Small Fries

Some suggestions on the best destinations when dining out with the young ones in tow. This Month: Mercato

To say life changes after having children is an understatement. Life changes when your local watering hole phases out your favorite draft beer. Becoming a parent, on the other hand, can make your former life unrecognizable. And though you may say goodbye to large amounts of free time and flexibility, with a little dedication and a few tweaks, some aspects of pre-parenthood can remain. Things like going out for dinner.

A child's life is full of firsts. First steps, first words, first tooth... A recent first for our 14-month old? A first meatball! On a random Monday we rallied the troops and ventured into town with the intention of being adventurous and having our youngest try something new.

As we strolled along the sidewalk of Market Street, Shannon rattled off some kid-friendly food options from a list she prepared. “Soft kinds of foods,” she said, “Like mashed potatoes or spaghetti.” Naturally my brain had a flashback to the delicious Mortadella Meatballs I'd devoured a few nights prior on our date-night at Mercato. “Follow me,” I said, “I have an idea!”

We entered the front doors of Mercato and were met with the fresh smells pouring out of the open kitchen and were immediately seated at a table with plenty of extra room. After a quick visit to the restroom changing table upon arrival, I wrestled little Zac into his highchair while Shannon organized our table with iPads, snacks and crayons to entertain his older sister Olivia.

For Shannon and I, the Clams Casino has always been a must-order, so we had them fire that alongside the kid’s Penne Pasta and Meatball, and Chicken Tenders and Fries... and maybe a few adult beverages.

As we examined the menus I noticed how the sounds, the smells, and the sights of cooking can really help you work up an appetite. Even Olivia, who’s only four, commented that, “It smells like when you cook, Daddy.” Yes, I mostly cook Italian — I AM a Vecchio, after all. The cooks at Mer- cato do not hold back on giving you that authentic taste of Italy in some dishes, but they also give you the opportunity to order American-Italian classics, the tastes of my childhood. (Shout out to Mama Vec!)

The kids’ food arrived, and Shannon I ordered our entrees. The Chicken Parmigiana with Spaghetti is my absolute favorite, and I can’t help but order it, even when I mean to try something new. Shannon always ends up getting the Chicken Marsala. I know, we are basic, but when a meal is done correctly every time you order it, it’s hard to not keep going back to the well.

The night wasn’t about what we were eating though, it was about Zac and his first meatball! This perfectly cooked meatball's texture was smooth, light and bouncy. Olivia grabbed a fork and began to steal the inviting penne pasta off the plate as Zac just stared at his round, sauce-soaked hunk of meat.

After some time of cooling to the appropriate temperature, and making baby bite-sized balls for a little guy, it was time. HIs first bite was followed by an immediate smile, and he was hooked! The amount of joy that came across his face is a core memory I will never forget. Within minutes, 20 pounds of cuteness had finished what seemed like several pounds of meatball. I couldn’t help but sample, too, and my bite reminded me of the meatballs my grandmother used to make.

It was a perfect night out with the family. Everyone left with full bellies, a great mood and an itch to return soon. Spending time with our kids is a priority, and when we can do that at a place like Mercato — a staple in town that's welcoming and has everything we know we like — it makes those memories all the sweeter.