400 Plus: Dinner
February 15th, 2007
I was going to wait longer between posts about the new 400 Plus (on Franklin St.) but I just really wanted to post about it and there’s not much else going on so here it is:
Anyone that has been to the old 400 Club can see that the interior has changed quite a bit. I kind of like the outdated red and black of the old place but since this is 2007 I can see why they wanted to update and they did a great job.
When we sat down we were given fresh focaccia bread that they make there, served with olive oil that was seasoned and had a clove of garlic in it.
We got a couple of appetizers, one being the antipasto which was a nice assortment of meats, cheese and marinated mushrooms, peppers, olives and pepperoncinis.
We also got the fried mozzarella. They use fresh mozzarella and bread it by hand, it’s not the typical previously frozen sticks like some other places serve.
We also got a salad that comes with the house dressing:
Ethan got the baked scrod that he said was awesome, very fresh and flakey.
I got the eggplant parm, which I find hard to make bad anyway but like everything else, it was very good.
With these entrees came a choice of double mashed, roasted potatoes or pasta, we each got a potato.
The double mashed are so good but you have to throw caloric caution to the wind as I can’t even guess how much butter and cheese are in them but they were REALLY good.
We split a massive hot chocolate at the end and left with several to-go boxes that supplied us with dinner for the next night all over again.
The service could not have been nicer and like I said in the pizza post, this place is so great to have in this part of town and especially that the food is fantastic. I love Italian food and I have to say this is some of the best I’ve had, people applauded when the chef came out to the dining room! Framingham is lucky to have such a place I think it will bring people back to this area and possibly rejuvenate the mostly vacant sad plaza.
Got a pizza there last night, mostly due to your review, it was too small for 2 hungry people, but very good.
Gotta check out dinner there this week, looks good.
Comment by Stan — February 15, 2007 @ 4:30 pm
My wife and I attenpted to go there for dinner on Monday and were disappointed that the place was dark and closed up. I guess like a lot of non-chain restaurants, they are closed on Mondays. I do hope to try them for dinner sometime soon!
Comment by Rev. Bob Baril — February 15, 2007 @ 5:23 pm
Went to the 400 last week for Pizza based on your recommedation, and we loved it. You should get a a referral everytime someone comes in and mentions your blog. There was a waitress there named Michelle, was that you?
Also, My wife calls Shoppers world “stupid world” now… its catching on
Comment by Tim — February 15, 2007 @ 6:28 pm
Hi, Yeah that was me : ) I wasn’t going to say anything but people may find out sooner or later and since a few people have already, I’ll just “come out” now.
I know, it seems a little biased to give this place such great reviews but both pizza and meal were critiqued from my consumer point of view. Although, as a server there I can really say that I’ve never worked at a place were the staff is genuinely nice, no one steals each others tables like at other places I’ve worked and honestly the food is amazing which is another great perk of working there (my scale doesn’t lie).
The owners are so incredibly nice and are always asking us (the staff) what we think of the food, they don’t just treat us like replaceable workers. Most impressive to me is that chef Paul asks us constantly throughout the night how people are enjoying their food and always makes sure to come out into the dining room when he can (true story that he got applauded when he made an appearance).
It’s just an awesome place all around, really.
Also, I’m glad your wife has adapted to calling Shopper’s World by it’s more appropriate name, maybe someday they’ll admit it and change the sign : )
Comment by michelle — February 16, 2007 @ 1:34 pm
Cool, didn’t mean to “out” you, we have visited quite a few places on your recommendation and you are always dead on.
A bunch of my friends from the “ham” read your site too.
Shout outs to Karin, Jessie, Dee Dee!
Comment by Tim — February 16, 2007 @ 2:07 pm
Those photos and descriptions have me salivating. I’ll have to check it out next time I’m in the Ham!
Comment by eileen — February 16, 2007 @ 4:04 pm
Looks great! We’re definitely going to try it soon.
Comment by Chris — February 18, 2007 @ 11:31 pm
One other thing
- does the restaurant have a website to check out?
Comment by Chris — February 18, 2007 @ 11:31 pm
Hi Chris, I think they’re working on a website. I’ll add it to the links when it’s up and running.
Comment by michelle — February 19, 2007 @ 2:13 pm
Hi! 4 of us went for dinner last night. The pizza was really great..thin crisp crust and nice sauce/cheese ratio and taste. The waiter was very friendly and accomodating. The portion sizes were huge! All the food was delicious. I loved the lemon salad and the chicken cacciatore. I liked that they had those healthy choices. It was very reasonable and we will definitely go back. beth
Comment by beth grossman — February 22, 2007 @ 12:10 pm
The food looks fantastic!! the pictures you take always come out so good..I love to eat and love to read your reviews. You actually go into all the places I have “always” wondered about while driving by, but never stopping. I think you do a fantastic job. Everyone says since I love to eat, I should be a “Phantom Gourmet” Great job!!
Comment by AnnMarie — February 22, 2007 @ 5:51 pm
Hey, speaking of the “400 Plus” restaurant in town here and speaking of “The Phantom Gourmet” I discovered that there’s already a post about this restaurant on the Phantom’s forums.
The thread should get the place some good exposure. As soon as my husband and I try the place (which will be tonight, March 3rd) I will post my review here.
I’m glad you’re covering this town so well, Michelle.
Comment by Amy — March 3, 2007 @ 10:56 pm
We loved this place!!! Bob and Amelia (the owners) and their son and staff were extremely nice and, best of all, the food was wonderful.
I had the eggplant parm with those decadent potatoes you commented on above, Michelle, and my husband had the antipasto and some pizza.
The service was superb, the food was great, the place was extremely clean, and we enjoyed ourselves there immensely.
IT’S GREAT TO HAVE THAT PLACE OPEN. Now maybe the rest of the sad plaza will open back up again, huh?
Comment by Amy — March 5, 2007 @ 12:43 am
ONE FINAL COMMENT: I’m pasting the link to the thread on the PHANTOM GOURMET’s forum:
http://forums.phantomgourmet.com/forums/shwmessage.aspx?ForumID=8&MessageID=187364
I have been reading Phantom for years and watching the show but I don’t have an account there so I didn’t post a reply.
I just happened to do a search and that’s what came up. One day I’ll join and comment, I’m sure.
Comment by Amy — March 5, 2007 @ 12:48 am
When did 400 Plus open? I just drove by and saw it. Was big fan of the old 400 Club. Do you know if it’s open for lunch?
Comment by Donna — March 12, 2007 @ 12:28 am
Food is better than the north end. The chef, staff and owners make this resturant a family style atmosphere and I travel 45 miutes twice a week just to eat there and meet knew people. It’s really worth it ! Check it out !
Comment by mary — April 2, 2007 @ 2:08 am
I AM FROM Winchester which is near Burlington . I have some friends who live in Framingham we went to the 400 Plus resturant Thursday night and honestly I have to say that I have gone to many resturants but this one is so great with service , food and style that I ended up going again Saturday night. Everyone who works there REALLY Cares about the food and ther service. If I didn’t live so far I PROBULARY BE THERE every other night Prices are perfect and the quanity is alot but thats alright , Doggie Bags. Even though your full you must try the desert and cappicuno to end a perfect evening . Until the next time , People of Framingham; don’t miss out on this outstanding Resturant
Comment by mary — April 2, 2007 @ 11:01 pm
THIS PLACE IS SO GOOD ! THE PLACE IS CLEAN AND THE PEOPLE , FOOD AND ATMOSPHERE IS SO UNBELIEVABLE. iT’S LIKE GOING TO YOUR FAMILIES HOME FOR A GOOD OLD FASHION HOLIDAY DINNER ! THE FOOD IS TO GAIN WEIGHT FOR . It’s so worth that extra calorie !
Comment by toni — April 6, 2007 @ 2:54 pm
Hey Billy Costa [Phampton Gourmet Expert] Where are you ! Go check out the 400 Plus Resturant , Franklin st in Framingham , It is SO SO SO Good. The resturant inside is set up like a setting of little Italy. Not Goddy at all. Very warm. Its also nice to see the chef come out and the owner to make sure that everyone is satified with there dinner and service. Iwas taken to the resturant last Saturday night for my 55 th birthday with 10 of my friends. As busy as it was the service and food was attentive and the food was Hot. They never rush our party out even though it was getting more busy. Everyone in ther seem to enjoy themselves. I defiently would go back again !
Comment by mike — April 6, 2007 @ 3:10 pm
WOW! Spread the word! I took my family here Saturday night, partly based on Michelle’s review, partly b/c I grew up on 400 Club pizza as a kid, back when we Italians seemed to rotate between the Big 4 (Union House, La Cantina, Marconi’s and the 400). Warms my heart to see this place is back and doing well. It’s small and doesn’t look like much from the street but really nice inside — seems more high end than the prices would indicate; if they stick with this formula they’ll have much success. My kids had the Passatelle soup which was ALMOST as good as my Nonni’s. My wife had shrimp scampi — very fresh if a little light on the garlic. I had the chicken parm which was very good. Portions were solid, price was right, and the service excellent. Kitchen was backed up, but our waiter kept giving us updates which makes it easier to tolerate. I think they’re still working out the kinks like any new place, but it’s already humming along and I hope it keeps up. Word of mouth travels fast in Framingham so if they stick with it, it’ll be tough to get a table on a weekend. We’ll definitely be back.
Michelle, thanks for the blog, good call on the 400. Tell the owners to keep it up and don’t make the mistakes that Marconi’s did (raise prices, cut corners on the food and be shocked when people don’t come back). They’ve got a real good thing going here! Framingham is big enough for La Cantina AND the 400. The chains can go sleep with the fish as far as I’m concerned. People who know REAL Italian food know where to go.
Comment by Mike — April 9, 2007 @ 3:38 pm
After hearing all the hype about the 400 I decided to try it Sunday afternoon and I have to say the hype is well deserved. My friend and I each had a salad and split a pizza and the food was great and the beers were cold. I wish they had a better beer selection but I will be back for the pizza!!
Comment by jim — April 18, 2007 @ 3:47 pm
We ate there as a family last night. The food was great - the Michael Boble (Andy Williams sound a like) practically put my kids to sleep, though. And, there are is not really a kids menu. If you go, order one salad - it’s big enough for two and if the pasta is a side dish plan on taking that home - it’s huge! But, with four kids and only two glasses of wine it came to $100 (including the tip). It’s not a “99″ alternative by a long shot.
Comment by Terry — May 10, 2007 @ 4:58 pm
Buon Giorno Piaseani,
This place is now the Best Italian Rest. in Metro-West!
My Familia loved the Food and Paul the Chef is Top Shelf!
Go “MANGIA” there–!
Ciao and Saluti, Jimmy M.
Comment by Jimmy M. — June 8, 2007 @ 8:41 pm
First, I love your site; it’s great to read about places in Framingham.
I tried the pizza at The 400 Plus and was disappointed. It was dry; it could have used more tomato sauce. When reheated, it practically was nonexistent. And the onions came from the outer edge of the bulb, which can be tough and chewy. It was not the worst pizza I ever had but not the best either.
I will try the restaurant again for other items on the menu.
Comment by Bunny — August 9, 2007 @ 10:51 pm
For those of you wondering if the 400 Plus is still open for business—It is!! I guess they closed for vacation for a short time. But they’re back! Place is just great–I love the atmosphere, the food, etc. It’s such a gem of place. If you haven’t tried it yet, please do!
Comment by emmmeee — August 15, 2007 @ 10:33 pm
Glad to know the 400 is still there and new and improved. We lived on Wood Terrace, around the corner, and we’d get pizza from there when my mom didn’t feel like cooking. The last time we ate there, though, it was Christmas Eve and I was sick the next day with food poisoning from some ricotta that they let get lukewarm. I was about 14. Gosh, that was more than 40 years ago! The new 400 Plus sound wonderful, and if I ever get out of the South I will go try it out.
Comment by Catherine — December 18, 2007 @ 11:32 pm
thanks for the tip! we got pizza take out on Friday, and we treated very well, while we waited. we were offered a seat and ended up getting the *yummy* fried mozz while we waited. great service - and we were only take out! also, love that the pizza is a good size for 2 people.
Comment by erinb — January 28, 2008 @ 10:36 pm