Atmosphere:
La
Famiglia Giorgio, located on historic Salem Street in the North
End, makes bountiful traditional Italian fare in a family like
atmosphere. The restaurant exudes a familiar, comfortable
welcome once you enter. The walls are a soft crème green, with a
scenic painted mural on one side, opposite a wall appropriately
adorned with pictures. Similar to family dinners, the tables are
set with silverware, salt, pepper, fresh parmesan and hot pepper
shakers, and the most loved ingredient: olive oil. Since the
layout of the room is flexible, tables and chairs can easily be
moved to accommodate small and large parties. The noise level
can be high at times, but is acceptable. High ceiling fans
circulate the air in a room that becomes full with many patrons,
anticipating the generous portions of this family run
restaurant.
Drinks:
The
restaurant offers beer, wine, cordials and specialty cocktails.
The wines which can be ordered by the bottle or glass, are
served in small juice glasses, appropriate in this family
atmosphere.
My companion and I had the Ruffino, Chianti, a
smooth and aromatic wine.
Food:
The
portions at La Famiglia's are considerable, tasty and of the
utmost quality.
To start the evening, my guest and I feasted on
the antipasto. An abundant array of meats and vegetables:
prosciutto, salami, marinated artichokes and mushrooms, slices
of deep red tomatoes, roasted red peppers and eggplant all
served on top of romaine lettuce that melded nicely with the
homemade dressing.
This fresh and delicious dish can be shared
among four peoples, with room to partake on the next course. Our
main entrees were also generous. The shrimp and broccoli entree,
sautéed in garlic and olive oil served with linguine was also
fresh and hot. There were many pieces of the fish and vegetable
in this dish.
The eggplant gnocchi however was the favorite.
The
eggplant lightly breaded, the gnocchi soft and homemade, and the
marinara sauce, neither sweet nor tangy - were all cooked
perfectly.
The menu focuses on traditional Italian cuisine.
Guests can enjoy a variety of sauces, such as pesto, marsala,
alfredo, and others; pastas, such as ravioli, fettuccini,
tortellini. Other choices consist of such favorites as pizza,
chicken saltimbocca, chicken parmigiana, veal florentine, veal
marsala, and frutti di mare. La Famiglia's also has a children's
menu. The restaurant offers their guests cuisine at a good
value, exceptional quality and abundant quantity.
Dessert:
The
dessert menu is made up of traditional homemade Italian
delicacies:
Tiramisu, Cannoli, Sherbet and Ice Cream.
All priced
under five dollars.
Sadly, my guest and I did not leave room to
enjoy these indulgences.
Service:
The
wait staff was attentive, warm and always smiling. Our waitress
Auntie was exceptionally wonderful. She has worked at this
restaurant since it opened in 1990. She is a warm and welcoming
person who makes you feel at home.
Assessment:
La
Famiglia Giorgio's provides diners with a comfortable home-like
atmosphere with an emphasis on fresh, homemade classic Italian
cooking.
The harmony of simple ingredients in their dishes makes
for a wonderful dining experience that any age can enjoy.
It is
no wonder that this restaurant has been going strong for sixteen
years.
