Monday, June 20, 2011

City of Brotherly Love

There is one obvious fact about Carnegie Mellon that none of us can deny: they don't understand the power of brotherly love.

And although many do not know what it's even like, I was fortunate enough to spend some time this past weekend with some of my Pi Kappa Alpha brothers, and let me tell you- there was a ton of brotherly love.

In the midst of disappointment, anger and shock due to recent events, it was inevitable to band together this weekend to remind us of why we fought so hard for this organization that we all hold very dear to our hearts. I was quickly reminded of the love we all share for each other, how powerful we can be when united and how we can get together after months apart from each other and instantly reunite the bonds that are oh-so priceless.


I originally had planned to have dinner with just one, and it quickly turned into an 8-some! Not only is more the merrier, the rapid growth of our dinner group really exhibits how well connected we still are to each other- I love it.

So after many changes to our reservation plans, we finally had a table for 8 at Trattoria Trecolori in the Theatre District- some of us felt like Italian.

I'm not sure what to really write about in this post- do I talk about the great time I had with my brothers, or do I talk about the abundant amount of food we got?!?

We ended up getting an assortment of dishes off their menu: Piccata alla Trecolori (Veal), Farfalle Primavera, Rigatoni Foccacia, Gamberoni dello Chef (Shrimp with Risotto), Calamari alla Luciana (Calamari with Risotto), Petto di Pollo- Trefunghi (Chicken Marsala) and the Fritto Misto and Classico to start.






Petto di Pollo - Trefunghi





Franzi- care to share what this is?









Rigatoni Foccacia



Gamberoni dello Chef





Farfalle Primavera






Calamari alla Luciana










Piccata alla Trecolori









Although I am missing some pictures, I think we get the idea- lots of food.

Unfortunately, I cannot comment on how all of these tasted besides the two risotto dishes (fellas can comment on their own dishes if they would like). I got the Gamberoni dello Chef after long and careful thought- I really wanted the Spaghetti Carbonara, but after talking to Shaman he helped point out that I love seafood. Right you are Shaman.


My risotto was pretty interesting. I was expecting a risotto dish with shrimp mixed in but I got the opposite- plain looking rice with shrimp lined around the sides on top of a tomato cream sauce! Intrigued by the dish, I quickly dug in, appreciating the lemon-y risotto with the surrounding creamy red sauce. The shrimp were cooked perfectly and surprsingly, pretty big- especially when these days you get regular sized shrimp at restaurants when you order their 'jumbo shrimp' dish. Yum.


I then eyed Shellhammer's risotto dish- the Calamari alla Luciana. Undoubtedly the most interesting dish out of all the ones we got, Shellhammer's saffron risotto was topped with Calamari cooked in squid ink! After listening to Keshav comment on how 'indian' the dish was because of the saffron, I got to sample a quick bite of the dish itself! The risotto was great, although tasted more like rice cooked in some saffron broth versus a well-thought out risotto- but you can't help but to appreciate the beautiful saffron flavor. The squid ink was interesting- I've had squid ink pasta before but have never had a something cooked in a squid ink sauce. The texture it gives the dish is almost indescribable- the chalky, murkiness along with the rich, heaviness of squid ink is definitely unique and I believe can only truly be appreciated by individuals with unique palettes. I, sadly, do not have a unique palette and although I didn't necessarily not enjoy it, I don't think I got as much out of it as others would have- maybe I just need to eat more! Thanks Shellhammer for getting such an interesting dish- I will definitely try some squid ink dishes in the near future!

The food at Trattoria was good, not great, but it definitely did the trick. Located in the heart of times square, right by other great dining options, broadway shows, and various attractions, the location and prices are hard to beat!


Needless to say, I left Trattoria Trecolori quite satisfied- not necessarily because I had a great meal but because I had my brothers with me. I quickly thought to make this a monthly occassion, as such a short time with these great gentlemen is barely enough! I feel blessed to have them as my friends, but even more special to wear their letters....


Now I usually say that nothing is better than good food and good friends- but I have to say that I have proven myself wrong- what is better?? Well good food and my brothers, of course!


As we ended the night with more fun ahead of us....I think to myself... this really is the city of brotherly love...

Suck it, CMU.









Price:$$



Food: B+



Ambiance: B+



Service: B