Egged on by Twitter and the promise of free eats, the Wallyhoods ambled across the neighborhood to Cantinetta tonight to see their “block party” for ourselves. And party is was!

Sounds like Trevor and the Cantinetta staff decided to pay a thank you to the neighborhood for tolerating the increased traffic and parking hassle the restaurant has brought, and put on a little shindig just for the locals. A long buffet served prosciutto, salami, fresh mozzeralla balls, cheeses, tapanade and olives, while friendly waiters served the line (that snaked out the door) pancetta wrapped figs and fried risotto balls. Red and white wine flowed freely, as well, all gratis.

The tables inside and around the bar were chock full, but crowds lingered and chatted at the outdoor tables in the early evening sun. We bumped into our old friend Kenn and met many of his cheerful and friendly neighbors.

We realize that, living on the other side of Wallingford and out of the traffic impact area, we may have been interlopers, but we tell you this: we felt right at home in the way only a good Italian restaurant or a good Italian grandmother can make you feel right at home. Thanks, Cantinetta!