LaGroceria and The Asgard Spearhead Trans Fat Removal in Cambridge restaurants

DATELINE: CAMBRIDGE, MASS…Franco Mastromauro, owner of LaGroceria restaurant and Bill Goodwin, owner of The Asgard in Central Square, Cambridge, are co-chairs of a newly formed sub-committee of the Restaurant Association of Central Square that addresses the use of trans-fats.

They are spearheading a campaign for the removal of trans-fats in restaurants throughout the Cambridge area.

Working with the Cambridge Health Department to promote education and a better understanding, Mastromauro and Asgard are looking to encourage a healthy diet and lifestyle for the residents of Cambridge and patrons of the area’s restaurants by recommending a volunteer removal of products that contain hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated trans fats offered by area restaurants.

Several Central Square restaurant operators have already acted and removed items containing hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated trans fats including: Bill Goodwin of The Asgard; Franco Mastromauro of LaGroceria; Nabil Sater of The Middle East; Richard Faulkner of Picante Mexican Grill; Gart Guygaev of Pepper Sky; Dhiki Cheshatsang, of Rangzen Tibetan Restaurant and Sara Allen of 1369 Coffee House.

A hearing on the issue of trans fats has been scheduled by the Cambridge City Council.

“It has been found that there is no nutritional benefit to trans fats and that they may contribute to a variety of health issues. It is our feeling that the voluntary removal of trans fats in our restaurants will be beneficial to our patrons’ health,” explained Mastromauro.

LaGroceria is “Love on a plate…a very large plate.”
Established in 1971 by Franco Mastromauro and his two sons, Frank and Charles, as a small breakfast and sandwich shop, LaGroceria has grown to become a nationally recognized Mediterranean restaurant rated as “Overall Best Restaurant” by Gourmet Magazine, Zagat and Fodors. LaGroceria is one of the first of many independently owned and authentic ethnic restaurants that make Central Square a vibrant and unique community and a destination for diners seeking exceptional food and family hospitality.

LaGroceria offers an extensive selection of new recipes that are certain to please every palate. From "Live’N Kickin Lobsters" to “Sogliola Margherita” (pan fried fresh filet of lemon sole sautéed in lemon caper sauce with artichoke hearts); “Risotto Con Capesante” (Italian Arborio rice with pan seared fresh scallops, mussels, shitake mushrooms, vegetables); “Bistecca di Manzo ai Ferri” (grilled Delmonico rib-eye steak) and such regional fare as Paella and Bouillabaisse and savory delicate sauces, the Mastromauro family’s passion for excellence is evident in every bite.

Offering exceptional cuisine and family hospitality, LaGroceria restaurant offers authentic, freshly prepared home-style in a casual, yet elegant atmosphere.
In addition to an extensive lunch and dinner menu, corporate and special event catering is available. LaGroceria is located at 853 Main Street in Cambridge. For more information, contact (617) 497-4214 or visit www.lagroceria.org.