615808 Wed Apr 29 05:49:40 -0700 2009 6 12 Boston Area 0 4638244 Looking for a spot in Boston for Sunday, May 17th, that is a very nice atmosphere and serves lots of small plates, appetizers, 1/2 size pasta portions, etc. Thought of Via Matta but they are closed on Sundays. We are going to a graduation party early in the evening but that is just cocktails and appetizers and we did not want a full dinner after the party. Any thoughts? Wed Apr 29 05:49:40 -0700 2009 110819 bakerboyz 1 4638363 Try Scampo at the Liberty Hotel. http://www.scampoboston.com/FALL_DINNER.pdf Their homemade breads are really yummy and great to share, as is their pizza. They also, as you require, have 1/2 sized pasta portions, which are listed under the "Starters" section of the menu. They are absolutely delicious, you should try the Spaghetti with Cracklings and Hot Pepper, which is seriously good. Not to mention, their home made mozzarella is also very yummy, and is a small sized plate. Basically get anything on the menu that is not a full sized "Plate" and you'll be golden. Hope it works out! www.thevitullos.blogspot.com Wed Apr 29 06:45:10 -0700 2009 4638244 126146 kristinayee 1 4638394 Some Italians: Rocca. Great patio, and I had a much-improved experience with the food not too long ago. (They actually got the hot stuff to the table hot.) Sage. South End Italian where, if you sit in the bar, you can order off its excellent "stuzzi" (small plates) menu, as well as its full menu, which includes some terrific pastas (half-orders available for most). Ristorante Damiano. A bit small and no reservations, but this is one North End Italian that is explicitly organized around a small plates concept. (Haven't tried this one myself, yet.) Da Vinci. Similar deal to Sage: an interesting small-plates menu at the bar, much improved bartending lately, and outstanding pasta dishes. And some non: Estragon. Spanish, so lots of fine tapas, cool atmosphere. Only one pasta last time I was in (fideos in squid ink), but they also do a nice paella. Orinoco. I often make a meal of appetizers and a couple of arepas. Beer and wine only at the South End location, but it has a lovely patio, too. Myers + Chang. Fun atmosphere and a fine Pan-Asian grazing option. The vegetable dishes seem especially good lately, like that curried cauliflower dish. Have yet to try their Korean tacos. http://mcslimjb.blogspot.com/ Wed Apr 29 06:56:03 -0700 2009 4638244 10143 MC Slim JB 2 4639238 On Damiano in the North End: very good food, and as MC said- all small plates. Last time I was there we were in the mood for wine and a late night snack- had a deliciously prepared scallops dish, tuna carpaccio, and carbonara. All of which I would order again. The prices are not exactly in line with the size of the plates, but quality is definitely good. I think this would definitely be a good place for you. Also in the North End, Marco does 1/2 size pastas, but it's a small cozy place so if you have a big group probably isn't ideal. For traditional tapas: Toro in the south end (can be loud though),or even Tapeo on Newbury if you're really just in it for lots of sangria with a big group, "Eclectic tapas": cuchi-cuchi in Camridge Wed Apr 29 10:50:46 -0700 2009 4638394 24364 danielle 1 4639882 Thank you all...think I will try either Scampo, Sage or Da Vinci. Wed Apr 29 13:37:15 -0700 2009 4638244 110819 bakerboyz 2 4640069 Report back and let us know what you end up choosing! Good luck! www.thevitullos.blogspot.com Wed Apr 29 14:32:45 -0700 2009 4639882 126146 kristinayee 1 4640393 Dante at the Cambridge Royal Sonesta. Not an incredible number of small plates but a few excellent ones - fries with eyes (fried small whitefish), lombatello (small portion of italian styled steak frites), mini-burgers, etc. Additionally, you can ask for a smaller portion of an of the secondi/entrees or a larger portion of the primi plates on the prix fixe menus. Wed Apr 29 16:03:02 -0700 2009 4638244 41832 avial