Hosteria Mazzei, 6/3/06 (Port Chester, NY)

I needed a reason to get back into the Berger Blog and what better way than a Berger birthday. Well technically, my mom is not a Berger, but it sort of counts.
For my mom's XXth birthday, my dad, generously, took several of us to an Italian restaurant in Port Chester. We knew it would be good because my Uncle Jim recommended it and nothing comes between him and fine Italian cooking.

The meal was, to my father's liking, not conduive to sharing. So I can only report on my dishes and JB's, my ever-willing dinner partner.

The options ran your typical Italian fare, from antipasti to grilled meats to delicious pastas.

I started with an insalate caprese, a constant favorite of mine. I've been wary of it lately since tomatoes are not yet in season, but the fresh mozzarella was tempting. The cheese was tremendous, very fresh and the tomatoes were almost there. JB's stewed calamari starter was too fishy for me, I had anticipated a Batali-like calamari and was let down.

I opted for a pasta special of homemade cavatelli with lamb ragu for my main. It was tasty and hearty. I think from now on I will only eat pasta if it is homemade. Otherwise, it is just not worth the carbs.

JB chose one of my all time favorite dishes -- rack of lamb. It was not a huge portion, nor was the pasta, but my (small) taste was good. Not as good as I've had elsewhere, though JB seemed to gobble up the four grill-marked chops.

Dessert was somewhat of a lowpoint, as it often is, my apple cake was just too muffiny. JB did like his panna cotta although what's not to like about a gel-formed milk.

Regardless, it was a festive evening for all and another Italian Job well done.

Until we eat again, KLB