VENTUNO (21) Restaurant

Located at 21 Federal Street, hence the name, we took a chance on this restaurant in an old historical building that was occupied by another establishment, 21 Federal last year. They went out of business which should be a hint. Go to Ventuno this year because it may not be here next year. We went with friends, the male half of whom is an excellent chef, a former fine restaurant waiter, and knows his way around the gourmet section of a grocery store. He and she liked it. The Kitty and I thought the theme and menu were pretentious and the portions miniscule. The service was excellent and attentive. The ambiance and presentation was very good though a bit noisy. The staff was trained from front door to water boy to echo the theme of the place, so you won't expect a traditional Italian restaurant. From their website: Ventuno is an island restaurant inspired by the frascas of Italy, small farmhouses which opened themselves up to friends and neighbors with wine and homemade food.

Every entre' we had was bistro sized and full priced and every appetizer was bite sized. I ordered the appetizer portion of polpette (meatballs). When the order came, I was reminded of the man in the Madrid restaurant across from the BULLring who when his meal came and was not the huge "meatballs" he expected was told "senor, sometimes the bull wins." Serve this size meatball in a small farmhouse restaurant in Italy and you will be in business for only one night, if you live.

I just do not understand how a pasta dish can have 6 noodles and about half the lobster one would find in a Lobstah-roll, and a few drops of sauce. How the Hell much does even hand cut pasta cost that you can't at least put a little more into the bowl? Another metaphor: It reminds me of the expensive women's dresses that one sees at a night club on Miami Beach... lots of style, and a peek at something nice, but barely enough fabric to make a decent handkerchief.

And finally, the pricing. Expensive, even for Nantucket.