Industry veteran Frank DePasquale unveils
Amalfi Coast-inspired concept on Prince Street
Frank DePasquale of powerhouse North End restaurant group DePasquale Ventures has acquired North End institution Assaggio which will re-open its doors on Friday, August 11th. While maintaining its original name, Assaggio’s fresh new taste and feel will transport diners to the Amalfi Coast by way of Prince Street under DePasquale’s ownership. The restaurant has been completely renovated and the restaurant has a entirely new menu as well as a full liquor license.
Born and raised near Positano, DePasquale’s vision for Assaggio draws on inspiration from the coastal Italian town and its trademark cuisine. With an emphasis on fresh ingredients, both imported and sourced locally, simple yet flavorful dishes, and plenty of seafood, Assaggio will serve as a neighborhood go-to for high-quality dining, drinking, and enjoying “la dolce vita.”
DePasquale says, “My vision with all of my North End locations, from the restaurants to the salumeria, is that Boston residents and visitors feel like our neighborhood is a little slice of towns like Positano. Assaggio is very much a passion project for me in the sense that it brings me back to my roots there and I hope that our guests feel the love that has gone into making it as authentic and welcoming as possible.”
Aiming to provide guests with the most authentic flavors possible, Assaggio’s menu will be a collaborative effort created and executed by three accomplished chefs hailing from Italy, Eugenio Babba, Gabrielle Ascione, Rocco Muriallo. Menu offerings will focus upon coastal cuisine found in the famous Italian coastal town of Positano as well food preparation and technique characteristic of the greater Amalfi Coast region. The menu will be divided into five main sections: assagino (small bites), sfizi (appetizers), primi, secondi, and insalate. Daily specials will also be available on a rotating basis including a seafood catch of the day and risotto of the day.
Menu highlights will include:
- Grilled Octopus: octopus grilled Positano-style and served over creamy burrrata
- Gnocchi alla Sorrentina: homemade potato dumplings, mozzarella, tomato, and basil prepared Sorrento-style
- Broccoli Rabe and Sausage: imported Gragnano pasta, Neapolitan-style rabe, and homemade sweet sausage
- Zuppa di Pesca: clams, mussels, calamari, and Maine lobster in a classic Italian broth
- Veal Chop: prime veal stuffed with Parma prosciutto and Italian fontina
- Zucchini flowers: seasonal zucchini flowers stuffed with whipped truffle ricotta
To complement its authentic Italian menu, Assaggio’s carefully curated beverage program will feature domestic and Italian wines, a selection of six different beers, and a variety of cocktails including DePasquale Ventures’ popular espresso martini. Catering to wine lovers interested in exploring Assaggio’s expansive wine list, the restaurant will also offer guests the unique and budget-friendly option of purchasing a wine bottle at wholesale price plus a $10 corkage fee.
Assaggio will boast a modern yet cozy atmosphere reminiscent of restaurants dotting the coastline of Positano and beyond. The completely renovated space will feature seating for 68 throughout its first floor and basement-level dining areas. Additionally, the second floor space above the restaurant will serve as a cooking school in the near future.
The cooking school, set to open at a later date, will be open to the public and offer classes five days a week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Taught by various pastry chefs, sommeliers, and chefs from DePasquale Ventures’ restaurants, the Boston area, and abroad, classes will cover how to make homemade pasta, mozzarella, mother sauces, pastries, brick oven pizza, and more.
Assaggio will be open for dinner Sunday through Friday from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. with the bar open until midnight and for lunch and dinner on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. with the bar open until midnight. Assaggio is located at 29 Prince Street, Boston, MA, 02113. For more information, please visit www.assaggioboston.com or contact (617) 227-7380.
