Just last night I was reminded of a comment someone posted here a year ago.
The Billerica food fan had finally made it to Ricardo's, after years of neglect, and kicked himself for not going sooner. I too was miffed at moi for having strayed from the Gorham Street trattoria for so long. What must I have been thinking?
After casing our options downtown, we came to this realization: Entertainment has taken over the dining scene. From the Village Smokehouse, to the Athenian Corner to Centro, music, dancing, and more amped-up music has replaced the simple joy of a meal out. The Johnny Cash performer rattling the small space of one bistro sent us out into the street hungry and headachy. I don't begrudge people for wanting to let loose on a Thurs. night, but that's what bars are for.
Then it hit me ... Ricardos!!!!!
We trudged up Gorham Street just as the dining crowd was vacating. Dennis, the BEST bartender in the 978, cleared a space for us, set us up w/ drinks and before you could say "Ring of Fire," we were digging into a chef's muse of mashed potatoes. It was close to 10 p.m. and the kitchen was all about finito, but chef Brian Lima threw together a gourmet pizza -- pesto, chicken, asparagus and whatever was left in the kitch that was simply delicious. After a glass of Stump Jump, we started to feel more like ourselves. What makes this classy, old-world bar work is what it doesn't have. No Plasma TVs, no loud rock. You can carry a conversation with your date, the bartender and the couple next to you w/o having to shout. Fewer distractions refocuses energy on the meal. We were so relaxed, we felt off-the-grid. I had forgotten this place, once one of few options in the DTL, because so many newbies have popped up. Ricardos, don't go changing.
Although I agree that most of DTL's restaurants are simply too small for the music they host, the reason we completely stopped going to Ricardo's was becasue of the loud jazz. Much too loud for our dining pleasure. Again too small for the music.
Say what you will about entertainment with dinner I, however, quite enjoy it as well my other half. What we love about Lowell is the fact that you can go out to dinner once in a while and be able to catch a show/performance as well. Centro happens to be my favorite choice amongst the downtown area restaurants and just so happened to have music last night. Now, what is really astonishing is "Charlie" the Jonny Cash singer as you so choose to put it was actually quite good and of course you only heard the one song "Ring Of Fire" because you walked in and walked out (which did not go un-noticed by most of the crowd). He played a variety of music last night and received rave reviews from the crowd. The Restaurant was packed, dinner was superb and the staff as friendly and attentive as usual. We even stayed there past Midnight, which on a work night for us is not something we would normally do. I say Kudos to Centro for having some entertainment once in a while, as well Ole, Blue Talleh and even...Ricardo's (Yes they have entertainment as well).
My husband was at Centro last evening. He said the bar was full,(I guess because their food,atmosphire and service are down right superbed), but he also told me, he went outside to the restaurant's patio: had a beverage, and enjoyed the music! Maybe if you gave the restaurant a chance, and maybe waited just a few moments, you would have gotten a seat inside, or maybe out at their patio, which is great place to go and relax ! From what he told me, their was plenty of room outside !
All in all, Centro is my favorite place to dine, in the city ! They have music once in awhile, but their food is fantastic, and the service also! After rereading your comments again, yes,you could of gone outside, to their patio !
We could have gone on the patio m. greenwood, that's true. And let me air this now GG has nothing against Centro, it's truly one of the finest eats in DTL. But alas, we wanted quiet conversation and peace. Hasn't anyone felt this yen? I like romantic dinners over candle-light. If I was a swinging single im sure I would cop a different attitude.
Viva la difference!
GG What I think you are missing here is that DTL-- as you so quaintly put it-- has a myriad of choices. Something that, even five years ago, was not available. You didn't want to eat with music...Great! Celebrate the fact that you had the choice to go someplace that was quieter, instead of ranting over weather one place or another had live entertainment. The real story here is the fact that many of the downtown establishments are doing anything they can in these trying economic times to draw clientele and keep in buisness...Maybe you should be using some of your employers valuable space here to express so positive opinons.
What all the fuss about? Isn't is wonderful that after years of nothing in downtown Lowell, if you go to a restaurant with too much music, you can walk down the street to another restaurant! Or don't like the noise inside, you can now sit outside. Let's count Lowell's downtown blessings, and Centro is surely one of them.
I think you all need to go back and re-read past posts if you don't follow this blog; GG does not seem to be bashing on Centro (although I would, but that's a whole diff. story), everyone's getting so defensive here. Seems to me there's something for every mood out there. Take your pick. Try them all..more than once.
I (and I'm sure most other readers) would not have even known it was Centro had someone else not mentioned it. Regardless, it was not bashed. However, I will say that Centro is just as much a "bar" as a "bistro" in my book. I love all the Lowell restaurants that add to our little town, definitely the ones with music, even if not all are my style. I much prefer a restaurant to another hair salon.