Lucca, North End, Boston

Do you have unblended rye?  

I don't know what that is?

Then you probably don't have it?  What kind of bourbon do you have?

Maker's Mark, Knob Creek, Rittenhouse Rye.

Yes, that was the exact conversation.  But they had unblended rye so I guess I should just be happy and shut up, right?

Very good.  The bar at Lucca has been very good every time I've been there.  

Rabia, North End, Boston

This appetizer from Rabia might just have been a perfect food item - prosciutto stuffed fig.  Entree I got was gnocchi with spinach - so much better than Orleans.  Took the leftovers home and they were just as good two days later.  

The service at this place was pretty bad.  After I tasted my friend's Proseco (and how could I have attained my age without ever having this!), I decided to get one.  

Looked around for the waiter, caught his eye and signaled him.  Nothing.  This was repeated several times.  The older gentleman in this picture and his wife were laughing and he even tried to get the waiter's attention and got the same result; i.e., nothing.  Finally got the drink.