Can you eat great at a neighborhood bistro? The answer of course should be yes. So what happened to Fortunato’s? Located at the apex of Palmer and Middle streets in swinging DTL, the spot is prime, even when the sidewalk cafe rolls up. Especially when the sidewalk cafe rolls up. In the 10 years its been open, the food has been up and down as frequently as the stock market. The new owners have made some positive changes to the interior, the bar area is nicer, but the food? The jury is still out.
We went Friday night to watch the Celtic’s game. The Chianti by the glass was an insult to all Italians. Was it water w/ heavy dye? The bartender graciously let me trade up for a glass w/ some chutzpah. When the lobster ravioli arrived, I immediately regretted by order. I had to go on a fishing expedition to rescue the pillows of lobsters swimming in the cream. When I did, it was worth it. Sort of. Tasted like lobster, but the meat was not plentiful enough to determine if it was indeed lobster meat. Gourmet guy ordered Mediterranean chicken on my behest remembering this as their signature dish. He didn’t say much, which means nothing to blog about. They are making efforts to up the ante (bread arrives with dipping oil). But the bread was a white, denuded affront to all breads. Would it kill them to find a real baguette?
Okay, we are a second-tier city, but still we should demand more from our restaurants. Fortunato’s would never last in Boston. It might not last in Lowell. We were one of three couples at the bar at 8 p.m. on a Friday. Why are they not drawing crowds? We have sophisticated palates. Cater to us.
It's unfortunate that such a prime location has such a substandard occupant. We had a worse experience at Fortunato's. We were the only diners in the dining room on a Saturday night. There were dead flies on the window sills accompanied by a thick layer of dust. One of our dishes was so dreadful, we sent it back...which was the first time in our dining history. The other dish was so unremarkable, that I ate only about 50% of it...again, another first. The atmosphere was dour and depressing, and the menu offerings were ordinary.
We haven't been back since, nor have we seen any large crowds within the restaurant when we pass by it. We are hoping that Fortunato's will give up soon, and another more contemporary eatery with good food and lively ambiance will venture into that key location.
Posted by Carmen | November 14, 2007 10:04 AM
Posted on November 14, 2007 10:04
Flies on the window sill? Not what you want to see.
Sending something back is ground zero for awful fare.
Sometimes you do wonder, how hard can running a rest. be?
I hope someone better comes along, but why can't fortunato's get their act together?
Posted by Gourmet Gal | November 14, 2007 4:25 PM
Posted on November 14, 2007 16:25
Flies on the window sill? Not what you want to see.
Sending something back is ground zero for awful fare.
Sometimes you do wonder, how hard can running a rest. be?
I hope someone better comes along, but why can't fortunato's get their act together?
Posted by Gourmet Gal | November 14, 2007 4:26 PM
Posted on November 14, 2007 16:26
Yes, my friends and I were just talking about how bad it is and seriously it does not take much to win me over; warm food usually does the trick! A friend of mine had a FABULOUS idea, get Ricardo's over there!
Posted by Krista | December 3, 2007 9:28 AM
Posted on December 3, 2007 09:28
Seriously, Fortunato's is in desperate need of a Gordon Ramsay makeover. Do they still have vinyl tablecloths? I always thought that was pretty classy. We live a block from Palmer and Middle and NEVER go to their place which speaks volumes for us since we love to eat out. Why waste money on a sub-par meal when we could prepare better food ourselves?
Posted by Laura | December 25, 2007 2:23 PM
Posted on December 25, 2007 14:23
This comment has nothing to do with this post but.....When is the Village Smokehouse on Middle St. going to open? Such a waste of space. If not, they should try and sell it.
And.....do you think the City is truly in negotiations with restaurants for the ground floor of the new Middlesex St. garage? Or is that just political bull.
And.....what restuarant will occupy the lower lever of the office building to be buit by Soucy Industries near the arena?
Posted by Brian | January 4, 2008 1:02 PM
Posted on January 4, 2008 13:02
Sullivan arena district
Posted by Sullivan arena show | May 9, 2008 10:48 AM
Posted on May 9, 2008 10:48