Correcting some gross Misconceptions on Yelp regarding Michelina's.... PART 1
My review will be overwhelmingly thorough, to aid others I will post in a 'bullet point' format for ease of reference (I have enjoyed this restaurant approximately 10 times in the last year (I am a foodie what can I say)...
History- Michelina immigrated approximately 29 years ago and opened her wonderful "Ristorante"(more on what this means later) and blessed Phoenix approximately 27 years ago...
Food- Excellent! Italian food from the area of NAPLES (this is where Michelina is from)... Food from this region is a blend, "Campania is one of the largest producers and consumers of pasta in Italy, especially spaghetti. In the regional cuisine, pasta is prepared in various styles that can feature tomato sauce, cheese, clams and shellfish.(Wikipedia)" PUTNESCA IS A POPULAR SAUCE from Naples...
Recommendations for food: One SHOULD attempt to incorporate seafood/shellfish as a choice; however, Michelina's has many excellent 'Turf' options (osso bucco, veal, eggplant, etc...)...
Appetizers: Escargots (dip the bread for garlic and butter lovers, this is the best)
Oysters Michelina-fantastic
SALAD IS OFFERED COMPLIMENTARY (FYI)
The bread is exquisite (with butter how its meant to be churned)
Entrees:
Surf: Many fresh fish specials usually served ala Putnesca (fantastic)
Turf: Osso Bucco (frequent special, this meat will fall off the shank and is incredibly tender, flavorful, and moist), Veal Saltimbucco, Veal Piccata
Dessert- zabaione (with fresh berries) by far the best!!!!
Tiramasu- not bad but do yourself a favor and get the Zabione
A complimentary cordial is provided (fyi)
REAL ITALIAN MASCULINE COFFEE (go espresso or Cappuccino and you will be pleased (don't expect fu fu starbucks)
Dining EXPERIENCE- In Italy one enjoys the 'TABLE' for the evening (i.e. it is not a rushed affair, rather something to be savored and relished in)....(Notice it is an Italian named Restaurant (not Michelina's Restaurant) but rather "Michelina's Ristorante Costa Campagnia" which means, "Michelina's [exquisite/higher end] Italian restaurant featuring food from Campagnia"....
Service- Brad is a wonderful and exceptional server... Request him if possible... Additionally, as inferred from "Dining Experience" above, this is an Experience to be savored... IF YOU HAVE TIME CONSTRAINTS, IMMEDIATELY INFORM BRAD, they will be accommodated (i.e. opera, symphony, movie, or just want a wonderful meal at a heightened pace).... The service WILL NOT HOVER over you as an American Restaurant will!!!!!! The exceptional service staff wants you to enjoy and relish the evening, as is done in Italy...
Ambiance- The restaurant is classically subtle and expresses the 'family and regional' values of Michelina's experiences in Naples as a young woman.... Some may call it dated, others may suggest classically influenced, and yet those that appreciate the Italian cuisine and experience might suggest that it is "Old School" in a "Marlon Brando"-esque way... For those of you unfamiliar with Marlon, Michelina's IS HOW A NAPLES RESTAURANT IS?WAS?AND SHOULD ALWAYS BE....
TO CORRECT SOME GROSS MISCONCEPTIONS OF OTHERS I WILL ADDRESS them below...
"There is nothing eye catching about the business front at all. It's in a strip mall and looks old. At night, they turn on strands of tacky Christmas lights that only attract attention to the fact that the lights are so poorly hung."
- The restaurant is 'Unassuming' from the outside, this is a treasure, not to be shared with just anyone... It also looks old because it is, she has been in this location for 20+ years....
"When we arrived for dinner we were greeted by an empty corridor, no host station and no host. We could see what looked to be a bar but it wasn't a bar that I'd want to eat, drink and socialize at."
-Michelina's is not a bar, they have excellent drinks however. Additionally, Michelina's is family run AND the expectation (once you have been their more than once) is to walk in and introduce yourself to Brad or Michelina's son (as you will become friends to dine with)....
"To pass the time until we were finally greeted we browsed the many framed publications touting how incredible the place was. I'm already here...I don't need any more persuasion. It's time for the Chef/owner to take down the "look how good I was" trophy wall and go with a more inviting modern look."
-See Ambiance section above... Michelina is a remarkable woman and created this restaurant from LITERALLY NOTHING 27 years ago... She has won best Italian in AZ/Phx many times and would continue to win (however the same restaurant winning does not sell reviews/publications)...
...To be continued.. read more