Matt regularly appears with Jordan Rich on “Connoisseur’s Corner” which airs on WBZ AM 1030 (http://boston.cbslocal.com) weekdays at 11:55 AM.
The following is a “script” for one of Matt’s forthcoming segments:
Before I was the Matt behind Matt’s Meals, I was Matt “Rocky” Robinson, music critic. And one of my favorite artists was (and remains) Anthony Benedetto (aka, Tony Bennett).
So when I heard that a restaurant was coming with the same name and that it was to be located near one of the area’s better music rooms (The Regattabar), I made a b-line for it.
And boy- I am glad I did!
Crafted by the living hands of Chef Michael Pagliarini (who also runs Giulia on Mass Ave with his wife, Pamela Ralston), Benedetto takes over where local legend Jody Adams once reigned at Rialto and, despite some significant changes, does the space proud. With an open floor plan that is divided only by glass walls and gauzy curtains and features a glowing stone bar, a broad communal table where Chef Michael makes his pastas daily, and other comfy, inviting spaces (including an ivy-laced patio), Benedetto combines upscale Italian flair with welcoming authentic flavor. The menu ranges from crostini and crudo selections and explosively-flavorful warm marinated olives to antipasti Burrata and a creative swath of pastas that range from buckwheat to spelt and a satisfying secondi menu that features everything from white asparagus to veal and pork sausages. The wine list is arranged traditionally by region and also offers entire menus of whiskeys, amari, and other delights. And the dessert! Wow!
All I can say is Tony would be proud!