Halibut Entree

Ristorante Pavarotti , located in downtown Reading, MA, serves up authentic Italian dishes in a casually elegant atmosphere.  The Italian born and trained owner, Massimo Fiume, is able to accomodate customers with food restrictions as each plate is made to order. On our visit, we were told that gluten-free pasta is available with sufficient notice (24-48 hours).  Sadly, we did not call in advance, but we were still treated to a delicious meal.  I chose the Chicken Alla Marsala which was prepared without dredging in flour before sauteeing.  A side of roasted potatoes replaced the glutinous pasta and proved to be a fine substitution!  The other dish was also well prepared. It was the gluten and dairy-free Halibut Tropeano.  A fresh, buttery tasting (but it really was dairy-free!) piece of halibut was sauteed with asparagus, pearl onions, cherry tomatoes and a white wine sauce.  Speaking of wine, an extensive variety is available nightly.

Also on Main street in downtown Reading is the Venetian Moon Restaurant.  This restaurant gives you another good reason for not having to travel into the North End to find satisfying Italian dishes.  Although well known for their incredible martini bar, they also have flavorful, made to order entrees that, in most cases,  can be altered to be allergen friendly.  There is not a gluten-free menu but our thorough server was knowledgerable about my needs.  She even suggested some potato vodka martinis that would be a safe choice.  I did not indulge in a martini, but rather in a scrumptuous Chicken Saltimbocca that was served with perfectly cooked broccoli to replace the pasta.  I look forward to another visit!