Dueling Rice Balls

A new Italian restaurant opened up down the street from me a couple of days ago. It's called Romaldo's. and your right, I'm not thrilled that it begins with R. sounds silly? Well, when someone calls their business associate and says, "hey, lets meet for dinner Tuesday night at that Italian place, you know,...the one that Begins with R!" Yep, that's right, I'm worried about that.

And you might think I'm worried about the competition. Well, I'm not.... too much

No, It's not because I think we are better than them. It's because I am the type of owner who welcomes new businesses, especially restaurants. The more restaurants, the more people will come to our town. The more people, the better for everyone.

Also, the food is just different enough that I don't think folks will even try to compare us. You see, Romaldo's was opened by Nikki Barron. She is the grandaughter of the founder of ROM'S restaurant. ROM'S was a cornerstone of Sturbridge for a very long time. Everyone went there. It was the one constant in an ever changing town. It was large, simple, unpretentious and solid. They specialized in Italian-American food. Lots of pasta with red sauce, meatballs, lasagna, chicken parmigiana. There was a take out window where you could pick up a "bucket of spaghetti and meatballs" That's what it was called! They were famous for it. You could feed your family inexpensively with real homemade food.

Well, ROM'S closed its doors towards the end of 2008. It almost didn't seem real. Allot of folks were sad and even more weren't sure where they were going to eat.

Well not to worry. It's been said that you can still get the favorite dishes and flavors that you enjoyed at ROM's from Romaldo's. Very smart. Give them what they want. I'm sure that Ms. Barron is planning on putting her own stamp on her restaurant, but I have heard several sighs of relief when folks hear about the food.

I wish nothing but the best for Romaldo's. Entering the world we call the restaurant industry is so mind blowing it can actually send someone over the edge. They have a beautiful location and I hope they share the same attitude that I do about competing businesses. My hope is that someone visits Romaldo's on Tuesday...and then Rovezzi's on Wednesday. Every ones happy!.

I truly do wish them sucess and prosperity...

But then there are the rice balls.

In Italian they are called "arancini" it means "little oranges" due to the fact that they are deep fried to a golden brownish-orange color. Well, Romaldo's menu features rice balls...and so does mine. (one of my eyebrows slowly raises,.. I fold my arms in resentment)

I have not yet tasted said rice balls, but you can be sure that other folks have praised the absolute perfection that envelopes the balls. (my neck muscles tense up,...I become suddenly aware of the position of my feet).

Although I welcome competition, I am VERY protective of my balls. How could someone Else's be better. I've been working on them for years! Constantly changing recipes, altering the amount of rice, the amount of cheese, the type of cheese. Even the oil that they are fried in! I do not come to the final product willy nilly... It's been a process. A long, heartfelt search to produce the finest rice balls available In the tri-community area. (my arms flail!... I shake my fist at the Gods!)

Well, Welcome to town Romaldo's! The gauntlet has been thrown down! Create your best. I am ready...I am waiting...BRING THE PAIN. (standing straight and defiant)

As the chairmen says..."ALL ET CUISINE!"

seriously though..Good luck guys, your'e in for a hell of a ride. If you ever need anything, I'm right down the street.

Chef Chris

p.s. Can you believe I worked in the phrase "willy nilly?"