When the weather turns chilly, there’s just something about indulging in a spicy pasta dish that can’t be beat. So on Friday evening, my husband, our friend Mary and I made a return trip to Mama Carolla’s. We’ve never eaten in the same room twice here; on this visit, we sat in a cozy, four-table front room. We took a break from our usual bruschetta appetizer to try the fried ravioli, suggested by Mary with good reason—the tasty, crispy little pasta squares encasing mild, gooey cheese were the perfect opener.

While the menu is packed with inviting descriptions, Mary and I just can’t bring ourselves to venture beyond our fave—the chicken rigatoni, served in a spicy white-wine sauce. This is so good—and so plentiful. We each had plenty to take home for seconds, so we could enjoy the flavorful combo of juicy chicken, savory pancetta and kicky spices one more time.

It’s a nice bonus that soup or salad and yummy warm Italian bread are included with meals at Mama’s as well. It’s so much easier on the wallet when everything doesn’t have to be purchased a la carte. I just wish that one time I had room to try dessert. Maybe sometime I’ll just drop in for something sweet - but oh, to visit Mama Carolla’s and not indulge in my favorite rigatoni-I don’t think I have the will power!

I love hanging out here at an outside table, with a DIY pizza (chorizo is so yummy), a salad with house-made creamy-basil dressing, a cold bottle of beer and good friends on a balmy night. Makes me feel like I’m on vacation in my own city.

I can only go so long without returning here, if only for a pilsner of cold Warsteiner and an order of pretzels served with that oh-so-sinus-searing hot mustard! I love the Biergarten, but the Kellerbar’s cozy too. It’s a fun place to hang out in the winter and escape the cold and gloom outside. Plus, if there’s a wedding going on in the banquet room next door, you might get the added bonus of some great people-watching as the guests come and go…

I have always wanted to try dinner at Dunaway’s, the South East Street fine-dining establishment created by former St. Elmo Steak House owner Jeff Dunaway. …

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Order the hot or Thai hot curry—they don’t “dumb it down” for American tastes, so you’ll get a spicy, savory dish that is perfect for warming you up on a cold afternoon.

The veggie sandwich here is great—a bit of spice and loaded with fresh ingredients. Another good sandwich choice: the grilled cheese. Enjoy one with a cold brew while people-watching on Mass Ave.

The anti-corporate-chain Irish bar - this is the real deal. Books great Irish bands. Order a cheeseburger while you’re there-cheap and oh-so-tasty. And say hi to Jimmy if he’s working behind the bar!