So I were to do a quick glance rating of everything, service 5 , ambiance 4, bread service 3, non alcoholic drink options 3, garlic bread 4, clam chowder 5, crab salad 4, bruschetta sea bass 3, risotto side upgrade 2, creme brule 4. Price for what you get 3.
Now for the all the little details that got me to these numbers. My friend wanted to have his birthday dinner here after seeing something that got him excited on Instagram. I was not super hopeful based on what I saw looking up their menu and images of the dishes they had. However, he stood firm that this was the place to go. Its located in a quiet parking lot in the summerline area.
As we approached the restaurant a herd of teenagers were making their way to the restaurant. Im assuming for some type of pre dance dinner. I was like how are we all going to fit in this place?! Then after they were seated we didnt even see them anymore. The place has a very large amount of seating available, and by the time we were in the middle of our dinner it was almost all full. Such a popular place it must be amazing, right? I feel like this place hits something nostalgic in people, and speaks to the americanized italian palatte that still wants to feel fancy, and not just go to olive garden.
The waiters were super attentive. A drink glass was never empty, and they made sure to check on us often. This is super impressive considering how busy they were. They have a fun list of cocktails, but no mocktail list. I feel if you are a high end spot these days something beyond a shirly temple or Arnold Palmer should be on the menu. The bread on the table was nothing addictive, but it paired well with the food, especially the clam chowder. The clam chowder was great, not to thick or fishy, but loaded with clams. The bread you should get is some garlic bread, nice flavor for sure. Although 15 dollars is a little wild to me for some bread.
We got the crab salad and it was presented nicely. Avocado, lettuce, tomato, crab, amd cucumber. The tomatoes were actually really good, not bland and watery like many places. The sauce gave me thousand island vibes without the relish. It all went together well but missed an extra x factor to make that 40 dollar salad sing.
The bruschetta sea bass was missing a componenet to create a well rounded flavor. I hoped the side of risotto we upgraded to would create that. However the risotto was so bland and undercooked. I was breaking up the uncooked center of grains in my mouth. I took it home so I could fix it.
Our friends girlfriend had got a side of penne woth red sauce and we had to exchange it out because when you chewed it, it turned into paste it was weird. They gave her linguine with a butter garlic sauce that tasted much better.
Creme brule had great flavor although the custard was a bit curdled and not as smooth and creamy as it should be, the sugar top also not the perfect glass like top that makes that fun Crack. Berries on top were lovely and sweet.
Overall the waiters were amazing and there were some high points in the meal, but I feel for the price point I should be doing my happy food dance. There was no dancing. Our friend who insisted on going there didnt even seem like the food made him that excited. The space is nice but we were sat so close to the entrance and there was a loud speaker so also hearing each other was a bit of a challenge. I just feel that there are other italian restaurants in this price point that have food I much rather eat. One in particular is within about a mile or two of this place. It seems to be a hot spot in the area and fill a niche for people though so thats awesome for them. I just don't see myself going there on my own volition. read more