On March 10, Miguel took the executive decision to go to Fratelli’s in Westboro for dinner; Jenny was pretty excited at the prospect, as there ain’t anything wrong with pasta and vino! Fratelli’s first opened in the Glebe in 1996, and has since grown to 4 family owned and operated locations in Ottawa. If you’re looking for great Italian food and wines served in a friendly unpretentious atmosphere – this is the place!
Mama’s Review:
We got dressed up in our finest casual clothes, and made our way through the lively streets of Westboro to our destination with inquisitive minds and hungry bellies. As it was a Saturday night, the restaurant was fully booked, so we asked the hostess if we could eat at the bar. The restaurant was very clean (other than the bread and pasta that fell out of Miguel’s hands…;-)
Miguel’s first observation was that this was a very “classy bar” (and noted this to his iPod)…and he was right! The bar was small – room for six seats – but very cozy and comfortable. The lights were dimmed at the bar and throughout the restaurant – the tables had nice candles on them which made for a nice ambiance. It didn’t take too long to be served the customary warm baguette with our favourite olive oil and balsamic – and we had to pace ourselves because it was so yummy!
The service was very good and the bartender was friendly and polite. Miguel had two very beautifully decorated Shirley Temples (YUM), and I had a lovely glass of the Tin Roof Merlot (ok, ok, for those who know me - I had two glasses ;-), which was a great accompaniment to the delicious mussels and penne we had. We also had the Sambuca shrimp, which is simply to die for – especially when you dip the warm bread in the amazing sauce – addictive.
The servers were quite curious as to why we were taking notes throughout our meal – so Miguel told them that we write a blog about the restaurants we visit together – which sparked a huge interest in what we thought! Miguel didn’t think it would be fair to tell them which restaurant we liked best so far, so he told them they were all good – and they are! Although, truth be told – Fratelli’s has been a favourite’s of Miguel since he was small enough to fall asleep on the bench. Another very enjoyable evening with my little man!
Miguel’s Review:
The shrimp was good but I did not like the sauce. I liked the penne with butter and parm. But it tasted better with the sauce from my mom’s mussels. But looking at the mussels made me think: how do they mate? Since they don’t move very fast, or at all, do they just mate with the mussel closest to them? Do they just open up their shell a bit…and kiss? I’ll have to find out! The mints they gave us on the way out were delicious. I had a nice time – even though my mom made me eat with a napkin on my lap! And I did not like it…;-)
Til next time, M&M
