Work Lunch Break UPGRADE

My job keeps me out in the field for most of the day.  The world (well, Bridgeport, Stratford and other locations in Fairfield County mostly) is my corner office with a view.  I'm always on the move and, while I do try to pack a lunch so I can eat whenever it's convenient, sometimes I just need a mental sit-down and and enjoy.   I have a half hour for lunch so I have to be very strategic.  I happened to be in the vicinity of Massimos Pizzeria (http://www.massimospizzeriaristorante.com/). They have been around a long time.  I remember getting take out when I was a telephone operator in the late 80s.  Today I decided to sit. 

I was greeted by the friendly staff and was invited to sit in the rustic Tuscanesque dining room.  White tablecloths covered the tables and the cloths were covered by white paper.  I was given a menu and was asked about my drink order.  I chose a Diet Coke, they do serve beer and wine but I am at work.  I took a quick look at the menu whose options are very affordable ranging from $6 with many options well under $20.  I really felt like having pasta and the Carbonara jumped off the menu so I went with it.  A bowl of self serve soup is included so I helped myself to a bowl.  Today's soup was minestrone and, dare I say it? It was homemade.   It was filled with white beans, fresh aromatic vegetables, and soup greens. Shortly thereafter came my entree. It smelled fabulous and I did the spoon test when no one is looking.  You simply rub your finger across the back of the spoon and if the sauce stays separate as pictured here then it is a perfect consistency.  This is referred to as Nappé (pronounced “nappay”). I added cheese and black pepper.  The test was valid as the sauce was perfect.  It stayed on the pasta but was never so sticky that you couldn't twirl the fettuccine.  The waiter stopped by to see if everything was okay and I asked him to bring the check right away so I could pay while I was finishing.  30 minutes goes by fast but I made it!

Great food and great service.  I guess that's how they stayed open for over 30 years!