There was something magical about walking into Pammy’s in Cambridge, Massachusetts for our first visit a few weeks ago.  Was it the way co-owner, Pam greeted us so warmly, welcoming us as if we had just crossed the threshold to her home?  Was it the soft lighting and warm ambiance of the dining room, crowded with lively patrons that made me feel as though I had stepped into something special?  The atmosphere was definitely electric.

There were a couple of open tables, but I spotted one that I hoped would be ours.  We were seated in a delightful corner booth that Pammy affectionately named the Gangster Table because nobody’s back faces the door. Nestled beneath large, paned windows delicately adorned with linen curtains hung by brass rings, our table had the best view of the action.  A communal table takes center stage in the dining room hosting small groups and couples. Next to us, a young girl is finishing her dinner with a woman who may be her grandmother. A bar at the front of the restaurant seats about 8 diners.  Ecletic light fixtures decorate the ceiling while ferns and a fireplace offer some warmth. There is a mix of old and new here at Pammy’s, French bistro and Italian trattoria merge with chic, contemporary elements that make everyone feel right at home.

Located between Harvard and Central Squares and opened just this past July, Pammy’s is co-owned by Pam Willis and her husband, chef Chris Willis who has honed his skills at Rialto and ABC Cocina in New York.  The cuisine at Pammy’s leans towards Italian preparations with pasta well represented on the menu, however there are playful elements that bring other cultural influences to each dish.

The menu is divided among starters such as heirloom tomatoes served with garlic toast ($11) and braised octopus served with crispy polenta and red pepper pesto ($19).  Pasta dishes, some offered in half-portions are mostly house made.  Try a 1/2 portion of Fettuce Alfredo for $14 or be adventurous by ordering Lumache served with a Bolognese sauce and some Korean gochujang for some spice ($24).  For main courses, there are just four selections including a boneless half chicken served with endive and Castelvetrano olives ($32) and Artic Char served with farro, strawberries, celery and walnuts for $28.

Frankly, it’s a relief to see a menu without oysters or charcuterie!

We dined with our good friends, Jane and Brad.  Let me tell you about our dinner selections. Pictures are shall we say, moody, based on the restaurant’s warm lighting!

First up was Brad’s starter, the Mushroom Brushetta.  A mix of wild mushrooms were sauteed and served over toasted bread that has been smeared with fresh ricotta cheese. The dish is finished with freshly sliced jalapeno peppers.  Delicious and a great vegetarian option…

My husband ordered the Artichokes.  Delicate hearts were served with some freshly whipped ricotta and fresh Sicilian anchovies.  He said he had envisioned a different preparation, but not a morsel was left…

Jane chose the Foie Torchon, fois gras that has been formed into a log and gently poached.  It was served with some toasted bread, mission figs and saba.  Jane really enjoyed the dish but said it was a little salty which may have been from the liberal sprinkling you can see on the top of the torchon slice.  Otherwise, a lovely dish…

My appetizer was new to the menu, Ruby Red Grapefruit that was served with fingerling potatoes, escarole and a chili vinaigrette.  I also had envisioned a different presentation. Rather than a composed salad where the potatoes took a somewhat central role, I thought they would be more of an accent given this was a starter.  Each element was delicious, however and worked really well together.  The potatoes were perfectly roasted and the chili vinaigrette on top of the bitter greens was excellent.  As a starter, though, I chose not to finish the potatoes so that I would have enough room for my second course…

For our main courses, Brad ordered the Wagyu Bavette that was cooked medium-rare and served on a bed of wheat berries, with cipollini onions and a generous drizzle of a salsa verde.  At $34, this was the priciest option on the menu, but completely delicious and a good portion as well…

For my entree, I ordered the Fusilli Lunghi ($27).  A generous portion of fusilli pasta was served with 6 clams and some slivered shishito peppers and topped with some breadcrumbs.  When the waiter brought the dish to the table, he told me to remove the clams from the shells and toss the pasta to coat it with the sauce at the bottom of the bowl.  A little awkward to do at the table to be honest as we were tucked in pretty tight.  In any case, while the pasta had excellent flavor, the dish ended up being a tad on the dry side and I didn’t finish the pasta.  Maybe it was my tossing skills, but I think that should be left to the kitchen to insure the dish was appropriately seasoned before bringing it to the table…

My husband and Jane both ordered the Red Snapper ($29) which was pan seared to create a crispy crust and served with cauliflower, some hazelnuts and Pammy’s chili sauce.  This dish was another winner, not a morsel left on either plate…

Our server who was attentive and helpful, suggested we take a look at the dessert menu. We were especially happy with our choices that included this fabulous Cocoa Nib Cake served with a Caramel Budino…

And this fantastic house-made Concord grape sorbet…

With a few exceptions, our experience at Pammy’s was wonderful and definitely worthy of a repeat visit.  If you go, please let them know you read about the restaurant here on The Kitchen Scout!

See you next time…

One Year Ago:  Review of Myers & Chang in Boston, Massachusetts

Two Years Ago:  Green Beans with Tomato Sauce (Fassoulia)

Three Years Ago:  My Week with Ina Garten (recipe roundup)