Somehow this fabulous meal got lost in the shuffle. The past few months have been quite a whirlwind. A beach vacation couldn't come at a more perfect time. (I'm not there yet, but pretty darn close.)
Anyways, not last Wednesday, but the Wednesday before, my sister and I dined at Artu a neighborhood go-to located at 6 Prince Street. In the past I've had great meals - usually in the form of specialty pizzas accompanied by an espresso martini at the bar. The bar at Artu is often packed with locals and tonight was no exception. We decided to eat in the dining room, also bustling with patrons and newly renovated. We were seated at a corner table next to to the window and beside this striking canvas wall painting. 
Leah and I already had a glass of red wine at home so we opted out of the specialty fall cocktails and split a half bottle of Chianti, DOCG ($15) Ruffino - Tuscany. 
We were served a standard loaf of white bread and butter. For my entrée I chose a dish I had always wanted to try but believe it or not had never had before. Spaghetti alla Carbonara ($15) pancetta, pecorino cheese, eggs. 
There's a first time for everything! It has been two weeks and I'm still in a state of complete awe and satisfaction over the perfection of this pasta dish. Each string of spaghetti equally and generously, but not overwhelmingly so, was coated in a rich cheesy egg sauce were it mingled with fresh grated Parmesan cheese and layers of salty pancetta that was both tender and lightly crispy. The presentation was finished off with a bright green pop of parsley. Since I've never had this dish before, certainly I am an amateur judge by comparison. But being a pretty good judge of taste and texture, this was an excellent plate of pasta. 
Leah's Pollo Parmigiana ($16) got positive reviews. The generous slice of chicken cutlet is pounded thin and topped with breadcrumbs, melted mozzarella, a helping of tomato sauce and of course parmesan cheese. This dish represents a simple Italian classic done right. 
Pasta has to be ordered on the side. I guess it's nice to have the option to customize! Pictured below is a Side of Pasta ($5.50) al dente with just the right amount of red sauce.
Anyways, not last Wednesday, but the Wednesday before, my sister and I dined at Artu a neighborhood go-to located at 6 Prince Street. In the past I've had great meals - usually in the form of specialty pizzas accompanied by an espresso martini at the bar. The bar at Artu is often packed with locals and tonight was no exception. We decided to eat in the dining room, also bustling with patrons and newly renovated. We were seated at a corner table next to to the window and beside this striking canvas wall painting. Leah and I already had a glass of red wine at home so we opted out of the specialty fall cocktails and split a half bottle of Chianti, DOCG ($15) Ruffino - Tuscany. 
We were served a standard loaf of white bread and butter. For my entrée I chose a dish I had always wanted to try but believe it or not had never had before. Spaghetti alla Carbonara ($15) pancetta, pecorino cheese, eggs. 
There's a first time for everything! It has been two weeks and I'm still in a state of complete awe and satisfaction over the perfection of this pasta dish. Each string of spaghetti equally and generously, but not overwhelmingly so, was coated in a rich cheesy egg sauce were it mingled with fresh grated Parmesan cheese and layers of salty pancetta that was both tender and lightly crispy. The presentation was finished off with a bright green pop of parsley. Since I've never had this dish before, certainly I am an amateur judge by comparison. But being a pretty good judge of taste and texture, this was an excellent plate of pasta. 
Leah's Pollo Parmigiana ($16) got positive reviews. The generous slice of chicken cutlet is pounded thin and topped with breadcrumbs, melted mozzarella, a helping of tomato sauce and of course parmesan cheese. This dish represents a simple Italian classic done right. 
Pasta has to be ordered on the side. I guess it's nice to have the option to customize! Pictured below is a Side of Pasta ($5.50) al dente with just the right amount of red sauce.
I'm convinced they know their Italian food and I've been here enough times to know the quality is consistent. If the food alone has swayed you, I can happily attest the hospitality from our waiter Max earns high marks, too. 
For traditional Italian dishes served in a pleasant environment with attentive staff, or for a lively bar scene with seasonal cocktails and delicious pizza, be sure to check out the North End's Artu!6 Prince Street
Boston, MA 02113
Yum! I love carbonara. It's sort of my go-to dinner when we haven't been grocery shopping. We almost always have cheese, bacon, eggs, and pasta.
ReplyDeleteI saw that credit card thing somewhere recently too but I can't remember where. I understand if you're really crowded, it can be tough to run a bunch of credit cards, but under normal circumstances, you'd think it would be okay.
My stomach is growling and demading some pasta carbonana.. YYUM!
ReplyDeleteThat looks great, but it all sounds like a pain in the butt. No split orders and you have to order the pasta separate? There are so many other restaurants in that area that don't make you do that.
ReplyDeleteI've been to both the Artu in the North End and in Beacon Hill and I'm also a little weirded out by some of their policies. That being said, good food is good food and your meal looks delicious!
ReplyDeleteGlad your meals were delicious! Huh, that is a pretty interesting disclaimer, but better to know it right away!
ReplyDeleteohhh carbonara, it's sooo good. I love making it at home, too. I've never been to Artu - but looks yummy. Definitely strange rules thought!
ReplyDeleteLooks like a great meal.
ReplyDeletere: policies, as a server, there is nothing worse than split checks (like 6, 7, 8 ways)! but to ask for a minimum amount of $$ per person, that's a little much IMO (doesn't the Top of the Hub do that, too?).
This looks so yummy... especially at 10:00 in the morning! ;-)
ReplyDeleteHappy Tuesday Dear! I hope you're having a great one!!
2 of my favorite Italian things: Chianti and carbonara! I haven't tried Artu yet but might do so just for the carbonara now hehe.
ReplyDeletethose "rules" would have rubbed me the wrong way...even if they have great food I prefer that the restaurant I am about to spend my money at be accommodating...oh well
ReplyDeleteNice review! I have never been there.
ReplyDeleteMinimum order?? Come the f*** on. That's crazy. Alternately, carbonara might be my favvvorite pasta dish ever, so... XX!
ReplyDeleteI have always wanted to go to Artu. I am hungry, and that pasta looks SO good!
ReplyDeleteSpaghetti alla Carbonara sounds amazing here!
ReplyDeleteI love how the wine glasses have reflections of the plates! pretty!
ReplyDeleteSo much pasta delight!
ReplyDelete