Thursday, March 25, 2010

By Rick Winterson

Yet another welcome addition to the ever-evolving West Broadway scene, Pat’s Trattoria has rapidly gotten a name for lunch, take-out, and catering.  Here’s a suggestion:  stop by Pat’s for a meal after youth athletics, or when you get back from an early movie, or anytime you just feel like having a relaxed family supper.

South Boston seems to attract more than its fair share of entrepreneurs – people who want to own and operate their own businesses more than anything else.  About six months ago, Southie got another one of those independent-minded businessmen.  Pat McDonough came to town and opened Pat’s Trattoria at 429 West Broadway.

Already Pat’s Trattoria has created quite a buzz.  When asked about how he likes South Boston, Pat replies, “I’m thrilled!”  He says he’s very happy with his startup.  He found a lot of name recognition here, because of the reputation his previous establishment down in Lower Mills built up over the years.  That was called Pat’s Pizza – yep, he’s the same Pat.

As his next step in growing his business, Pat wants to emphasize and develop his evening dinners.  The Trattoria is a cafeteria-style place to eat – informal, and a great place for family groups.  Pat brought his mother over just last Sunday.  The hours at Pat’s Trattoria – open every night until 10 p.m., except for Sunday at 8 – are designed for a tasty, relaxed evening meal.

And Pat’s is not only for families.  You’ll have plenty of time after an early movie to have your dinner there.  Something to eat after youth athletics is easy and inexpensive.  Even if they have to work late, young professional couples still have time to drop in – it’s actually easier than arranging take-out and waiting for the delivery.

As you are reading this, Pat’s is offering a two-for-one supper special.  Tonight (Wednesday, the 24th) and tomorrow (Thursday, the 25th) from 4 until 9 p.m., if you order two entrees, the lower-priced entrée is free.

Now, the only real test of an eating establishment is the food itself, of course.  The next time you’re near Pat’s at 429 West Broadway, take a moment to stop in and pick the menus – the eat-in/take-out menu, the catering menu, and don’t forget the daily special menu.

You’ll find that favorite South Boston supper, chicken-broccoli-ziti, which is made using Pat’s special touch on the butter and oil.  Steak tips, a close second favorite here, are on Pat’s menu.  Choose from fifteen different salad dressings; test out the buffalo wings.  There’s something for everyone.  And Monday’s menu of lunch specials listed “Auddie of Cta Ventures” as the winner of the free lunch drawing.

Like all professional restaurateurs, Pat McDonough does his own buying.  He has had the same topnotch suppliers since he started in the foodservice business in 1982 – Cara Donna (provisions), La Marca & Son (breads), Eddie Milan’s Daman (80% lean hamburger), and Doughboy’s (pizza dough).  “I know them”, he says, “They’ll even ask me try out new products for them.”  Pat says his only frozen food is the chicken fingers for the kids, and he may start making those himself soon.

Pat’s Trattoria offers a complete foodservice.  Platters and trays of all kinds are available for your own parties.  Take-out is popular – Pat has three South Boston drivers – and delivery of menu items is free.  Faxing both in and out make ordering easy.  His network includes the BU Medical Center, Tufts, the Waterfront, and Fort Point’s Channel Center.

Give Pat’s Trattoria a try – in these times, you’ll be pleasantly surprised how far a $10 bill goes there.

(429 West Broadway, (617)269-PATS, (617)268-0900, Fax:  (617)268-0944)