Lucca

Although parking is almost always a nightmare in the North End (especially over a holiday weekend) and we cut it close, once we hightailed it from the spot we eventually found and had a big glass of a Cab/Merlot/Sangiovese blend in front of us all was well.

My dinner started with the zuppa di zucca of roasted butternut squash soup with spiced pumpkin seeds finished with an amaretto cream. For an entree I chose the maiale con gorgonzola or oven roasted pork chop over sautéed escarole and pancetta with fresh figs, gorgonzola, balsamic roasted peppers and vidalia onions.

Both were tasty and inventive with excellent flavors, good portion size (yup – I took some home) and wonderful presentation. We sat downstairs which was warm and less noisy with stone walls and easy access to the restroom (fairly clean even at 11:30 pm).

A great night all around – saw an old friend and met some new people along with an amazing meal!