North End

Meeting Erminio

by johnk

Erminio Martignetti, owner of Salumeria Italiano. As I photographed the exterior, he introduced himself,and then invited me inside to take more pictures.

Erminio Martignetti, owner of Salumeria Italiano. As I photographed the exterior, he introduced himself, then invited me inside to take more pictures. Click image for enlargement.

the pics that

One of the pics that prompted the invitation. Click image for enlargement.

Test

I want! Click image for enlargement.

Anti-pasti

Antipasto. Click image for enlargement.

Olives.

Olives on display. Click image for enlargement.

Octopus salad

Octopus salad. When the gent behind the counter started scooping salad I stopped taking pics and stepped back because I felt like I was in the way.  As I backed away, he said, “This is for better pictures!”  I was taken aback; most places barely tolerate cameras and some aggressively discourage it, yet this cat helped me get the best images I could. Thank you, Neighbor. Click image for enlargement

Salumi!

Salumi! Click image for enlargement.

Salumereia Italiana offers everything needed for a picnic at nearby Columbus Park.

Salumereia Italiana offers everything needed for a picnic at nearby Columbus Park. Click image for enlargement.

Salumeria Italiana
151 Richmond Street
Boston, MA 02109
North End

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This Week’s Eats

by johnk

No review, no anecdote. Just a neon sign.

Everyone else was north of the Charles this week:

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Off the Beaten Path: Bova’s Bakery

by johnk

Bova's Bakery at the corner of Salem and Prince in the North End

Rarely a day passes that I don’t see someone carrying blue and white box from Mike’s Pastry. I realize they’re probably from out of town and think they discovered the best bakery in the city, but I know better.  About 200 yards from Hanover Street (the North End’s main drag) is a time-worn bakery serving sweet and savory treats to those who can find it

Bova's pastry case

The line at Bova’s is rarely as long as the Big Two bakeries of the North End, Mike’s Pastry and Modern Pastry.  Although the retail area of Bova’s isn’t as pretty as the Big Two, the pastries are just as good (maybe even better!) and it’s open all day, every day.  I think the city prevents them from selling savory items late night, but it’s still nice getting great pastries at night in a city that closes up at 2am.

Calzone display

Chicken Parmesean Calzone

Whoopie pie, lobster tail, and ricotta pie

I think it's an Italian bakery

Bova’s Bakery
134 Salem Street
Boston, MA 02113
North End

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Thank You, Lucca

by johnk

I didn't eat at Lucca, but I was able to get a picture of this beautiful table setting without stopping sidewalk traffic.

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Dino’s Saves the Day

by johnk

After our Nick Varano’s Famous Deli debacle, we wandered around the North End for a few minutes,  looking for a quick bite.  The North End has tons of restaurants, but we weren’t dressed appropriately for a sit-down dinner, knocking 95% of the ‘hood out of contention (T-shirts and baseball hats aren’t appropriate for most places in the North End!)

Then we found our savior: Dino’s.  It was getting close to closing at Dino’s, and we didn’t want to make the poor guys stay late, so we kept the order simple. A couple of cold sandwiches and we were on our way…

I had an Italian sub with everything, and Alyk ordered an Oven Roasted Turkey sub, also with everything, and when the guy handed me the bag, I couldn’t believe how heavy it was.  The sandwiches at Dino’s are huge—sixteen inches, according to the menu. And completely delicious.  A little Romaine, slices of fresh tomato,  lots of pickle and hot pepper, and a splash of olive oil.   I think I even saw some fresh basil in there. Make sure you get lots of napkins; you’ll need them.

At nine bucks each, the subs were a little more than I’d normally pay, but the quality and the quantity made it worthwhile.  I couldn’t finish mine (and I’m a big eater. Huge…) and Alyk saved half her sandwich for lunch the next day (after removing the vegetables, of course.) Next time, we’ll  split a sandwich and I’ll pick up a slice of pizza somewhere nearby.

As we picnicked on the RKG (across from Nick’s,)  some guy walked by and said “Holy Shit! That’s a sandwich.”  I couldn’t have put it any better:

Holy Shit! That’s a sandwich.

Dino’s Restaurant
141 Salem Street
North End

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Nick Varano’s Famous Deli: FAIL

by johnk

Wednesday night, Alyk craved a tuna melt, so we cast aside good judgment and chose Nick Varano’s Famous Deli for some over-priced sandwiches.  We checked the hours on his terribly slow website, then caught a train to the North End.

As we walked across the Kennedy Greenway, I noticed Nick’s looked a little dark, but I was still surprised to find the door locked.  Not a person in sight at 9:30 on a weekday.  I was pretty pissed-off. I’m still pissed-off.

I checked the terribly slow website when we got home, which confirmed they close at 11pm. I called the place in the morning and the outgoing message also confirmed they close at 11pm.

I called Nick’s later in the day, but the woman I spoke with couldn’t confirm anything, and she clearly didn’t give a shit:

HC: What time do you close tonight?

Nick’s Best Girl: Nine-ish.

HC: Nine-ish?

Nick’s Best Girl: Yeah, but you’re welcome to call back later to see…

MC: To see what?

Nick’s Best Girl: To see if we’re open!

MC: Isn’t that what I’m doing now?

Nick’s Best Girl: We’re open until nine-ish.

Thanks, Miss Helper. So, one more time:

Nick Varano’s Famous Deli: FAIL

Sorry, pal. Now that you gave up the fight to stay open until 4am (a fight which I wholeheartedly supported) perhaps you could focus on keeping your restaurants open during your posted hours…

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