Gran Gusto..first trip

[9lives]

I see there's a thread about restaurants that don't live up to the hype. After reading a lot of reviews here on GG, I've been wanting to try it out.

Not only did it meet the hype, it exceeded it. Great pizza. Nice cozy atmosphere..the kind of little Italian place that every neighborhood should have.

My only complaint..and my waist line thanks me is that it's not too easy to get to without a car..seemed walkable from Porter T..1/2 hour or so bike ride from downtown..worth the effort.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/61246842...

[gini]

9lives - thanks for posting these photos! I ended up going last night and getting a diavolo pizza, which was just great - fabulous crust! We also shared the grilled calamari and an order of seafood risotto, both of which were fine, but I probably wouldn't order again. That pizza, however, I am anxious to get back to!

[Alcachofa]

The calamari is not repeat-order worthy? U R bonkers.

Seriously, I suppose I do have a soft spot for grilled, as opposed to fried, calamari.

[gini]

I AM bonkers. It's true. I thought that while this prep was good, it wasn't great. The flavors were right: lemony, smoky, mushroom-y, but I thought it needed more flavor, possibly in the form of butter. Also, the mushrooms were really boring.

[Alcachofa]

Ah! I see what you mean now. I really liked the simplicity of it.

[StriperGuy]

I'm a huge grilled calamari fan. When done right I think it is the height of calamaricity...

[gini]

Technical foul: puns!

[Bostonbob3]

Great pics once again, 9lives.

[Calico Jack]

GG is just down the street from me. Can't wait to go back now that it's getting nicer out and have a pie outside on their "patio".

[MaineRed]

Went here a month ago w/two friends--we all loved it! The margarita pizza was excellent and our very picky DC was blown away by the fruit de mare...they subbed broccoli rabe for sausage for me w/no problem (a little good natured ribbing tho)...excellent and friendly service.

[sailorblue]

I was just about to start a new thread but you beat me to it. We dined at Gran Gusto tonight and really enjoyed the food and atmosphere. We shared the grilled calamari (excellent!!), arugala salad, eggplant lasagne (fresh and not to heavy) and the ricotta pie. Also loved that it was easy to park.

[Alcachofa]

What!? Were you there last night? I was there last night for my first trip as well.

I was not able to try the pizza this time. :o( But I definitely will be back.

I LOVED the calamari, and my DC, who usually does not like calamari, agreed it was quite tasty. The Caesar's salad was actually subpar, sad to say. I just did not taste much besides garlic. DC's arugula salad was decent, though. Finally, the classic bolognese really hits the spot. But did I mention the calamari?

[9lives]

No..lunch today. I was eying the calamari...but reluctantly passed.

[Bob Dobalina]

Wow - that does look good. Did you ask for it well-done or is that how it normally comes?

[9lives]

I asked for it well done. They nailed it..:)

[gini]

Oh god, those pictures are amazing. Now my dinner plans are all screwed up!

It's about a mile from Porter.

[heypielady]

Yeah, great pics. I can almost taste and smell it. Now I will crave it until I go there. I always intend to try other things on the menu but I just can't manage it!