08/11/09

Amazing! Couldn't stop thinking about this place!

by KIA

This place was amazing. I went at a slightly after-rush hour (9pm) on a Saturday. The atmosphere was relaxed and efficient. We picked our seat (a leather booth by the window) and immediately were served with olives in oil (great for dipping the warm bread that arrived shortly thereafter). The water came in an old-fashioned glass pitcher and was infused with mint and lemon. The waitress was very good about keeping the water full for us, though the pitcher was on the table if she were ever to be lax about filling it, we could have done it.

The dinner was everything I would have asked for and then some. I couldn't finish my delicious Risotto and my friend's steak was equally as irresistible and large. We both ate and drooled over the leftovers throughout the next day.

This is really a great place, though I can see it being somewhere you would want to frequent only on the off hours. The biggest annoyance was having to run to an ATM for cash at a place where entrees run in the $20s, but there are many ATMs nearby, and the food is ENTIRELY worth it.

• Pros: Great food, great atmosphere, great service
• Cons: Cash only

07/24/09

Frustrating!

by JPMA

They don't seem to have a reservations system -- though we called ahead to make reservations, it was ultimately clear that they don't actually write such things down. When we showed up, they were contrite about having just given away "our" table. Half an hour after our reservation time, after waiting in a cramped bar spot, they finally cleared a table for us. The service thereafter was inattentive, to say the least. Adding insult to injury - they disclosed at the end of the meal that, unlike every other decent restaurant in the world, they only take cash! Prompting a race across the street to the ATM. Once this place decides to run itself like a real business, I'd consider going back.

• Pros: Food is tasty
• Cons: Service, cash only

11/15/08

Don't know what those 1-starers are talking about

by dozera

So, after reading numerous miserable reviews, I was a bit apprehensive about my choice of dinner plans, but figured to give it a shot. We arrived about 20 minutes early for a 8:45 Friday night reservation, and the place was PACKED. The bartender immediately waved us over and since all the seats were taken, set us up with two spots where we could stand. By the time I got back from hanging up my coat, we already had a plate of yummy bread and olive oil. Before we could even peruse the wine list, they had a table open for us. And after placing our orders, the entrees were on the table before we even got through a first glass of wine (chianti). Both pasta dishes were trememdous (linguini with clams and orrechiette with broccoli rabe and crispy sausage)-- plentiful, but not overwhelming. Not wanting to push our stomachs to the limit (or over it), we declined dessert and just asked for the check. When our waittress returned, however, she had two little pots of creme brulee for us. The perfect little tasting size, on the house, and quite possibly the best creme brulee I've had in my whole life (and that's saying a lot coming from me!!). Paid the check, in cash (the only drawback), and were headed out the door to smiles and goodbyes from the staff. I would give them six stars if I could!!

• Pros: Friendly staff, great food
• Cons: Crowded room, cash only