I was really excited to make reservations at Sportello for dinner in Saturday night. Sportello is on Congress Street in Southie, close to the Waterfront area.
We arrived 30 minutes before our scheduled reservation, thinking we’d grab a drink at the bar. Sportello doesn’t have a bar area so we were directed downstairs to Drink. Drink has a line so after a brief wait, we made it inside.
Drink’s concept is that you tell the bar tender what type of alcohol and flavors you like, and then he or she will create a drink for you. A risky situation, but a lot of fun. I said I enjoy vodka martinis that are sweet, but not overly sugary.
The Red Blinker! A martini-esque drink made with vodka, raspberry, and fresh grapefruit juice. It was exactly what I was looking for!
I also ordered a date and ended up with a pretty nice one. 
It was past our reservation time when we were finally called upstairs to dine at Sportello. But everyone was really accommodating and we were allowed to bring our cocktails with us.
Appetizer: Roasted cauliflower with olives, grapefruit, boquerones
Though I’m a constant wine drinker, I didn’t recognize anything on the menu. Our waitress gave a great description of the wines by the glass and helped us understand the menu. I ordered a glass of 2008 Saladini-Pilastri Rosso Piceno and was pleased with my selection.
Jared’s entree: Oricchette with braised lamb, ricotta salata
I only had one bite and I noticed a nice cinnamon flavor. Jared raved about this the entire time he was eating!
My entree: Tagliatelle with sauce bolognese, fried basil
Simple, delicious, and exactly what I was looking for. Sportello’s homemade pasta is tasty!
Dessert #1: Salty caramel chocolate cake
Sweet and salty never tasted so good. I loved flavor of the sea salt combined with the chocolate. It reminded me of eating a chocolate covered pretzel, though obviously 100 times better. By far the best item of the night!
Dessert #2: Almond macaroon
Split into 4 tiny pieces so Jared, his parents, and I could each try a bite. Jared said this was his favorite part of the meal.
After dinner we went back downstairs to Drink for 1 more round. I was so happy with the Red Blinker that I ordered it again.
Dinner at Sportello was amazing. Barbara Lynch’s Italian inspired dishes and the diner atmosphere made for an all-around good time. I loved the casual setting and the sleek white minimalist design.
Thank to Sportello’s GM Peter Juusola for talking with us and making sure we had a wonderful Sportello experience.
COMMENTS
11 Comments
1. Gabriela (froyolover)
March 7th, 2010 07:16 PM
Holy Moly – amazing eats and pics!
You and Jared look so cute together…
Have an amazing week, girlie!
Brazilian XOXO´s,
Gabriela
2. Kelly
March 7th, 2010 07:56 PM
I’ve heard really good things about Sportello and Drink. I didn’t know Drink makes the drinks you like for you- thats very cool. I usually don’t like cocktails out, I’d rather make them myself but it could be cool to have them try to make something after I tell them what I like haha. Sportello food looks delicious. Add that to my never ending list of places to try!
3. Kim
March 7th, 2010 07:56 PM
I think your date turned out better than your drink. Glad the night was fun.
4. Jenna
March 7th, 2010 08:09 PM
My aunt’s name is Barbara Lynch so that made me smile lol. Hope you had a good weekend with Kris and Bob!
5. Gabriela @ Une Vie Saine
March 7th, 2010 09:15 PM
Drink sounds great- that cocktail combination would be delicious! And that cake looks absolutely heavenly! If you haven’t tried Lindt’s Touch of Salt chocolate, definitely pick it up if you see it. It’s the same chocolate/salty taste!
6. Shannon
March 8th, 2010 05:15 AM
What a fun night out! The food looks amazing. Especially that chocolate cake!
7. Beginners Work Routines – Essential Workouts For Beginners « Health Issues « AAA Article.com
March 8th, 2010 05:45 AM
[...] Crunches for Cupcakes » Sportello [...]
8. Lisa
March 8th, 2010 09:46 AM
wow what a fun idea about the drink thing! Yours sound perfect!!
I actually really like Whiskey–i’d be scared to see what they would come up with!
9. Melinda
March 8th, 2010 11:37 AM
The food looks great. I often find myself telling the bar tender what I like and having them make me something. Especially here since they don’t do the same American drinks I know (they are probably just called something else.).
10. Heather
March 8th, 2010 12:29 PM
Sweet and salty is one of my favorite combos – I could eat a pound of chocolate covered pretzels. That cake looks amazing.
Drink sounds like an interesting place – not much of a drinker but I would love to see what they would come up with.
11. p90x Transformation Updated! | Weight Loss - Supplements, Pills & More
March 8th, 2010 12:32 PM
[...] Camp in KZN |Related Blogs on changeRelated Blogs on crossDallas VIP Related Blogs on crunchesCrunches for Cupcakes » SportelloAbdominal Fat Exercise-Do Sit-Ups And Crunches Will Make You Lose Fat!Best Flat Tummy Exercises for [...]