Restaurant Review: Trattoria 89 Centrale & Valentine's Day

On Friday night Dave and I along with our friends Julia and John went to Trattoria Bar 89 Centrale in Milford, MA. Growing up in the metro-west area of Boston, I didn't know much about Milford until a few years ago when some of our friends moved there.  I really like the town and it has plenty of awesome restaurants.  One of them being Trattoria Bar.  Dave and I are huge fans of Italian food.  I wasn't always but now that I married an Italian I have to get used to it!  Generally when Dave and I go out to eat, 9 out of 10 times it's for Italian. So when John suggested this place, we were pretty excited.

The restaurant was a little hard to find since it's in the basement of a building.  

 

 

But the ambiance is very similar to what you'd see in the North End of Boston.  Welcoming hostess, the owner of the place at the door greeting us and seating us right away.  There are two areas in the place- the bar area and the dining area.  

 

 The whole restaurant has rock walls which adds to the appeal.  Once seated, our waitress quickly came over to get us some drinks. She was extremely friendly and you could tell she really loves the place and the food.  John and Julia come here a lot and they eventually want to be regulars- they want the owners to know their name : )

I ordered a Pomegranate Martini and everyone else ordered

a nice bottle of Red from Argentina.  I wish I was more of a wine girl, but it's just not my thing.  I'm a vodka girl : )

After perusing the menu for a few minutes, we decided to order the Antipasto della Casa - mixed platter of cured prosciutto, fresh mozzarella, provolone cheese, sweet peppers, olives and baby greens for $9.

Everything in this Antipasto plate was delicious and fresh.  It was a perfect starter.

For dinner, Dave ordered the Linguine ai Frutti di mare - linguine with mussels, calamari, and shrimp in a light seafood sauce - your choice of red or white sauce for $18.

And I ordered a special that isn't on their online menu.  But it was prosciutto chicken over a bed of spinach.

Dave and I shared both these dishes and still had a ton leftover.  It was seriously one of the best meals I've had in awhile.  And in the 'burbs!  We will DEFINITELY be back! If you are ever in the area- you should totally check out Trattoria 89. 

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Speaking of delicious meals... it's almost Valentine's Day.  Are you going out? Staying in?  If you plan to cook for your significant other, I have some recipes for you!  In case you missed it, last year I made two special dinners: Valentines Day Part I and Valentines Day Part II.

For Part I, I made Thai Style Mussels, Potato Risotto, Steamed Lobster and Creme Brulee.

And for Part II, I made Crab Stuffed Filet Mignon with Whiskey Peppercorn Sauce and a Fire-Roasted Tomato and Bread Salad.  Both recipes were TO-DIE-FOR.  If you want to make something special for your significant other, MAKE THIS!

You can find all the recipes here: Valentines Day Part I and Valentines Day Part II.

This year I am planning on making Lamb Chops and I'm still deciding on the sauce.  I'm also going to make curried sweet potato puree and an Arugula, Avocado and Blood Orange Salad. Can't wait.  I'm also leaning towards this for dessert- Cookie Dough Cream Pie from Love & Olive Oil.

Been to any amazing restaurants lately?  Are you cooking for Valentines Day?