Via Matte Will Lead Diners To Traditional Italian Cuisine When It Opens

Walk in off the street. As you enter from the revolving door you step onto an ochre-colored floor and the click clacking sound of your shoes transports you to the ancient cobblestone walkways of Italy. The evening passeggiata has capped another free-spirited, laughter-filled day of Italian life. This is the zany, carefree joy conveyed in the word "matta" and the spirit that Via Matta will capture.

Christopher Myers and Michael Schlow - co-founders of the highly acclaimed, Mobil 4-Star restaurant Radius - return to the authentic cuisine of the Italian regions of Piedmont, Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna when Via Matta opens in mid-June at 79 Park Plaza at THE HERITAGE ON THE GARDEN in Boston's Back Bay.

The Inspiration
Myers and Schlow were inspired to serve Italian dishes that retain the purity and simplicity of their origins and history. Executive Chef Michael Schlow adds, "We want diners to experience the freshness and authenticity of Italian cuisine."

Upon entering Via Matta, guests are whisked through the revolving door into a central intersection with several delectable choices


The journey begins at the bar/lounge where the barista serves fresh peach juice Bellinis, prosecco and full-bodied Italian wines.
Turn right and enter the glowing dining room with dark woods, rich Italian fabrics and large windows opening onto the bustling sidewalk.
To the left is the cafi where you enjoy pizza, pasta or panini in the afternoon or late into the night.
Sit at the outdoor patio and savor a simple yet flavorful serving of Farmer's Cheese Agnolotti with fava beans, sweet 100 tomatoes and pecorino di Pienza. Then enjoy an apertivo and enjoy the Italian life.
At Via Matta, diners will enjoy subtly interpreted and moderately priced dishes. Samples from the menu include

Bruschetta Mista
Porchetta Tonnato
Tagliatta di Bistecca with broccoli rabe and Tuscan white beans
Tai Snapper with zucchini, piquillo peppers and kalamata olives
Assorted fruit crostata
La Cucina di Squadra [Team Cooking]
The winning team of Christopher Myers and Michael Schlow, who built Radius into a Mobil 4-star dining destination with recognition that includes the 25th "Best American Restaurant 2001" by Gourmet Magazine and Food & Wine's "Best New Restaurant of 2000," has created a one-of-a-kind authentic Italian culinary experience devoted to the fun-loving, easy, eclectic spirit of the Northern and Central regions of Italy.

Michael Schlow, Executive Chef
James Beard Award winner and Executive Chef Michael Schlow will oversee Via Matta' s authentically inspired menu.

Luis Morales, Chef de Cuisine
Working side by side with Chef Schlow in the Via Matta kitchen is Chef de Cuisine Luis Morales. Having held the position of Sous Chef at Radius for over two years, Morales has played an integral role in its success and ongoing praise.

Christopher Myers, Co-owner
Via Matta's charm and vitality flows in large part from the inspiration and vision of co-owner and restaurateur Christopher Myers who has been in the business of fine dining for 20 years.

Guy Neil, General Manager
Originally from New York's Upper East Side, Neil is a former colleague of Chef Michael Schlow where they formed the front and back team of Sapore de Mare and 75 Main in the Hamptons for six years.

Marco Deary, Manager and Wine Director
Trained in the Relais & Chbteau system, Deary's experience has been exclusively with high-end restaurants and hotels in Europe and the United States.

Il Posto [The Space]
A familiar and comfortable mixture of traditional Italian design and contemporary accents, Via Matta is steeped in tones of buttery whites, rich chocolates and warm reddish browns and features a 29-seat bar, 35-seat cafi, 100-seat dining room and 40-seat outdoor patio.

In the kitchen