Another Great Meal at Westport's Tarry Lodge

So we’re here again. Some of you know, I do quite enjoy the food at Tarry Lodge in Westport. I’ve reviewed it before so I will not make this longer than it needs to be. Recently I went back when my grandmother’s friend treated us to a meal, plus my mom was in town so I suggested Tarry Lodge. I knew it would be a little something different than the Italian food they’re all used to, the chicken parms, spaghetti and meatballs, and the usual Italian restaurant “stuff.”

I am pleased to say, most of them tried something new and enjoyed their dining experience that night. Plus, I really like sharing so we all tried everything we ordered.

This time I made it a point to try the Meatball Pizza with jalapenos, tomatoes, and fontina. This pizza was crazy good as are all their pies. You’d think it would be spicy but really, it was not. Just a bit of a kick from the jalapeno and they did not overdo it with the peppers so it didn’t take away from the meatballs and the overall taste of the pizza. Even if you can’t handle spice, you should not have an issue with it, and if you want more spice, there’s always crushed red pepper flakes!

For an entrée I got my chance at the Spaghetti Carbonara. Now, I’ve never had a carbonara that really blew my mind. Tarry Lodge changed all that. I had a great experience with another spaghetti dish when they first opened and this one was right up there with that one. Much like most of their menu, you can taste everything. The egg yolks the pasta is tossed in, the grated cheese, and the black pepper and garlic. It was all there. And most of all, and near and dear to my heart, it was loaded with guanciale, an Italian bacon made from the pigs cheeks or jowl. Doubting guanciale? Please don’t. It’s better than bacon.

A few other entrées we sampled were a perfectly cooked pork chop with rainbow chard and peaches. Perfectly cooked meaning medium, it is fine to order pork medium now, it is not 1950 anymore. And we even ordered up a classic, eggplant parmesan. Hey, I’m not even an eggplant fan and I would order this! The eggplant was served with two sauces, tomato and pesto.

For dessert, Panna Cotta, an Italian pudding with hints of vanilla, biscotti for texture, and those cherries, I could eat a bowl of those!

I promised to keep this short and sweet, I feel like I failed, but hey, enjoy the photos and let your eyes speak to your stomach and hopefully that will get you over there and try something you just read about.

Tarry Lodge

30 Charles Street

Westport, CT 06880

(203) 571 1038

http//www.tarrylodge.com 

For more reviews and photos that will make you hungry, visit www.food-dudes.blogspot.com 

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