for my taste.

The conversation was lively as usual and included topics in the news, politics, medications, and trips.

Jim just came back from Florida and said it was great. Paul started his garden by growing a few tomatoes inside. I also started some veggies inside but they are very leggy from stretching for the fluorescent lights.

I finally roto tilled my outdoor garden and put down some weed cloth. I also got my rain barrel water system ready and will probably wait until after Memorial Day to put plants outside after the last chance of frost. Ed reminded us that it’s also after the last full moon in May.

The time went by quickly and we talked about where to go next time. The consensus was to pick a place with outdoor seating. We then decided on the Seaport Grill in Gloucester.  Jim will send the details.

Comments always welcome …  markryan82@comcast.net