Independent restaurants have faced enormous challenges this year, but even as they struggle, they have continued to give back to the community. In particular, Viale, an Italian restaurant here in Central Square, has been a good friend to Food For Free and the larger Cambridge community for years.

Chef-owner Greg Reeves has supported East End House’s annual Cooking for a Cause event for several years, and in 2019 served as the event’s Culinary Chair. Greg is also an active participant at Taste of Cambridge each year.

And, of course, Viale has consistently donated to both of Food For Free’s annual events: The Party Under the Harvest Moon (remember those meatballs?) and Empty Bowls. Front-of-House manager Shauna Reyburn has served on Food For Free’s Party Under the Harvest Moon committee for several years, landing some excellent auction donations as well as donations of food for the event itself.

During the pandemic, Greg and Viale’s kitchen staff stepped up once again, providing meals for frontline healthcare workers at Cambridge Hospital as well as meals for guests at CASPAR Emergency Services Center and residents of the Central Square YMCA.

And this month, even in this extraordinarily awful winter, the folks at Viale are still finding ways to share the love. On January 23, they’ll be holding a benefit lunch for Food For Free. Check out the menu below.

For this $40 prix-fixe meal—take out only–50% of the proceeds will benefit Food For Free’s programs. Call 617-576-1900 or email info@viale.com to place your order and get your pick-up time.

Zagat highlights Viale’s “fresh local ingredients,” “charred-crust pizzas from a wood-fired grill” and “spirited cocktail acumen” and has called their brunch a “must try.” (We agree!)

Shauna and Greg recently spoke to the Boston Globe about the pandemic’s effects on their industry. You can read that here.

And, of course, you should check out their fantastic menu.

Consider “joining” us for lunch on the 23rd, but even if you can’t, consider getting take out from Viale some time this winter. We think you’ll love them as much as we do.

Vialé Benefit Lunch for Food For Free Menu

MENU
First course:
Brussels salad: crunchy quinoa, red pepper, blue cheese, dijon vin
Roasted carrots: avocado hummus, zataar,harissa
Fried cauliflower: pine nuts, golden raisins, capers, pickled red onions
Black kale: jalapeño aioli, parmesan breadcrumbs, picked mushrooms

Protein:
Black trumpet mushrooms bolognese
Herb roasted leg of lamb red wine
Braised local pork shoulder
Crispy duck leg

Pasta:
Gnocchi & viale marinara
Ricotta cavatelli & pistachio pesto
Fettuccini alfredo & black pepper

Dessert:
Tiramisu cinnamon & cocoa
Ricotta fritters honey, chocolate sauce
2 cannolis choco chips

*Vegetarian Options*
(can be made vegan by requesting no cheese on the salad)
Roasted carrots: avocado hummus, zataar, harissa fried cauliflower pine nuts, golden raisins, capers, pickled red onions
Brussels salad: crunchy quinoa, red pepper, blue cheese, dijon vin
Black trumpet mushrooms bolognese
Bucatini marinara
Vegan peanut butter chocolate chip bars