Rosalie's - Marblehead, MA

As the COVID-19 pandemic still rages across the nation, traveling has been all but curtailed in my company until further notice.  While I miss the road, it has been sort of nice being able to sleep at home with my wife over the past four months.  But the traveling jones is consuming me as I feel caged up in my home office and would really like to get out to see accounts - and to find new and interesting restaurants.  

One of my earliest blog entries on Road Tips had to do with a memorable meal that I had at Rosalie's in Marblehead, MA during a trip to Boston over 30 years ago.  The number of comments to this post - mainly from people who dined at Rosalie's years ago - far surpasses the number of comments from any other entry I've done during Road Tips nearly 15 years of existence.  

This meal was so good, it literally changed my culinary life.  Here is the Road Tips entry (that I cleaned up, edited and added to) on Rosalie's in Marblehead, MA that was originally published in March of 2006.

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Back in the 1980's, Visa had a campaign where they would feature a small business or restaurant and talk about how great the place was.  The tag line at the end would be something along the lines of "and don't forget to take your Visa card to XYZ's, because they don't accept American Express." One of those places was a small Italian restaurant in the Boston suburb of Marblehead called Rosalie's.  (Click here to see the commercial.)  On a visit to Boston - probably about 32 years ago - I had the extreme pleasure of going to Rosalie's for dinner one evening.  

Years ago, I used to travel to Boston a lot for work.  It was a great city and I really liked my time out there.  My boss at the time liked it, too.  So much so that he ended up closing his firm - temporarily throwing me out of a job that I really liked - and moved to the Boston area.  My old boss turned me on to a number of culinary delights and I point to him as probably being my largest influence in cultivating my likes and tastes in food.  He was the one who really turned me on to Northern Italian specialties such as fettuccine alfredo.  It's also probably why I gained 30 pounds working for him for five years.  

It was during a trip to Boston with my then boss, his wife at the time, and another co-worker when we had dinner at Rosalie's.  And it stands as one of my most memorable meals because I had Rosalie's fettuccine alfredo and it was outstanding.  In fact, for dessert, I asked if I could get a small plate of the fettuccine alfredo.  It was just that good.  In fact, I've never had fettuccine alfredo anywhere that was as good as the dish at Rosalie's.

Rosalie Harrington (pictured at right - photo courtesy Manchester-by-the-Sea Cricket) grew up in Boston and as a child was influenced by her maternal grandmother who would take Rosalie shopping with her to the markets of East Boston.  Her grandmother taught Rosalie the ins-and-outs of Italian cooking while a step-grandmother in Mississippi taught her the ways of Southern cooking, especially the concept of "farm-to-table" fresh ingredients that were grown on her farm.  As Rosalie's mother faced long commutes to and from work each day, the young Rosalie was called upon to the do the food prep work for her mother who would cook dinner when she got home.  

Rosalie and her first husband George Harrington started Rosalie's restaurant in 1973 in the quaint and beautiful seaside village of Marblehead - still one of my all-time favorite places I've visited in my life.  Her old school Italian specialities kept people coming for years and the place became even more famous after the Visa commercial aired in the mid-80's.  George and Rosalie split up before the commercial ran, but she and her second husband Todd continued with the restaurant before closing it in 1995.  

Here's a picture of Rosalie's old restaurant.

After closing her restaurant, Rosalie was approached about hosting her own show on a fledgling cable network that focused on food.  "Eating Light with Rosalie" was one of the first programs on what became the Food Network.  

Over the years since, Rosalie has been a food columnist, contributed recipes to cookbooks, was a frequent radio guest with her second husband Todd on cooking discussions, and today can most likely to be found wandering the markets of the north shore villages outside of Boston.  

But I was completely enamored by her fettuccine alfredo.  As I said, I have NEVER had fettuccine alfredo as good as the night I dined at Rosalie's.  It made that much of an impression on me.  In fact, I was obsessed with trying to find out the recipe for her fettuccine alfredo.     

In early 2006, I did a Google search for Rosalie Harrington and I came across a small web site that she had and it had a link to an e-mail address.  I thought, "What the hell?  I'll drop her a line."  I basically told her that I loved Rosalie's when I visited there years ago and that her fettuccine alfredo was the best I've ever had.  I even told her that I got it for dessert.  I wanted to know if Rosalie's was still open as I was doing research for my blog.  I sent it off and didn't hear anything for a number of weeks. 

About two weeks later, I got this reply:

"What a wonderful e mail.  How do I find your blog?  Thanks for the great compliments about my restaurant.  I love the image of you getting an order of fettuccine for dessert.  When I make the alfredo sauce it is so simple you wouldn't belive (sp) it. 

"I am on my way to Fla. for two months, working on a new cookbook, a little travel, visits from my grandchildren.  My husband Todd does a show called Taste of Boston Tonite on WRKO Am in Boston from 7 to 10 pm.  Go to Taste of Boston.com to learn how to stream it.  I am often on the show with recipes.  If you are in the Boston area give me a call and I will personally make you a Rosalie's dinner.  We live in Manchester by the Sea, a beautiful town up the coast a little from Marblehead. Make a special trip to visit, it is worth it.  There are great inns and we could get together.  Thanks again for you wonderful e mail.  Best to you.  Rosale (sp)"

Well, she really never told me if Rosalie's was still open or not.  But what she DID do - Rosalie GAVE me her alfredo sauce recipe.  Am I giving it up?  Huh uh...  But, I will tell you that it IS extremely easy to make and it involves Pecorino Romano cheese, an Italian cheese that comes from sheep's milk and is somewhat salty and very pungent. 

       

I made her alfredo sauce recipe the night she gave it to me, but with regular Romano cheese adding some salt to it since I didn't have access to Pecorino Romano.  It wasn't the same taste sensation that I remember from her restaurant, but it was still good. 

 

However, I was able to find some Pecorino Romano cheese about a week later in Chicago - it reminded me somewhat of blue cheese in smell and taste - and I made another batch of fettuccine alfredo a few nights later.  The taste of the alfredo was different from before when I used Romano cheese with some salt, but it was still not the same taste sensation that I remember from Rosalie's.  My wife actually liked the sauce with the straight Romano cheese in it better.

 

A few weeks later, I happened to ring up my old boss who was still living in the north shore of Boston.  I told him about e-mailing Rosalie Harrington and getting her alfredo recipe.  He was incredulous.  "I can't believe that Rosalie Harrington would give out a recipe like that."  I did tell him that I think she left a couple things out as while it did taste good, it wasn't magical good like it was the evening we dined at her restaurant.  

 

Since at that time I had no idea if Rosalie's was still open or not, I asked my old boss if Rosalie's was still around.  "Oh no," he exclaimed.  "Rosalie's is long gone."  I asked him if she had another restaurant or a close facsimile to her eponymous restaurant and he said he didn't think so.  

       

So with that, Rosalie's now goes into the "Rest in Peace" category.  But that one magical evening years ago literally changed me forever in regard to how I view Northern Italian cooking.

Comments

[Kristin Hansen]

I worked at Rosalie's as a server, bartender, and event manager for seven years... Til the day we shut the doors in 1995. To this day I am still very close with the original chef(s) the Walker brothers, in addition to many other employees. We always said " we should have written a book!" Oh the stories we could tell... We all had a great time to say the least. I went on to work for Rosalie's ex-husband George Harrington at the Lyceum in Salem for 17 years. Again, should have continued marking the memories and experiences on paper!
Cheers to Rosalie an George for being two of the most memorable (and basically) on restaurant icons I have ever worked for.
P.S Angel hair ala Rosalie was much better than the alfredo!

[D]

I worked at Rosalie's in the late 80's for a short spell. I fell in love with the Angel har ala Rosalie I made a recipe that is similar and my family still asks for it when they are craving a dose. (and I still crave it too)

1/4 pound procuitto ham-diced (I usually get a pre-packaged pack where I live because the deli does not carry)
1 pack fresh mushrooms-diced
4-6 garlic cloves minced (to taste)
1 large can crushed tomatoes
1 cup heavy cream (or combo of half and half, milk etc if being healthy) cream tastes the best of course but I usually use combo
1 can of small early peas (Lesuer or store brand)
1 cup parmesean cheese (or other grated cheese, fresh best but can is fine like on shelf)

Dice ham, mushrooms and mince garlic, cook in 3 Tablespoons butter, olive oil or combo of, in large skillet
add lg can crushed tom, peas and cream, saute on low-med, longer the better. The sauce should be pink like the color of cooked salmon. Put in grated cheese just before surving. (so does not clump together) Put on angel hair with more grated cheese on top.

[Marjorie McClung]

Hi,

Ii'm hoping someone has the recipe for Rosalie's crustless spinach pie with other vegetables and cheese. I've lost mine!

If you can help, please respond with recipe...need it next week! For a book club meeting!

[Deborah Blair]

I went to Rosalie's several times many years ago and had the best meal of my life there. It was a smoked mussel pasta dish. Excellent! Will never forget it.

[Stephen C. Reynolds of Beverly, MA]

I was hoping to find a link to a recipe for Rosalie's famous "Chicken Rosalie" that appeared ion, I think, "Gourmet" decades ago!

[Deb Green]

Chicken Alla Rosalie from her 21st Anniversary Cookbook

4 chicken breasts, boneless

Prep-Stuffing
1 egg, beaten
4 tablespoons grated parmesan
1/4 cup flat leaf parsley, chopped
1 cup cooked spinach, chopped and squeezed dry in a towel
2 cups ricotta cheeses
1/4 cup grated mozzarella
Pinch of nutmeg
3 slices ham or prosciutto (optional)

Prep - Sauce
1 cup white wine
1 cup chicken broth
Salt and pepper
2 tablespoons flat leaf parsley

Remove any fat from the chicken breasts, and pound them a little to thin and even them

Mix all stuffing ingredients in a bowl, then heap a large spoonful of stuffing onto each breast, fold over the sides, and roll into a fat tube. Secure if necessary, with toothpicks. Place on a greased baking pan

Pour wine and chicken broth over the breasts and bake at 325 degrees for 35 minutes, basting often. Remove from the oven and place under the broiler for a few minutes until lightly browned

Serve whole, or slice into medallions for a more delicate presentation

In the restaurant we serve the slices in a row over a few ounces of fresh fettuccine noodles. Ladle pan juices over the chicken when serving.

[Keri]

Kristin--I noticed in your post that you said you worked at the lyceum in salem. Back in 2000-2002 when I lived on the North Shore I went there often and LOVED the Penne With Chicken, Portabella Mushrooms, Sweet red peppers and chard in a wine sauce. I started thinking about how good it was recently and started trying to find a similar recipe but haven't had any luck. You don't by chance have the recipe do you? Or do you know anything else about what was in it (ex Madiera wine versus marsala) and anything else that may have been in it. It was so good!

Thanks in advance!

[Rose Martin]

I just came across this blog and wanted to add my comment. My husband, Ted Martin was the chef at Rosalie's restaurant from 1978-1985. In 1989 he collaborated with George Harrington to open the Lyceum Bar and Grill located in Salem, MA and the rest is history. (Not to mention the previous history of the famous building.) My husband has all the recipes from Rosalie's and the Lyceum. Since my husband is the chef at home I am able to enjoy all these wonderful dishes on a regular basis. I had my wedding at Rosalie's in 1979. It was a wonderful restaurant!

[Phyllis Hargreaves]

Hi Rose,I had my wedding at Rosalie's in 1983 and the dinner that was served was Chicken Grand Marnier.
The appetizer was Capelli D'Angelo. I would be so appreciative if the two recipes could be shared with me.

[Debra Hall]

How fun to see this! I lived across the street from Rosalie's in the 1980's. It was a great place-George Harrington was always there-we all spent alot of time there. Still make her crustless spinach pie! Would love the Chicken Grand Marnier recipe.

[Priscilla Coe]

I went to Rosalie's several times in the mid 1970s when I lived in Marblehead. The food was the best I'd ever had but, moreover, the place was so alive. There were weddings, birthday parties, and lots of happy moments. All these years later I still dream of Rosalie's and recall it as one of my all time favorites anywhere in the US.

[Susan Gauthier]

Hands down the best restaurant on the North Shore! I too have Rosalie's 21st Anniversary Cookbook and still make many of the dishes.

Loved the Lyceum too. Both had such a good vibe and great food.

Miss them both!

[Paul]

I too loved Rosalie's. It was and still is in my mind the best Italian restaurant I ever frequented. It was every bit as good if not better than any restaurant in the North End. I didn't mind the long drive to Marblehead. The food was outstanding!

[Jack]

My brother and his wife were married there (at the restaurant), just celebrating their 30th this week..

[Michele Doucette]

I remember she made a garlic soup that was to die for!

[Paul]

All I can say is I have very fond memories of Rosalie's. I was introduced to Rosalie's by a friend who had moved to Gloucester and it immediately became my favorite restaurant. I brought dates, family and went with groups of friends. I was never disappointed. Everyone loved the place and though it was a bit of a haul from where I lived in Medford it didn't matter if it was snowing, we went. I've been to some nice restaurants since but none has topped Rosalie's. Vitello alla Giorgio was a personal favorite but you could never go wrong with anything on the menu. Wonderful food! Wonderful memories!

[flo bavaro]

Rosalie had a restaurant in Sudbury, MA for a short time. My girlfriend and I went there for dinner on a Saturday night. The roasted garlic soup was wonderful!!

[Ann Marie Alongi]

I used to work in Vinnin Square, Marblehead/Salem line, and would go to Rosalie's for lunch all by myself just to escape and savor her delicious food. I especially loved an Angle Hair Pasta recipe with a very light red sauce with peas in it.

If anyone has this recipe or knows where I can get it I would be very grateful. I have tried to find her cookbooks on line, but to no avail. I crave this all the time, but have not been able to replicate it.

Please feel free to contact me via my email address below. Thank you!

[Lauren Kane]

Does anyone know the recipe for Rosalie’s veal rotini? My husband and I are reminiscing about Rosalie’s great meals. I still miss it. Thank you if anyone can help.

[William Vodrey]

Rosalie's is mentioned in Robert B. Parker's 1980 Spenser novel "Looking for Rachel Wallace." Spenser, the title character and Spenser's girlfriend Dr. Susan Silverman have a fine dinner there. Spenser says something like, the best restaurant in Boston isn't actually in Boston; it's in Marblehead.

I wish I'd had the chance to dine there myself....

[Sara LeCroy]

Rosalie is a regular contriuter on Item Live, she shares her stories and recipes

https://www.itemlive.com/2016/11/09/rosalies-italian-cooking-caper/

[Jack shay]

I remember Rosalie’s as the finest romantic restaurant ever! I can still taste the best alfredo I have ever had. I think she occasionally had chicken grand mariner that was memorable. Any chance there is a recipe out there? I wish you could find any restaurant today as professionally run with spectacular food. I miss that restaurant sooooo much!

[Debra Hall]

Would love to find Rosalies Chicken Grand Marnier recipe-!
I still make her crustless spinach pie-just love it.

[T]

I worked at the Lyceum in Salem for 15 years. It was one if the best places to work. The owner, George Harrington not only ran a stellar business but was a caring and loyal employer. It was truly a family and a home away from home for its staff and regular customers. My favorite dish to this day was sole tempuras. I too have fond memories of Rosalies. I went ion my first real date there and had the veal Giorgio. If anyone does right a book... I’m in!!

[Kathleen Bell-Dascher]

I lived in Marblehead back in the mid-80s -89. Used to dine at Rosalies and order a shrimp scampi with an orange essence - I believe it was Gran Marnier. It was amazingly delicious. What would be the chances of finding that recipe?
I was sorry to hear of the restaurant’s closing. I had just moved to Las Vegas. I have yet to find anything which can be compared to her cuisine . Sounds like Rosalie is enjoying her “retirement “ to the fullest, however.
With fond and delicious memories,
Kathleen Bell-Dascher

[Marianne Basford]

I met Rosalie when I managed the Coffee Tea & Spice Company where she would buy spices,cheese,etc. for her cooking classes. When the chain was being closed down (tax problems), she offered me a job to manage a restaurant she didn't have yet. She was wonderful and her enthusiasm was contagious. we shopped for chairs and dishes when she found the spot (I think it was an old plumbing shop). Opening night was hilarious. We didn't have enough dishes between courses and had to snatch him up as her young son,George Jr. rushed to wash them (he must have been all of ten)! The food was great. Her husband replaced me, but I have MOSTLY fond memories.She had an eggplant theme which would have an entirely different meaning today!

[John B]

I'm glad I found this piece about a place that I still think about. I started going here around 1981. I would take my dates and clients here on a regular basis.
George was the face of Rosalie's and knew how to bring customers back.

[Julianne Farrell]

BEST Bolognese sauce over Angel Hair ever
Wonderful memories
Unforgettable
George and Rosalie amazing
Made you feel like family when you walked in the door

[Stan Malone]

Found this blog after reading a Rosalie's mention in a Robert B. Parker novel, in which the protagonist and his girlfriend have dinner there. Did a search to see if I could find a menu.

Must have been a favorite of the author.

[Paula Nolan]

Rosalie sold a cookbook in her restaurant which I bought, then loaned to a friend and I haven’t seen it since! Does anyone havea copy who would scan and share with me? Name your price!

[Tom Wilkinson]

Every once in a while somebody comes along that becomes indelibly imprinted on your mind.For me,George Harrington was one of them.Kind ,considerate and courteous.Class.Rosalie’s food was great,but never really went there for that.It was all about George and his surrounding
cast of loyal and admiring patrons.George,wherever you are ,thank you for giving me and so many others something to look forward to.Tom Wilkinson ,Fairfield,Ct

[Mary Dudley]

Found this as my husband and I were looking for the name of a restaurant that we along with two young pre teens spent a magical time. It was a Saturday evening in July,we were on vacation, had just returned from a whale watching trip and wanted to have a quick dinner. When riding through beautiful Marblehead I spotted a gentleman walking who looked like he lived in the area. We stopped and asked for a recommendation for dinner. He asked if he could join us in the car as it would be easier than giving directions. We chatted as we arrived at Rosalie’s. He accompanied us up the stairs, everyone at the bar waiting for a table was dressed for Marblehead “except us”. He announced to the host that we were the Dudleys from Saratoga NY and he would like a table for us immediately. I will never forget the looks we received or the amazing meal we enjoyed. My guess he was Rosalie‘s husband? Our children were delighted to see the commercial when we returned home.

[Carol Venie]

I worked at Rosalie’s in the late 80s.
Does anyone have the Alfredo recipe to share?
Thanks,
Carol

[Marguerite]

Always loved Rosalie's when we lived in Salem and Marblehead. Friends had a wedding there with several food stations, and it was delicious. I still, on occasion, make her spinach pie.

[David Camorali]

Rosalie's leaves such a wonderful memory.
The food was fabulous especially the alfredo! What a delicious sauce that was!
I still remember going downstairs on the tiny staircase and bumping into Frank Perdue who was coming up.
Rosalie's was fabulous and it was definitely our go -to for special occasions and date night. We were young and didnt have any money but I had a credit card and I used that! It was definitely worth the splurge.
So much fun reading what others have written on here.
The memories of warm brick walls, white table cloths, the heavy aroma of garlic, alfredo, delicious red wine, crustless spinach pie.
There's still a buzz in my memory of happy people enjoying themselves who have made the trek to Marblehead from suburbs of Boston in anticipation of the wonderful culinary experience to come. Word of mouth travelled fast way before the commercials I had already left the state by that time but I always wondered what was the fate of this wonderful place and now I know.

[John F Burns]

In the 1980's I worked in Boston, my manager lived in Manchester by the Sea. On multiple occasions he needed a ride home, on the first trip to Manchester we stopped at Rosalie's for dinner. I ordered linguini with clam sauce that was served with shrimp and clams on the half shell topping the pasta. It was the best I have ever had. I never tried any additional menu items on subsequent visits, as I was completely hooked, Truly a great restaurant.

[Beth Drake]

I lived in M'head in the late '70's. I loved dining there. I really loved her Sunday Brunch. Eggs Rosalie - poached eggs on top of crab meat & steamed spinach atop a grilled english muffin with hallandaise sauce. By far, the tastiest of the Benedicts. No sogginess; tangy hollandaise. Perfect combination. Enjoyed with her Bloody Mary. I plan to recreate for my houseguest, who lived with me on Pleasant Street. Maybe I can get our 3rd roommate to join us in NH.

[Stena]

I just found this site. It was my favorite restaurant. I was heartbroken when it closed. If anyone has the recipe for Veal Giorgio, please, please post it. Here is recipe for Rosalie's Greek Spinach Pie
In a skillet saute 1/4 lb. sliced mushrooms, 1 small thinly sliced zucchini, 1 small diced green pepper in 3 T butter until soft. Add 1 cup diced, cooked ham and saute mixture for 2 minutes. Let this cool. In a bowl combine 1 lb. ricotta cheese, drained, 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese, 3 eggs lightly beaten, the ham mixture, 1/2 cup cooked, squeezed chopped spinach, 2 T olive oil, 1 T snipped dill, salt and pepper to taste.

Transfer mixture to an oiled, deep 9.5 inch pie plate sprinkle top with melted butter and bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 45 minutes or until a knife inserted in center comes out clean. Let cool for 10 minutes before cutting

[Ruthie Stankiewicz]

I remember discovering Rosalie’s after moving to Marblehead in the mid 80’s. Absolutely the most delicious food and incredibly warm inviting and joyful atmosphere! I’ve never found anything like it all these years later. Such wonderful fond memories.