As part of Marcella’s farewell, right after drinking my favorite wine of all time, the Opus One 2007, we all walked over to one of Marcella’s chosen restaurants in the North End – Taranta.
Taranta has a lovely reputation as one of the standout little restaurants in the North End. It focuses on Southern Italian and Peruvian inspired creations, which makes for some wonderful, full of flavor dishes.
Our evening started with wine, of course, but after Opus One, how could anything compare? Our Malbec was great and the Vermentino was crisp and slightly effervescent.
With five of us dining, it was important that we all had something different so we could take a bit of each other’s food. That did not quite go to plan as everyone was hoarding their own dishes – me included. So bad, because everything was so good!
Lauren and I started with the Pan roasted mussels to share. They were plump, juicy mussels with salty Pancetta and a delicious sauce made perfect for bread dipping.
Catherine’s appetizer of Causa de Cangrejo – looked amazing but I didn’t get a taste!. I will just have to go back and try it. She quite obviously thoroughly enjoyed it by the look of her completely empty plate.
For my main I was really at a loss as I knew I wanted pasta but everything looked great. I ended up sharing with Lauren again. We picked the Pappardelle con funghi porcini and Gnocchi di yucca con ragu verde stilo seco Peruviano. Both were absolutely fantastic. The Pappardelle was my favorite with tasty mushrooms and a superb flavor of truffle oil. The Gnocchi was perfectly made and just melted in your mouth.
Larry, Marcella and Catherine all seemed to enjoy each of their dish choices as every plate was cleaned and mopped up with bread! In fact, Catherine also finished my pappardelle, which she claims was nicer than the dessert!
Time for dessert – Limoncello Flute, Warm chocolate soufflé cake and Hazelnut Mousse with a drizzle of Dulce de Leche.
I didn’t even get a look in on the Chocolate Cake or the Mousse – Catherine and Larry were not sharing J. The Limoncello Flute, however, was scrumptiously yummy! Tart and creamy and light enough to not make you feel you have over done it, which is silly to say because of course we (I) did! I believe the last time Marcella was at Taranta, she ordered a second one of these!
There is a fun, loud, bustling vibe to Taranta. Friendly staff that all seemed to thoroughly enjoy what they are doing and a place I would go to again for with a group for a celebration.
