So often, it seems, we get the same menu items at Tavolo. That’s because they’re so good! But it was time to try something new.

Not to jump right into new things, however, we started with our traditional kale Caesar salad without kale. Then Barbara concocted her own version of shrimp and grits: combining a grilled shrimp-and-veggie skewer (shrimp, red onion, zucchini, charred lemon, arugula, and lemon vinaigrette) with polenta alla Icarus (polenta, madeira-braised mushrooms, parmesan). This reminded her of growing up in the South (well, actually, she grew up in upstate New York, but close enough).

I tried the boneless pork chop milanese, an excellent cutlet that came with arugula, tomato, red onions, and citrus balsamic dressing. I had to take half of that home so I could leave room for lemon and blueberry sorbet.

First-rate service, as always.

Categories: Dorchester/Boston, Food & Restaurants