Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte

Somerville people are very picky about where and what they eat. I did a Facebook survey where I asked, “If you could bring back one former Somerville restaurant what would you pick?” I was totally blown away at the number of responses I received. Here are the results along with some comments in quotes.

“I miss the Continental. I had my first slice of Pizza there back in the late 40’s. I remember the whole large pizza cost was 75 cents and a medium was 50 cents. (And they were much larger than they are now)!”

“Definitely Memory Lane. Best Pina Coladas.”

“Highland Cafe, best steak tips ever.”

“Donut Prince at PowderHouse circle was awesome.”

“The Paddock’s hamburger pizza was the best!”

“Virgies. Their veal parm was to die. I went there with my parents every Friday night manicotti and Dad played Daddy’s Little Girl on the jukebox for me.”

Other great eateries of the past are Victors, Harold’s Luncheonette, Kay and Chips, Memory Lane, Harold’s, Lil Vinnies, Bella Meo Subs, Di Tucci’s, BoBo’s, Yee’s Village, Ming Toy, The Genoa, The Continental, Villa Capri, J&S, Kerris, Frascati’s, Sir Franco, Seven Sons, Kerry’s, Primo’s, The Railside, Picante, The Coronet, Speedy Pizza, and Napoli Pizza. Thankfully, Redbones is still here and delicious.

How did we reach the conclusions? As I said we did a Facebook survey on The Pride of Somerville page that was up for almost three weeks.

And the winner is … drumroll … Somerville’s all-time favorite restaurant is …. The Venice Cafe. Thank you to everyone who voted.

If you were lucky enough to be there when they were in their prime then you know why it was voted number one. But I’m sure your favorite is no doubt different. By the way, The Venice Cafe was where Orleans is now. We felt pretty special when we ate at Harold’s in Ball Square. Not only were Anna, Butch and Jean our friends, but our band The Tool’s 45 record Spark ‘Em Up was in the jukebox!

In the meantime, let’s all keep patronizing all of Somerville’s many fine restaurants in a safe way during these trying times.