Trattoria Il Panino located at 11 Parmenter Street is one of those spots I walk by often, lusting over the spacious tables on the sun drenched patio and salivating over the plates full of good looking pastas. I know, shocker that here in Little Italy everyone was eating a plate full of pasta. Well they looked good to say the least and I always kept this restaurant titled "Boston's First Original Trattoria" in the back of my mind. Today, a comforting plate of pasta was just what I craved. As I approached the patio and stood in front of the host in a very awkward moment I had to greet him. "Hello are you the host?"
"Yes."
"Can I have a table?"
"Alone?!" he questioned in a completely surprised and sympathetic I-feel-so-sorry for-you-why-the-heck-are-you-eating-alone tone. "Oh noooo Bella" he echoed in a heavy Italian accent under his breath. So now I had to explain to this obnoxious fellow that I like eating alone. No need to feel sorry for me or question my decisions. Your job is to act polite and seat me.
I don't mean to sound like that person, but you'd be surprised the tone it sets when the host or hostess greets you warmly with a big smile, versus questioning whether or not you have friends. This interaction felt truly unprofessional. It felt very off.
I was handed a food menu but no wine or cocktail list. I sat for awhile before I was greeted by my frazzled waiter. He introduced himself as Hector. The outdoor seating area was completely packed. I took notice of about half a dozen other waitstaff bustling about. Hector took the time to explain the specials, his thick Italian accent pouring out at rapid speed. I wasn't concerned with the specials because I already had plenty of opportunity to ponder over the menu, which looked fairly traditional and seemed in line with the Trattoria's theme of Mediterranean Cuisine of the Amalfi Coast.
Before Hector could scurry off, I requested a wine list. It is the simplest of things that when done right can make all the difference. So far Il Panino is failing at hospitality.
Alright friends, now here's the kicker. In all my years of eating and drinking out in Boston, never have I ever encountered this scenario.
Hector: "Can I get you a bottle of water?"
I think: Why is he trying to upsell me? Why don't I get a choice, bottle or tap? This is rather annoying.
I respond: "No thanks, tap will be fine."
Hector: "Oh no Bella, we don't have tap."
I think: I live down the street. I drink the tap water on a daily basis. I'm not a tourist you are fooling into thinking the city water is unsuitable for drinking.
I respond: "Um ok sure, I'll take the bottle."
I think: It's way too hot out here to endure lunch without water.
Hector: "I get you a small bottle."
I think: Damn right you'll get me a small bottle.
"Yes."
"Can I have a table?"
"Alone?!" he questioned in a completely surprised and sympathetic I-feel-so-sorry for-you-why-the-heck-are-you-eating-alone tone. "Oh noooo Bella" he echoed in a heavy Italian accent under his breath. So now I had to explain to this obnoxious fellow that I like eating alone. No need to feel sorry for me or question my decisions. Your job is to act polite and seat me.
I don't mean to sound like that person, but you'd be surprised the tone it sets when the host or hostess greets you warmly with a big smile, versus questioning whether or not you have friends. This interaction felt truly unprofessional. It felt very off.
I was handed a food menu but no wine or cocktail list. I sat for awhile before I was greeted by my frazzled waiter. He introduced himself as Hector. The outdoor seating area was completely packed. I took notice of about half a dozen other waitstaff bustling about. Hector took the time to explain the specials, his thick Italian accent pouring out at rapid speed. I wasn't concerned with the specials because I already had plenty of opportunity to ponder over the menu, which looked fairly traditional and seemed in line with the Trattoria's theme of Mediterranean Cuisine of the Amalfi Coast. Before Hector could scurry off, I requested a wine list. It is the simplest of things that when done right can make all the difference. So far Il Panino is failing at hospitality.
Alright friends, now here's the kicker. In all my years of eating and drinking out in Boston, never have I ever encountered this scenario.Hector: "Can I get you a bottle of water?"
I think: Why is he trying to upsell me? Why don't I get a choice, bottle or tap? This is rather annoying.
I respond: "No thanks, tap will be fine."
Hector: "Oh no Bella, we don't have tap."
I think: I live down the street. I drink the tap water on a daily basis. I'm not a tourist you are fooling into thinking the city water is unsuitable for drinking.
I respond: "Um ok sure, I'll take the bottle."
I think: It's way too hot out here to endure lunch without water.
Hector: "I get you a small bottle."
I think: Damn right you'll get me a small bottle.
I was caught completely off guard and I'm sure the look on my face didn't hide my dismay.
I'm a glass half full kind of person. So at this point I'm thinking - at least the authentic Italian mineral water in that shiny green glass bottle adds character to my pictures!
I'm over the water and I'm marveling at the bread basket accompanied by a small bowl of olive oil and balsamic vinegar. The bread was delightfully fresh and tasted like it had been baked in house that morning. It was evident that they served high quality olive oil. To drink I decided on a glass of Sauvignon Blanc ($9). They were out of this wine so I chose the Chardonnay ($9). All of their wines by the glass cost $9. They offered no Prosecco by the glass which was slightly disappointing because I was more than willing to consider a glass of bubbly this afternoon. 
I ate two slices of bread and read The Reality Pool (tables definitely looked over when I couldn't hold in my laughter) on my iPhone before Hector returned to take my order. "No appetizer for you today Bella?" Really Hector, are you trying to upsell me again? I understand this is a rather normal inquiry, but here I am, questioning the integrity of my waiter. My lunch was served rather quickly compared to the untimely wait sessions in between ordering.
The Linguine Alle Vongole Macciato ($18.95) with Littleneck clams and a touch of San Marzano tomatoes presented me with a striking plate of food where not a strand of linguine nor a clam shell was out of place.
The pasta was well prepared, the sauce was intensely flavorful and the clams offered a natural briny essence. The touch of sweet fleshy San Marzano tomatoes were just right. A small handful of fresh basil sprinkled on top completed the dish. 
Sometimes there is nothing more satisfying than a traditional plate of food. I felt like I was that girl in Eat.Pray.Love for a minute. I read the book along time ago, but didn't she wander around Italy eating nothing but plates full of pasta at Italian Trattorias? 
I could totally be her! I could run off to Italy and do this for a living. Sigh. But on a happier note, the fact that Il Panino literally transported me to Italy in these moments speaks volumes. Yes, it was first and foremost this incredible pasta and shellfish dish. But it was more than that. Every element including Italian waitstaff, to the intimate outdoor setting, to the cigarette smoke wafting through the air from the two women who sat on the sidewalk bench just next to me.
I have never been to Italy but the Amalfi Coast, Rome, as well as the island of Capri are at the top of my Wanderlist. 
Every single one of the tables here was full of foursomes when I arrived; suburbanite families with small children and various couples and friends of all ages. 
It was about 3 pm at this point, so the lunch rush had cleared out completely. Around now, a middle aged man, then a few minutes later an elderly woman arrived to dine alone. ALONE. See Mr. Host, I am not the only one who enjoys my own company. And now I really have to laugh, because here is where Hector got me. He offered dessert, sans the delivery of a dessert menu.
Hector: "Bella some sorbetto for you? It's delicious and it comes in a little fruit - a lemon, and orange or a pineapple!!"
I think: Lunch was so incredible. For the good of the blog community, I'll do it.
I respond: "Sure, that sounds really good. I'll go with the pineapple"
He sold me. He described the sorbetto in the fruit and I had to have it!
That was a really good decision by me.
After a lunch in the hot sun, this treat which cost $7.95 cooled me right off. It was creamy, icy, and refreshing. I savored every last spoonful from that pineapple half. I was not able to finish my entire plate of pasta, however, so when Hector cleared my plate along with the bread basket, I requested he add the bread I did not consume in with my to-go bag. I thought that was a very reasonable request. After all, they were just going to throw it away, right?
Hector: "Oh yes Bella, in fact, I'll throw some fresh bread in there for you!"
BELLA thinks: Wow that is incredibly generous of him. I just wanted my bread that I didn't finish, but if he insists....
I first and often embrace the positive qualities in whomever I encounter. I believe Hector was a good guy. He smiled brightly the entire time. He was overly friendly. He missed a few beats. I appreciated his enthusiasm, but at the same time, the charm could have been turned down a notch or two or ten. The pep in his step (i.e. it took way to long for him to clear my plate after it was obvious I was done eating) could have been dialed up a notch.
"CHAO BELLA" echoed throughout the restaurant as I made my grand exit.
If someone doesn't call me Bella ever again, I probably wouldn't mind.
To my disappointment, when I went to heat my pasta up for dinner, there was no bread in my to-go bag.
Trattoria Il Panino has a lot going for them, but they are certainly not the entire package. The spotty service and the tactics used to make an extra buck were unappreciated. (My water cost $3.95). The intimate outdoor setting and the incredible Linguine alle Vongole saved them. I'll take a seat in the sun and plate of pasta and shellfish that good any day of the week. Though maybe not this patio with these servers. ;)
I'm a glass half full kind of person. So at this point I'm thinking - at least the authentic Italian mineral water in that shiny green glass bottle adds character to my pictures!
I'm over the water and I'm marveling at the bread basket accompanied by a small bowl of olive oil and balsamic vinegar. The bread was delightfully fresh and tasted like it had been baked in house that morning. It was evident that they served high quality olive oil. To drink I decided on a glass of Sauvignon Blanc ($9). They were out of this wine so I chose the Chardonnay ($9). All of their wines by the glass cost $9. They offered no Prosecco by the glass which was slightly disappointing because I was more than willing to consider a glass of bubbly this afternoon. 
I ate two slices of bread and read The Reality Pool (tables definitely looked over when I couldn't hold in my laughter) on my iPhone before Hector returned to take my order. "No appetizer for you today Bella?" Really Hector, are you trying to upsell me again? I understand this is a rather normal inquiry, but here I am, questioning the integrity of my waiter. My lunch was served rather quickly compared to the untimely wait sessions in between ordering.
The Linguine Alle Vongole Macciato ($18.95) with Littleneck clams and a touch of San Marzano tomatoes presented me with a striking plate of food where not a strand of linguine nor a clam shell was out of place.
The pasta was well prepared, the sauce was intensely flavorful and the clams offered a natural briny essence. The touch of sweet fleshy San Marzano tomatoes were just right. A small handful of fresh basil sprinkled on top completed the dish. 
Sometimes there is nothing more satisfying than a traditional plate of food. I felt like I was that girl in Eat.Pray.Love for a minute. I read the book along time ago, but didn't she wander around Italy eating nothing but plates full of pasta at Italian Trattorias? 
I could totally be her! I could run off to Italy and do this for a living. Sigh. But on a happier note, the fact that Il Panino literally transported me to Italy in these moments speaks volumes. Yes, it was first and foremost this incredible pasta and shellfish dish. But it was more than that. Every element including Italian waitstaff, to the intimate outdoor setting, to the cigarette smoke wafting through the air from the two women who sat on the sidewalk bench just next to me.
I have never been to Italy but the Amalfi Coast, Rome, as well as the island of Capri are at the top of my Wanderlist. 
Every single one of the tables here was full of foursomes when I arrived; suburbanite families with small children and various couples and friends of all ages. 
It was about 3 pm at this point, so the lunch rush had cleared out completely. Around now, a middle aged man, then a few minutes later an elderly woman arrived to dine alone. ALONE. See Mr. Host, I am not the only one who enjoys my own company. And now I really have to laugh, because here is where Hector got me. He offered dessert, sans the delivery of a dessert menu. Hector: "Bella some sorbetto for you? It's delicious and it comes in a little fruit - a lemon, and orange or a pineapple!!"
I think: Lunch was so incredible. For the good of the blog community, I'll do it.
I respond: "Sure, that sounds really good. I'll go with the pineapple"
He sold me. He described the sorbetto in the fruit and I had to have it! 
That was a really good decision by me.
After a lunch in the hot sun, this treat which cost $7.95 cooled me right off. It was creamy, icy, and refreshing. I savored every last spoonful from that pineapple half. I was not able to finish my entire plate of pasta, however, so when Hector cleared my plate along with the bread basket, I requested he add the bread I did not consume in with my to-go bag. I thought that was a very reasonable request. After all, they were just going to throw it away, right?Hector: "Oh yes Bella, in fact, I'll throw some fresh bread in there for you!"
BELLA thinks: Wow that is incredibly generous of him. I just wanted my bread that I didn't finish, but if he insists....
I first and often embrace the positive qualities in whomever I encounter. I believe Hector was a good guy. He smiled brightly the entire time. He was overly friendly. He missed a few beats. I appreciated his enthusiasm, but at the same time, the charm could have been turned down a notch or two or ten. The pep in his step (i.e. it took way to long for him to clear my plate after it was obvious I was done eating) could have been dialed up a notch."CHAO BELLA" echoed throughout the restaurant as I made my grand exit.
If someone doesn't call me Bella ever again, I probably wouldn't mind.
To my disappointment, when I went to heat my pasta up for dinner, there was no bread in my to-go bag.
Trattoria Il Panino has a lot going for them, but they are certainly not the entire package. The spotty service and the tactics used to make an extra buck were unappreciated. (My water cost $3.95). The intimate outdoor setting and the incredible Linguine alle Vongole saved them. I'll take a seat in the sun and plate of pasta and shellfish that good any day of the week. Though maybe not this patio with these servers. ;)280 Hanover Street
Boston, MA 02113
The sorbetto in the fruit is so clever!!
ReplyDeleteThis whole lunch story was so entertaining! Thanks for sharing. I can't believe you didn't have any bread when you got home. And even though your review is up and down, I think I might need to go there for the pineapple dessert.
ReplyDeleteHi Bella! ;) Yup, sounds like they missed on several counts. I can't stand when you eat alone and they treat you like a loser. Uh, come on, some of us don't mind it at all. Also, nothing infuriates me more than the upsell. We dined not too long ago in a restaurant at the Telfair Museum here (we sell them their coffee, actually), and okay, seeing as it's in a museum it's definitely a tourist trap, but we had sandwiches and the server said "and pasta salad for the side?" and we both said yes. Assuming that it came with, just the way she said it. Well, that was a $5.95 side of pasta salad each. Quite irritating, if you're a la carte make that clear, I hate slimy tactics, too. Enjoyed this post, Daisy, felt like I was there!
ReplyDeleteYour food looks fantastic and I totally admire you for dining on your own. I think that is awesome.
ReplyDeleteBut Hector...well he needs a couple of lessons on how not to annoy someone. I think I would have left when he said that they didn't have tap water. That is probably the most annoying thing ever. I have little patience for the upsell. I have little patience in general but especially for the upsell!
That being said, I paid $2.75 for a tiny bottle of Perrier this week so your water wasn't too terribly overpriced!
Bella,
ReplyDeleteHector is a pain in the ass, he's lucky the food makes up for it.
In Italy it's quite common for women to dine alone so he needs to get his head out of @ss.
The pineapple sorbet is genius!
I'm with you, I love eating out alone and do it pretty often and totally don't understand the stigma.
ReplyDeleteThat dessert looks absolutely delicious by the way! Glad that despite some mishaps, you still enjoyed your afternoon!
I totally would have walked out if they refused to give me tap water! But, I've actually been to Italian restaurants that refuse to give you parmesan cheese on a seafood pasta dish, because they think the parmesan overpowers the delicate seafood. So maybe Hector was on his game with that one! Or he just forgot.
ReplyDeleteohhh belllaa!! NO bread?! slimy slimy. At least the food was INCREDIBLE. That frozen pinapple is absolutely devine. PS Your pictures of this afternoon are incredible :) Can't put a price on solid pics...oh wait, yes you can since you need to get your camera fixed. ha. xo
ReplyDeleteAnother funny and engageing post. The clam dish really looked good. Love the presentation of the sorbet.
ReplyDeleteInteresting read.
I've never heard of this place or noticed it in my Boston travels. The pasta looks exceptional, you have me drooling just thinking about it. BUT I'm still stuck on the water thing - I can't believe he pretended you couldn't have tap water. I've worked in a restaurant before, and I understand trying to go for the upsell, but that is rediculous!
ReplyDeleteMaybe you ate alone but the way you described everything made me feel like I was there with you! Great post and sorry for the upsell. This happens to me ALL the time in cabs when people try to take me the longest routes possible in the city.
ReplyDeleteThat pineapple is awesome!
ReplyDeletehttp://jammer10am.blogspot.com/
Dude, I am annoyed at the waitstaff for you.
ReplyDeleteBut that pineapple sorbet (okay, and the wine) looks incredible!! Love the presentation!
Seriously Daisy you are such an incredible writer! I felt like I was at the restaurant with you. Maybe you should get a job as a restaurant critic- a girl can dream. Sounds like a frustrating yet rewarding (good food) experience. Good service is always amazing and truly makes dining so much more enjoyable. Sad about no bread in your to-go box. Great post- Chao Bella... oh wait you didn't want to hear that again! : )
ReplyDeleteOh no, no bread! I always drink sparkling mineral water. Did yours at least TASTE GOOD?! and better than tap water? :-)
ReplyDelete