Romeo 1-20-16

The Romeo Gang met for lunch on Wednesday, January 20 at Heaven’s Taste in Peabody at 12 noon. Heaven’s Taste is located at 150 Main St.  

There is no web site but you can see some mixed reviews at Yelp. You can also see some photos at the Picasa web site below ........... 

https://picasaweb.google.com/108806068200291783388/RomeoLunch12016
 

 

There were 6 Romeos present including Joe Lapiana, Ed Deschuytner, Jim Terlizzi, Mark Ryan, Joe Pignatiello, and John Tweedie.

The restaurant is a modified Brazilian Steak house where you have self service selection at a buffet table with additional slices of meat served by a carving chef at a carving table. The meats include rotisserie beef, sausage and chicken. 

There are two choices for lunch which include all you can eat for $16 or $7 a pound. We decided to all get the all you can eat selection and went back for seconds. The buffet table had an assortment of potatoes, fries, plantains, salads, rice, noodles and other vegetables as well as stewed beef, chicken and pork.

The beverage was water, cola and coffee. No alcohol. We also finished off the meal the several cakes and custards.

The meal was very good, meats tender and tasty and the service was very attentive.

The conversation was lively as always and included talk about sports, weather, politics and news.

It was nice to see John T. at lunch. He said he has been busy with doing new teacher supervision with Emerson College. He usually spends a few weeks in Pompano Beach, Florida during March when the weather is better there. 

Joe P's mum just turned 100 last week and we wished her well. They had a big birthday party for her at Moonstones Restaurant in Chelmsford.

Ed said he just bought 6 seasons of the hit TV series on DVD called Breaking Bad which was on HBO. He said it's great TV and really addictive. Jim said he taped all 6 seasons on AMC when they had a movie marathon and has really enjoyed it.

There were lots of other things we talked about but just general chit-chat. Jim suggested a lot of new movies now playing including the "Martian" with Matt Damon.

We then decided on meeting next month on Feb 17th at the Continental Restaurant in Saugus. Jim will send out an email. 

Comments always welcome .... Markryan82@comcast.net

 

 

Romeo 12-9-15

The Romeo Gang met again for lunch on Wednesday, December 9 at Michael’s Place in Wilmington at 12 noon.  Michael’s Place is located at 110 Lowell St. (Route 129). Go to .... www.michaelsplacerestaurant.com or Trip Advisor for more information and menu.

There were five Romeos present including Jim Terlizzi, Joe Pignatiello, Ed DeSchuytner, Joe Lapiana and Mark Ryan. You can see some photos at the Picasa Web site. Just click the link below ..... Romeo Lunch 12-9-15

Joe L and I arrived early and grabbed a table. The place gets real busy at noon as a popular lunch spot. I live in town and come here often. Food is always great with extra to take home.  You order your choice at the counter and wait for your number to be called. Service is real quick. The menu choices include seafood (fried and baked), subs (hot and cold), pizza, calzone, steak and turkey tips with sides and baked Italian dinners.

When everyone arrived we ordered and most got the baked combo of shrimp and scallops with potato and vegetable  sides and one order of chicken Parmesan with ziti. We also had soda and beer. The food was super delicious and plenty of it. Joe P and Jim took home a doggy bag. As we ate the conversation bounced around the table. 

Joe L is doing well at his art studio in Lowell and is having an open house the weekend of 12/12 and 12/13/15. Over 300 artists will open their studios for exhibit and sales. The website is ... http://westernavenuestudios.com    for more info.

Joe P said he would be going skiing this weekend at Mt Sunapee even though there is little snow. He volunteers at a ski clinic for disabled vets.

Jim just returned from a trip to Japan and Korea. He said it was a great experience. Food good and he was surprized to get a private tour for him and wife and tour driver. 

I then told a story about my neighbor’s son and wife who are taking a year long trip around the world. They recently were in Vietnam and Thailand. They write a weekly blog describing their adventures. Being in their 40s they are young and healthy and backpacked most of the time. They are now on their way to Spain and then South Africa. Along the way they have biked the country side, taken sailing lessons, hiked and enjoyed the local cuisine. Nice to be able to see the world at a leisure pace.

We then talked about the new state testing program. Ed D said it may be a combination of the MCAS and PARCC tests. However, the state wants to develop their own and incorporate an online version which would cost less money.

Joe L said he went to the last NSSSA meeting held at the Terrafugia facility in Woburn. They are developing a flying car. Joe said they have three working crafts and hope to market them soon. It still needs a short runway to land and take off. However, they are working on a model that will have electric vertical thruster engines so you could take off straight up from your driveway.

We then talked about where to meet next time. Joe L mentioned a Brazilian Steakhouse. We explored a few online but most only opened after 4PM. We finally found one in Saugus for January 20th. Jim will send out an email.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all you Romeos and Juliets and youngsters.

Comments always welcome ... Markryan82@comcast.net

Romeo 11-18-15

The Romeo Gang met for lunch on Wednesday, November 18 at Moody’s Deli in Waltham at 12 noon.  Moody’s is located at 468 Moody Street. Go to www.moodyswaltham.com for more information.

There were only five Romeos present including Steve Winter, Jim Terlizzi, Ed DeShuytner, Joe Lapiana and Mark Ryan.   Joe Pignatiello couldn't attend. He had another appointment. So Steve had his wife drop him off at the restaurant. Later I volunteered to drive him home to Belmont

 

You can see photos at the Picasa web site below .... Click

Romeo 11-18-15

The restaurant was in downtown Waltham with limited parking. Street parking for one hour and no meters. There was a public parking lot on a side street for $2.00 all day. The secret is to first see the Public Parking sign. Of course I didn't and so I parked on a side street with no VISIBLE parking restrictions. 

Unfortunately, there is a time limit of two hours for side street parking and I ended up with a $25 parking ticket. They always say Buyer Beware. Or is it stupid is that stupid does. Later Joe L. told me he parked in a local school parking lot. Why not, he was a teacher and teachers have privileges.

We entered the deli and the counter help told us to sit anywhere and push a few tables together. We then learned that we had to order food and drink at the counter and pay. When ready they brought it to the table. The small menu listed about 10 sandwich dishes all made with fresh meats processed right there in the deli. You could see the selection of cured meats hanging on display.They served local beers in cans or soda in an ice chest. A full bar was available later on the dinner menu only.

I had a corn beef on rye with truffle chips and an IPA beer for about $20. 

The others got similar sandwiches. Joe ordered a charcuterie which is a plate of various meats and cheeses with flat bread slices. His order took the longest to be served. 

We had all arrived before noon and the place was quiet with a few customers. By 1PM the line at the counter went out the door and every table was filled with patrons. They all were in the 30-ish age group and probably worked at local businesses. 

The food was very good and fresh for a deli. It brought back memories of the old Jewish deli "Maxie’s" in Chelsea where I grew up.

The conversation was lively as usual and included topics from sports, trips, health insurance, the terrorist attack in Paris, the presidential candidates and local news.

Joe L. just returned from a river boat trip along the Danube. He said it was great with everything included - food, drinks, side trips and gratuities.

Steve told me that he went on a trip to Vienna "by car". That is Vienna, Virginia to visit his son's family. His granddaughter was in a high school play. She had a 5 minute part! They also stopped in Ithaca, NY to see his daughter and family.

We then talked about where to go next month for lunch. We decided on a restaurant in Wilmington. Jim will send out an email.

Comments always welcomed....

Markryan82@comcast.net

 

Romeo Lunch 10-14-15

The Romeo Gang had lunch on Wednesday, October 14 at Osteria Nino in Burlington at 12 noon.  Osteria Nino is located at 19 Third Avenue, next to the Burlington Mall.

Go to www.osterianino.com for more information.

There were six Romeos in attendance including Steve Winter, Joe Pignatiello, Joe Lapiana, Mark Ryan, Jim Terlizzi, and Paul Girard.

You can see photos at my Picasa web site ..... Click below.

Romeo Lunch 10-14-15

 

I got there early and met Joe L. sitting on the outside terrace. The terrace is great for warm days and has a variety of plants along the border including rosemary, chives and cherry tomatoes. I picked a few rosemary twigs just to savour the armour.  There is also an outside oven for cooking that adds uniqueness to the eating experience.

 

We sat and talked for a while but decided to eat inside since it started getting cool and windy. The others arrived shortly and we moved inside near the window. 

Our waitress Makenzie was very attentive and brought bread and water to the table. She then took drink orders which included Italian beers and margaritas. We then ordered an appetizer for the table which included Italian cold cuts and hard cheese.

Most of the menu entrees were pasta dishes made fresh at the restaurant including pork, beef, chicken and fish sides.  The waitress took our meal orders and came around the table explaining the different selections and there subtleties. Everyone ordered something different including lasagna, spaghetti, seared swordfish, noodles and Caesar salad with scallops.

The conversation circulated around the table including topics on sports, news, weather and politics. Jim mentioned how the Red Sox were out but the Cubs might have a chance for the World Series. 

The Pats game on Thursday night was great with some memorable plays. Bill Belichick has a gift for picking great talent like Brady, Gronkowski, Edelman, and Lewis.

Joe L. and I were the only ones who watched the Democratic debate and by far Clinton out shined all the others. Jim said jokingly that Trump would make a good choice for Pres......as he needled Joe P..

Of course the traveling trio are off again on their jetting around the world. Joe P. is taking a Viking cruise out of Rome. Joe L. is taking a Mediterranean cruise and Jim is thinking about a trip to Korea.

Steve said he just returned from a trip to Oregon. He and his wife attended a wedding of a niece. They had the service out in the woods under a big tent. The young crowd partied all night and slept in sleeping bags under the stars. Steve and his wife found the nearest warm and comfortable hotel.

We then talked about TV shows and remembered our favourite comedians like Seinfeld and Larry David.  I said that I saw a YouTube clip of an old Carol Burnett show with Tim Conway and Harvey Korman. Conway played a newbie dentist stabbing himself with a nova cane needle and then trying to operate with limp arms. We all laughed.

We then made suggestions on where to go next month and Joe L. mentioned a place in Waltham. Jim will send out emails.

Comments always welcome......

Markryan82@comcast.net

 

Romeo Lunch 9-16-15

The Romeo Gang met for lunch on Wednesday, September 16 at Besito Mexican in Burlington  at 12 noon.  Besito Mexican is located in the center of the Burlington Mall, 75 Middlesex Turnpike. Go to www.besitomexican.com for more information.

Six Romeos attended including Joe Pignatiello, Steve Winter, Ed DeShuytner, Joe Lapiana, Jim Terlizzi, and Mark Ryan.

You can see photos at the Picasa web site ......

Romeo Lunch 9-16-15

Although the resturant is in the mall some of the guys had hard time getting to the entrance. Most arrived shortly after noon.

The waiter Humberto set the table with tortilla chips and made a guacamole dip at the table in a stone bowl. The dip was delicious as we all devoured it.

We all ordered drinks which included margaritas and Mexican beer. As we sipped our drinks we pondered the menu quizzically and tried to pick different entrees written in the Mexican language. Fortunately Joe L. found a card at the entrance that helped explain some the terms on the menu. We finally asked the waiter what he might recommend.

By coincidence it was Mexico's national Independence Day and there was a special on the menu to celebrate the event. It included three enchiladas filled respectively with chicken, vegetables and beef with each colored red, white and green depicting the Mexican flag. See the links below .....

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grito_de_Dolores

Not to be confused with Cinco de Mayo, a Mexican American Battle on the 5th of May. 

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cinco_de_Mayo

The meal came quickly and was served in super hot dishes. It was a great choice and super delicious.

To wrap up the meal we ordered a flan custard to share with cappuccino.

The conversation was lively as always and bounced around the table as we ate and drank. We talked about sports, politics and headlines in the news.

Jim said his sister is living in an assisted living facility and pays $9000 month until her estate cash runs out. They don't take Medicare. Isn't it fun getting old.

Joe P. took trip last month to Seattle and British Columbia.. He visited Whistler in BC which is a world renown ski resort in winter and a bike Mecca in summer. He said the bikers were real dare Devils racing the mountain trails and down hill courses.

Joe P. also bought a new car. His old 2001 Lexus had 150,000 miles. He bought another Lexus with the same color so no one will notice the difference . I also had high miles in my 2004 Chevy Tahoe with 110,000 miles. But since it's still running good, I decided to keep it and bought 4 new tires for $800. We will see.

Joe L. is having an open house at his art studio on October 3rd. All are welcome. You can visit hundreds of studios and buy original art work including paintings, jewelry, ceramics, and glass. There will also be a beer garden. See info below on Facebook .......

https://m.facebook.com/events/1618474708435566?acontext=%7B%22ref%22%3A98%2C%22action_history%22%3A%22null%22%7D&aref=98

Mark talked about a book he has read recently and highly recommends. "Madame President" by Nicole Wallace. A women president with all female cabinet endures personal tragedy as well as five simultaneous terrorist attacks on US soil. 

We then talked about meeting next month and picked an Italian place in Burlington. Jim will send an email.

Comments always welcome. Markryan82@comcast.net

 

Romeo 8-19-15

The Romeo Gang had lunch on Wednesday, August 19 at Renzo’s in Revere at 12 noon.  Renzo’s is located at 381 Revere Beach Boulevard. Go to
https://foursquare.com/v/renzos-brick-oven-pizzeria/4c675e0c7abde21e8e8f6668
 for more information. 

You can see photos at the Picasa website below .....

https://picasaweb.google.com/108806068200291783388/RomeoLunch81915?authuser=0&feat=directlink
 

 Eight Romeos attended including Paul Girard, Jim Terlizzi, Brother Tim, Steve Winter, Joe Pignatiello, Mark Ryan, Ed DeShuytner, and Joe Lapiana.

I got to Revere at 10 AM so I could walk the beach and do some Metal Detecting. The hobby is interesting because you never know what you will find. You hope for unique items like "Gold Doubloons" and diamond rings but most of the time you end up with old bottle caps and maybe a few coins. After an hour I put my gear back in the car and walked to the restaurant. 

Revere Beach has a new look. It is very clean and well kept. Machines rake and clean the sand each day. There is bird nesting areas at the north end to protect various sea birds.  There was a lot of parking spaces at 10 AM but soon filled up as families arrived for a day on the sand.

When I got to the restaurant Joe L and Ed were already seated near a deck door that looked out on the beach boulevard. Soon the others arrived and the waitress took drink orders which included margaritas and draft beers. We then ordered a few appetizers which included calamari and artichokes which were tasty.

The waitress then took meal orders which included steak tips, lobster sliders, turkey BLT, fish and chips and Cobb’s salad. Everything came quickly and was tasty and good portions.

The conversation was lively as usual including sports, news and politics. I talked with Joe P about real estate. He sold his tenant house in Somerville and is glad since there were always tenant needs. I said my sister in law is still looking for a condo and discovered they were in the $400 thousand range for a single bedroom. They use to be priced less than a starter home. 

Ed said he was having new air conditioners put in his home. They are Mitsubishi that cool and heat and go right in the walls. Similar to central air. I said I had two 13000 BTU units put in the walls on opposite ends of my home a few years ago and it keeps the house nice and cool. I also have a sun-setter awning over my deck. It's 16 ft. and shades that side of the house and keeps the adjacent rooms cooler.

Brother Tim talked about correcting national AP Tests in Kansas this summer. There is a rubric standard to compare the essay answers. Several scorers correct the same student tests and if they don't match within a point, another scorer has to check.

He also talked about seeing a new helicopter at Beverly Airport with some students. As they were leaving the owner of the new helicopter invited them all for a ride. It is a big one and seats eight people. They were all ecstatic being treated with such luxury. We also talked about airplane accidents, drones and laser pointers. He had some interesting stories.

I then talked with Ed about my garden. I have had a good harvest this year. My electric fence has kept the gophers away. I'm getting big tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, eggplant, zucchini, peppers, potatoes, summer squash and cucumbers. 

We then talked about the latest escapades of Donald Trump. He is still up in the polls and may get the GOP nomination. If not he says he will run independent. Hillary hopes he does. It will certainly boost her chances. Jim said that Jeb Bush has millions in his coffers to spend on advertising. It would be nice if all this money could be used to feed the homeless and help the sick. 

We then talked about the rise in pan handlers all over the country. Joe P was recently in Seattle and saw many homeless on the streets. I said they are even at the Market Basket parking lot in Wilmington. Jim said that a lot of homeless are suffering from mental illness. We need to provide more treatment for them instead of throwing them out to wander the streets. 

We then talked about meeting next month on September 16th. Joe L recommended a Mexican place in Burlington. Jim will send out an email.

Comments always welcome .....

Markryan82@comcast.net

Romeo Lunch 7-29-15

The Romeo Gang met for lunch on Wednesday,  July 29 at the Aragosta Bar and Bistro in Boston at 12 noon.  The Aragosta Bar and Bistro is located at 3 Battery Wharf in the North End next to the Battery Wharf Hotel.  Go to www.aragostabistro.com for more information.

You can see photos at the Picasa Link below …….

https://picasaweb.google.com/108806068200291783388/RomeoLunch72915

Six Romeos attended including  Steve Winter, Joe Pignatiello, Ed DeSchuytner, Jim Terlizzi, Joe Lapiana and Mark Ryan.  Some came by train and others by car. Joe P. and Steve parked at a spot near the restaurant. Ed parked in a garage. Jim took the Blue Line to Aquarium Station.  Joe L. and Mark took the commuter train from Lowell. 

The Commuter Train trip is half price with senior citizens rates only $7 round trip from Wilmington to North Station. Go online for train schedule at  http://MBTA.COM   and buy tickets and get the apps.  Parking at MBTA stations is still $4.00 per day.  Still Cash at some lots and pay by phone at others.   Get the APP and register to pay by phone. Paybyphone.com

I recently found out from a neighbour that there is cheap parking at a garage near the North End. The garage is called Parcel 7 and you can park there for less than $3.00 for under 3 hours.  You can read the reviews on YELP at the link below  ……

Parcel 7 Parking Garage
136 Blackstone St
Downtown
Boston, MA 02109
(617) 973-6954
http://www.yelp.com/biz/parcel-7-parking-garage-boston

Jim said that he has taken the Ferry Boat from Salem to Boston with his wife and then walked along the shore using the Harbour Walk. Nice views of the boats and harbour activity.

On the train trip to North Station I saw the Duck Boats driving into the channel near the Museum of Science.  Later I saw them from the restaurant.  One in particular looked like a yellow school bus driving across the water.

It was a hot day with the heat index over 100. Joe L. and I arrived at 11:30AM and waited in the restaurant lobby with AC. The others soon arrived and we decided to sit outside on the deck next to the water. At least it was in the shade.

The waitress took orders for drinks and appetizer and bread with dipping oil. The drinks included margaritas, mohito and beers.  We then ordered from the lunch menu Lobster Rolls, Kobe Beef Burgers and Salmon. 

The conversation moved around the table from sports, to weather, to headline news.  Jim talked about the recent Red Sox trade of outfielder Shane Victorino to the Los Angeles Angels in exchange for infielder Josh Rutledge.

I talked about my garden and catching some gophers in my garden traps and electric fence. Last night I caught a racoon.  I let most critters go but transport the gophers several miles away since they are eating my vegetables and flowers.  Ed said that he caught a fox when living in Chelsea as a boy that had killed several of his prize racing pigeons.

Jim then told us about his trip to Iceland. He flew in and then took a guided bus trip around the island, 1000 miles.  He then told us a story about how Iceland became dominated by the Lutherans.

Steve then told us about his river boat trip from Budapest to Amsterdam. We should write a travel book.

Ed then said that he was watching Chronicle on TV and saw the new weather lady Bri Eggars from channel  7 cooking in her new kitchen, in her apartment in the North End. The kitchen looked familiar and it turns out to be the same one his son recently moved out from.

We then talked about where to go next month and decide on Revere Beach restaurant with an outside deck.  The date is August 19th and Jim will send emails.

After lunch we all said our good byes and went our separate ways.  On the way back Joe L. and I stopped at a bakery on Hanover St.  It’s called Bricco Panetteria. The bakery is down a long alley off Hanover St. and in the basement. It also has a hotel and resturante.  http://www.bricco.com/   Hotel rates in Boston are not cheap.  Off season at Bricco Suites the rooms are $200-$300 per night.  Compare this to the Battery Wharf Hotel rates $400-$600 per night.  We both bought a loaf of bread to have with dinner at home.

We passed St Leonard Church and Peace Garden and the grotto with Paul Revere Statue. Joe L. reminded me that Joe Loducca’s uncle was one of the sculptors that made the bronze statues seen in the North End.

Along the sidewalks men were getting booths ready for the next feast day parade Saint Agrappina.  Joe L. then told me he was sad to hear that the St. Joseph’s Society changed the date of the St. Joseph’s Feast day from July to October.

We walked out of Hanover St. on to the Rose Kennedy Greenway. There was a sitting area under sun umbrellas and kids playing in a splash pool.  Refreshing on a hot day.  Across the street was the new Boston Public Market which opened today.  It’s an indoor space open all year selling fresh produce.

We then walked to North Station and made it there for the 3:10 PM train home.