Matt regularly appears with Jordan Rich on “Connoisseur’s Corner” which airs on WBZ (http://boston.cbslocal.com) weekdays at 11:55 AM.
The following is a “script” for one of Matt’s forthcoming segments:
I love the North End, but sometimes I want something other than humongous piles of pasta on red and white tablecloths or nouveau cuisine which leaves me more hungry than when I went in.
Fortunately, I recently made my way all the way down Hanover Street and found a great little family-run sports bar that is fun, affordable, and most of all, delicious!
Owned and operated by Rocco and Annette Zagarella, Rocco’s Cucina at 450 Commercial Street in Boston started out as a liquor store, and has grown in chapters to offer coffee, sandwiches and pizza, and now a diverse menu of American staples and homemade Italian specialties. As he refuses to serve anything he would not eat himself, Rocco only uses the freshest ingredients and family recipes that he continues to perfect every time he visits his own family.
In addition to over 20 screens and tons of sports memorabilia, Rocco’s (which is literally steps from the Garden and a great place to catch the game or eat before or after) has a beautiful wooden bar that is backed by 15 taps and a beautiful selection of wines and cordials, including a raft of flavored vodkas with which to make the martini of your dreams. In season, the large windows open to let in the Harbor breezes and all the sounds and smells of the North End. Food wise, Rocco’s offers everything from their famed Noche salad and hand-crafted antipasto to well-balanced pizzas and calzones, succulent steak tips, an amazing chicken marsala, and a slew of sandwiches and wraps, including and a burger that lays fair claim to being Boston’s best. They also offer weekly trivia and all the UFC fights. It’s a great locals spot that is well worth traversing the main strip to find.