So it was the day’s biggest mistake. In the busy season, the car went uninspected. Parked on a Boston street, a ticket was issued. Going for a quick dinner with the daughter, it would be important to find a parking lot away from the ministrations of the constabulary.
Resigned to chain pizza we headed from her apartment toward Somerville when we spotted a colorful sign that read PotatoFreak. What was this? Something started by aging hippies living out the end of rent control in the next town?
It looked safe for the vehicle, so even though not overly optimistic, what the heck? On entering, it looked like a clean spot, always a plus, but nothing that said special. We were the only customers at around 4:00 p.m.
The fellow behind the counter was not a Cambridge yuppie expat, but spoke with accented English as befitting the international aspect of the menu. Offerings are themed from many parts of the Euro-American world, from Mexico to the Netherlands to Italy. The basic tone however , however, says Portugal.
PotatoFreak is not a bunch of leprechauns making concoctions from the iconic plant of the Emerald Isle. Who knew the Portuguese loved the spud more than the Hibernians The signature dish appears to be the Rostie. Actually, it’s Swiss on origin. And you thought the watchmakers and secret bankers only made fondue.
The rostie is a potato pie with ample cheese and fillings of whatever. I ordered the Portuguese version with sausage, egg, green pepper, onion and mozzarella. The daughter requested the Netherlands fries which came with dutch seasoned mayo.
Naturally, we shared, made easier by the abundant amount of each order. The rostie was well cooked and the filling ample. It was delightful. I started to pour some of the hot sauce on a part of it, but it came out too fast. Some like it hot, c’est moi.
The Dutch mayo that came with the fries was lovely and the frites themselves were fried to perfection.
Washed down with a lime soda, we had no trouble finishing the order yet felt full. Another choice might have stretched things a bit or meant a long late afternoon eating. Not an unpleasant thought
PotatoFreak is a find. It is located at Cobble Hill Plaza, 102 Washington Street in Somerville and is open from early morning to 10:00 p.m. For the extensive menu go to www.potatofreak.com.
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