BROCKTON – Let’s take a trip across the ocean to taste the flavors of Italy, all while being local to Brockton. In this week’s episode of Brockton Eats with Alisha we’re touring the city to find pasta and fantastic wine, buckle up as we explore our new adventure.
These weekly lists of tidbits and food finds are not restaurant reviews but go beyond a bare-bones round-up. Staff writer Alisha Saint-Ciel gives tips and takes to help Brockton-area foodies find those mouth-watering hidden gems, old favorites, and exciting new offerings.
The Gourmet Italian market offers made-to-order dishes created right in front of you and imported Italian goods right at your fingertips. While there are no tables for dining in, there are decorative art and bright novelty items to gaze at. The owner, Rosa Galeno, prides herself in selling natural food, free of preservatives.
Galeno is on a mission to provide healthy and sustainable food options that are rich in authentic Mediterranean style and not only taste good but are beneficial to your body, she said. In addition, the shoppe has authentic goods that are shipped from Italy. The selection is extensive, from pasta sauce and oil to Sicilian oregano, potato gnocchi, and award-winning fruit preserves.
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Seafood, steak, pasta from scratch, and dazzling cocktails await you at Giardino’s. Let’s not forget about my favorite dessert, crème brûlée. The steakhouse has an extensive menu made up of authentic pasta from white to red sauce, salad, wings, pizza, and lobster sitting on a warm bed of buttered mashed potatoes.
The restaurant has beautiful interior décor perfect for a large party to celebrate a special occasion. The horseshoe-shaped bar has tons of seats and large TV monitors constantly playing games and sporting events. One meal I highly suggest trying if you enjoy seafood is the lobster shrimp, Giardino. I modify the pasta noodles for garlic aglio olio which gives the pasta delicious flavors.
Corfinio – 285 Washington St., North Easton
Looking for a slice of Italy? Well, look no further. Corfinio is an upscale restaurant with a wood fire grill that adds a unique flavor to the food. It’s modern-day Italy right here in Easton. You can indulge in the house-made focaccia, chilled wine, and a warm ambiance.
The restaurant offers made-to-order Roman pasta daily. The chefs make the pasta dough and sauces from scratch. According to the owner, you won’t find canned or processed food in this kitchen. Everything comes from local farms and is handmade right in the kitchen. The menu comprises all the essential proteins: chicken, fish, steak, and pork. There is something for everyone with entrees of pasta, pizza, salad, and the best for the last dessert.
Some fan favorites include:
Norcina — Rigatoni, sautéed Italian sausage, parmesan cream sauce, cracked black pepper, and truffle oil.
Lobster risotto — Butter poached lobster, romanesco, white wine, chives and parmesan cheese
Chicken parmesan — Pan-fried breaded chicken cutlet, tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella and spaghetti.
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Lucca Restaurant is a mix of fine dining and a hint of black and white modern. The inside décor is dark but has a warm vibe to it. The menu includes locally-made burrata, roasted seafood dishes, fresh pasta, and an extensive wine list. Are you eager to try something new? Well, try the brown butter braises calamari in a spicy tomato, lemon, basil, spinach sauce, and grilled bread. If you love gluten like me, the garlic and mozzarella bread with Pomodoro sauce is the way to go. Whatever you choose here it won’t disappoint you.
Italian Kitchen, located on the bustling main street of Brockton, might remind you of your grandmother’s kitchen. The restaurant has been in business since 1947 and was recently sold to Cape Cod Pizza. They’re famous for their meatballs and sausages, but their menu has almost everything from antipasto salad to chicken parmesan sub, cheese lasagna, and stuffed ravioli. If the authentic flavors don’t have you rushing over to Main Street, then the family vibe and warm atmosphere will. Oh, and let’s not forget their dessert options of chilled tiramisu, grape nut pudding, and fresh cannolis to try.
Do you have a suggestion for the food series? Email staff reporter Alisha Saint-Ciel at stciela@gannett.com.
