As part of my Monday Munchies series, I will feature a different eatery for a review on the first and third Monday of every month. Hope you enjoy!
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We recently went to Brutole Restaurant in Danvers, MA and had such a fantastic time. The service was spot on and the food was fantastic and really enjoyable. I am so thankful for the groupon that we had as it introduced us to a great place that is a short drive away from our new home.
As soon as we sat down our waiter placed this basket of bread in front of us. Then he placed a mound of grated cheese on a saucer and then drowned it on oil. Thankfully I have a bit of restraint, or I would have eaten 3 basket fulls of this bread with this dipping oil. Carb coma bliss.
We had a hard time picking out our appetizer. We eventually decided on the Mediterranean Spinach and Artichoke Dip that is served with Brutole tortilla chips ($10). This appetizer was served very hot so that cheese was melted perfectly. We felt that the dominate flavors were spinach and feta and that artichoke was missing from the dip. This did not make it bad it just was not as advertised. I think that if this was put under a broiler we would have loved it even more. We had half of this wrapped up to-go and it was still really great the next night.
For my entree I had the Lobster Mac & Cheese appetizer. As soon as I read it I knew I had to have it. I have no resistance against large chunks of lobster meat tossed together with a mascarpone cheese lobster velute and elbow macaroni. Plus on top of that there was a drizzle of truffle oil. It was the perfect pick for just $15.
I loved this as it was really loaded with large chunks of lobster and it was the perfect portion that did not leave me stuffed at the end and feeling ill from over indulging on rich food.
Price picked the fettucini pasta dish that had large gulf shrimp, tomatoes, basil, and baby spinach ($29). A very generous serving was placed in front of him and I was jealous. There were 8 large gulf shrimp nestled under that pasta. Eight large shrimp! I feel that if I get any dish with seafood that the seafood is that after thought and there are 3-4. Very impressive. Price also had half of this wrapped up with some extra bread and it enjoyed it for lunch the next day.
We split the creme brulee ($10) for dessert. It was a generous portion so it was perfect for 2 people. The custard was rich and creamy and had a nice thick layer of caramelized sugar on top. Perfect crack when our spoons broke through.
Brutole is not visible from Rt. 1 so I don’t think many people know about it or consider it as Rt. 1 is jam packed with restaurants. I think that it also doesn’t help them that several lights on the exterior are out. I think that if they liven up the exterior then people would feel more welcomed to come inside to see a great space and to enjoy a great meal.
We know that we will be back to enjoy that fantastic food and try one of their great sounding cocktails. I think we’ll grab a seat at the bar and try one of their grilled pizzas and a cocktail next time. That cocktail list has my name all of it!
Brutole Restaurant
65 Newbury Street
Danvers, MA 01923
(978) 777-6633