North End Identity Crisis

What does a Peruvian-Italian restaurant make you think of first? My first thought was pisco and prosecco, but then, that's where my mind was at last Thursday night at Taranta in Boston's North End. After a couple beers at Bukowski's savoring Unibroue's La Fin du Monde, we walked over to the Italian district for some Italian-ish fare. Apparently the owner is Peruvian and Italian, so rather than choose a dominant cuisine—as if that would somehow increase flavor or creativity integrity—both are generously represented in each dish.With  splendid results.

Chris recommended the gnocchi, which John is rare to resist. In this case, lamb ragu over cassava root dumplings was a mouthwatering twist on an Italian favorite. In order for the three of us not to order the same thing, I went for the orechiette with spicy sausage and broccoli rabe. I'm pretty sure the only sauce on my pasta was olive oil, something I'm always impressed by when it's done right. Maybe some white wine as well, it was all very light and contributed well to highlighting the Abruzzese sausage.

Being a weeknight, we had the best table in the house right next to the window. While I imagine most of the Italian food in the North End is authentic and delicious, Taranta was great and unexpected. They offer cooking classes, including a cooking challenge option with a TREASURE HUNT. Um, who doesn't love a food challenge? This would be the greatest team building exercise.

For us, basking in our post-pasta stupor, Nero d'Avola in hand, we were content just to people watch and grill Chris on his love life.