05/26/08

Quaint and Simple

by whats_cookin

Our group of 4 enjoyed a very nice meal on Saturday 5/24. Since the restaurant had opened only at 4:30 and we were there at 5:30, there was no need for reservations. We were only one of 3 tables occupied, however, by the end of our meal, the restaurant was nearly full. There was a nice piano player in the background, which brought nice ambiance to the otherwise "on the borderline" of stale feel. The chairs are old and uncomfortable and paper on top of the linen, brought it to the true feel of a trattoria without lining guests up along a long table.

The food was better than I expected though. We started out with bruschetta which was ample for 4 persons, then shared a couple of salads, which were fresh, crisp and large for sides. After reading prior reviews I decided to try the pasta, knowing that if I didn't like it, most restaurants will try again to please you. My partner and I both had the penne pasta with chicken and gorgonzola sauce, another guest had the veal marsala, and another the chicken with the same gorgonzola sauce (no pasta). We were all pleasantly surprised in the freshness, bold flavors, and quality of the feast before our eyes.

Our service was spot on and attentive, wines were reasonable for the offerings, and we were able to get off to our show in a timely manner afterwards.

• Pros: service and menu selection

05/17/08

Avoid! Below average food and ambience.

by nancy14

I read most of the mixed reviews and decided to check it out myself last night. Calabria would rather qualify for a stuffy and dull place.Hence, we decided to sit outside on the patio hoping for good food. Simplest of dishes like a Penne pasta came to us as a disappointing treat.

Penne was not completely cooked, very chewy served with a very dry sauce with no flavor. We ordered a couple of appetizers as well, but none were really worth the price or the taste.Cold servings of "steaming pasta" (Oh!and the bread was served cold too)

Nice service though, but I would not recommend this place to my friends. I hope they decide to do a quality check on their servings and train the cooks!

• Pros: Good service, outside dining
• Cons: Tasteless food (sometimes uncooked!),dull and stuffy place,loud party noise even in the other corner of the restaurant

04/18/08

Great Italian Food by far the best around!

by martinenterprises

Pete and Rhonda have put together a wonderful atmosphere, the food is amazing, the bar is super fun with great music. I have had the pleasure of knowing these two for a while and Bonnie and I love it! Hey Odie!

• Pros: Best greyhounds on the eastside.....fresh squeezed juice!