In many cultures, feasting is a means of celebration, a ritual act in which people praise or commemorate a person, season or historical event. Certainly, we in the West are familiar with the feasting that takes place during the holiday season, be it Christmas, Hanukkah or Kwanzas. We eat to celebrate the gathering of family and friends and to revel in the spiritual significance of the holiday. This annual food preparation and feasting can be a remarkable undertaking, as is best exemplified by the traditional Italian Eve celebration. "I can remember eating my way through Christmas Eve," explains Greg Cammarata, owner of Reggio. "My relatives would prepare endless amounts of seafood dishes--plates of calamari, mussels with marinara, shrimp--and we would eat until it was time for midnight Mass. After Mass, we'd come home and start in on the meat dishes. Sometimes we wouldn't make it to church at all, there was just too much food to be had!"
Restaurateur Greg Cammarata again brings a taste of traditional Italian cooking to the South Shore in Norwell with Reggio Ristorante & Catering. Originally opened in Weymouth in October of 1998, Reggio combines the best in Italian dining with a warm contemporary setting and moderate prices. Returning to his roots, Mr. Cammarata named the restaurant after the region in Southern Italy from which is family originated, Reggio di Calabria. In fact, photos of his ancestors adorn the walls of the entrance, giving this contemporary restaurant a definite sense of history.
Reggio's extensive menu caters to many tastes, offering appetizers, salads and soups, chicken, veal, and seafood entrees, pasta dishes, pizzas as well as a variety of tempting deserts. Greg Cammarata and Executive Chef, Bob Burton have created a menu that incorporates family recipes handed down through generations. Even Reggio's marinara sauce, the base of many available dishes, is derived from Grandmother Cammarata's original recipe- a family "secret" bound to please even the most discerning diner.
Nothing compliments fine Italian cuisine like a bottle of wine. Reggio offers a number of distinctive, moderately priced wines hand-selected from Italy, California and Australia. A variety of beers and cordials are also available.
"The Reggio mantra is to provide patrons with authentic Italian cuisine in a relaxing contemporary atmosphere where families will feel at home", comments Greg Cammarata, owner of Reggio. "We think dining out should be within people's reach, not a luxury reserved only for special occasions, so we've designed a menu that's truly affordable". Customer service is also paramount. "While people are sitting at our tables they are part of the Reggio family and will be treated to attentive, courteous service, as well as excellent food."
