Anyone will tell you, I am obsessed with Eataly. Probably in a not-so-healthy way…all that fresh pasta and homemade cheese around every corner, for real…yum! Most weekends, especially when the weather isn’t too great here in Boston (cue spring time to arrive), Eataly comes to mind as a great weekend day activity. There is something about the chaos of it all that makes it such a calming place to go. So many people weaving up and down each aisle to check out the various olive oils, the fresh ravioli, or the Italian sweets, makes it a difficult maze to make your way through, but one that is well worth it.
After the nor’easter that nicely visited Boston on Thursday last week, I ventured out with some girlfriends to one of the restaurants at Eataly, Terra. As one of the only restaurants in Eataly that takes reservations (visit opentable to reserve), its a perfect spot for a weeknight meal or an extended Saturday endeavor. The restaurant, inspired by earth & fire, delivers such fresh ingredients, cooked in such a classic way utilizing the grill to extract such rich flavors. The restaurant showcases Italian food in a way I’ve never had before. The atmosphere is energetic, the staff are so friendly, and the shared dishes provide all the right elements to make an enjoyable meal with friends. A couple things to call out about the delicious meal:
- The bruschette! Ricotta & honey. Do I need to say more? What a perfect combination. I highly recommend all the bruschettes. One if good to share amongst a couple people, providing little bites. Order multiple if you want a decent portion.
- Polpo: from the sea to the grill. Grilled octopus. For anyone grossed out by the tentacles, don’t look as you eat. Its worth it and you deserve to enjoy the savory seafood this dish provides.
- Always start with a meats & cheese plate! The Gran Tagliere. A large plate including the classics – home made mozzarella, prosciutto, olives, and salami. Perfect for sharing and great way to start a meal while enjoying some wine.
- Speaking of wine….of course, we enjoyed some wine! We started with some Gavi di Gavi while we were socializing at the bar downstairs, then switched to a bottle of Agnanum Falaghina Campania. The right amount of acidity to match the savory food with a corresponding freshness and complexity to brighten up the meal. Perfect combo….we ordered 2 bottles!
- You can never NOT order pasta! Main reason I go there – the fresh pasta! We shared the rigatoni with veal & pork ragu. I could have ordered each pasta on the menu, but tried to restrain ourselves with just one. Al dente, just how I like it and a couple bites to savor.
Overall, it was a delicious meal – can you tell?!! I just finished dinner right now and this post is making me hungry. Unlike many Italian meals, I walked away not feeling stuffed like food coma level, but feeling pleasantly satisfied from such a delicious meal full of complex flavors through such simple ingredients.
If you’re in the Boston area, or New York, Chicago, and now LA – go visit Eataly! Make sure you leave yourself a couple hours, bring your reusable shopping bags, and get after it!
– A