We Ate Their Homework
Written: Jul 18 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Excellent food, great atmosphere, reasonable prices
Cons: It is only in Fall River, Massachusetts
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| gungian's Full Review: Massachusetts |
The International Institute of Culinary Arts is not perched in Paris. Nor is it located in London. Nor is it nestled in New York. No, the International Institute of Culinary Arts is folded neatly into Fall River, Massachusetts.
The Institute occupies a former church complex near the city center. The Institute’s students hail from around the globe and come for the extensive two-year program. “Small volume purchasing, preparation and presentation are stressed to preserve the art and science of quality food preparation” (www.iica.com). According to their literature, the Institute prepares students to take leadership roles in the restaurant business, as well as in the kitchen. One of their central teaching methods is through hands-on experience. Studies include food preparation, planning, presentation and management. Graduates go on to a variety of responsible positions in the culinary field.
As in most scholastic endeavors – there is homework. In addition to making the grade with the staff, students must pass the test of the marketplace. Enter the Abbey Grill.
At the heart of the Institute is a learning facility known as the Abbey Grill. This is a huge dining room that is crowned by a majestic crystal chandelier. The comfortable dining room surrounds an open air kitchen where enrolled students prepare all the dishes for the customers. So, we really do eat their homework.
The entire Bay State is steeped in nautical tradition so, as one might expect, seafood is prominently featured in Massachusetts restaurants. Seafood ranks right up there on Gungian’s palate pleasers. My New England relatives know how much I like to eat and the Abbey Grill came very highly recommended. The Abbey Grill, however, has an extensive luncheon menu and an equally varied bill of fare for dinner.
Lunch entrée selections included Potato Crusted Scrod [fish] with Roasted Red Pepper Cream Sauce [$7.95], Chicken Stuffed with Tomato, Buffalo Mozzarella & Pesto [$7.95], Grilled Swordfish Mediterranean [$7.95, Grilled Sirloin Sandwich with Potato & Wild Mushroom Spread [$7.95], a variety of Pizza [$6.95 - $7.95], and much more.
Dinner entrée items included Pan Seared Tuna with Red Pepper, Tomato, Thyme & Balsamic Reduction [$16.95], Stir-Fried Chicken & Shrimp over Noodles [$14.95], Grilled Veal Chop with Onion, Tomato & Sambuca Demi-Glace [$20.95], Seafood Risotto with Clams, Scallops, Shrimp & Lobster [$15.95], and another ½ dozen or so items.
We went for lunch on a weekday and were very pleased. The outside temperature was well into the 90s when we entered through the massive oak doors. The hostess [Susi] was both cheerful and courteous. She regaled us with the tale of the building’s history as she took us to our table. Heavily padded chairs added to our comfort.
The inside was quite temperate but I ordered a black & tan (Guinness & Bass) just to help bring my body temperature down. Our bartender/server [Eric] knew his stuff and the brew was perfectly made with the proper float, head, and not served chilled.
Now Mrs. G is not a seafood fan. She ordered a BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger and was not at all disappointed. This hand-pressed patty must have been near ½ pound. Cooked medium-well, it had just the slightest hint of pinkness. Three strips of well done bacon, two slices of American cheese, lettuce, and tomato topped it off. A large portion of fries [are you salivating SurgRN911] came with. Mrs. G. had the BBQ sauce on the side and pronounced it tangy but not overpowering. She washed her meal down with her trademark Pepsi – light on the ice.
I went right for one of the daily specials – Pasta with Lobster in a Lobster Cream Sauce. We are talking a heaping portion of penne pasta with walnut size chunks of lobster throughout. [I stopped counting at 15 pieces of lobster meat!] The predominant taste was the mingling of lobster and pasta. The lobster cream sauce was flavorful and surprisingly delicate. I used a second helping of homemade multi-grain bread to soak up every dollop. Another black & tan did the trick. By meal’s end we were both very contented diners and not feeling bloated. Neither of us, however, could do more than drool at the fascinating array of deserts.
The butcher’s bill was as satisfying as the meal. Two pints of black and tan at $3.50 each; $1.50 for the Pepsi; $5.95 for the BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger; and $8.95 for the Lobster Pasta. Total [with tax] was just under $24.00.
So, if you are in the mood to eat some homework – try the Abbey Grill. Just go north of New York City about 170 miles, or travel less than 50 miles southeast of Boston, or meander just under 20 miles west of Newport, R.I. You’ll be glad that you did.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
gungian
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 - Top 1000 |
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Location: Falls Church, Virginia
Reviews written: 222
Trusted by: 439 members
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10/16/06 - Life is hectic - but good! Write On!
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