My wife and I made reservations at this restaurant for Mother's Day around 1pm, so we could take my mother-in-law to celebrate.
When we called to make reservations, we were told that they *usually* serve brunch (i.e., breakfast food) on Saturdays and Sundays, but they would not be doing so on Mother's Day because... well, Mother's Day. My mother-in-law doesn't like eggs, so totally fine! We proceeded with excitement.
When we drove up we realized it was right next door to Greek Family Kitchen on Union Turnpike; a restaurant we've been to many, many times. It turns out that this restaurant is by the same owners. This was promising news, as we've always loved the food there!
We were initially seated at a table at the front half of the restaurant, but another (very large) party was seated next to us and one of the children was watching cartoons loudly on an iPad with no headphones, so we asked if we could be moved outside or to the other end of the restaurant so we wouldn't have to be near the untenable racket. The staff was very kind and understanding, and moved us to the patio.
There was a small hiccup with service, in that we were given a warm bottle of rosé -- I've worked service industry before, and I know how to chill a bottle in about five minutes (the old "spin it in the ice bucket with water" trick). I also know you shouldn't put a warm bottle of white or rosé wine at the table in front of a customer. The bottle should've been chilled in the kitchen, the wait station or behind the bar before it was taken to our table. But this is really a small matter -- not even worthy of docking half a star.
We ordered zucchini chips, saganaki and a caesar salad to start -- splitting all. Delicious! We knew the dining experience would be elevated compared to the sister restaurant next door just by glancing around the dining room, but the food told us immediately that we were in for an upscale experience that rivaled the food we've always loved at the more down-home Greek Family Kitchen.
Our mains arrived shortly thereafter (the Linguini Puttanesca and the Pear & Gorgonzola Ravioli) and did not disappoint. The food was light but also satisfying.
Of course we sprang for dessert, too (it was Mother's Day, after all!). We got the Dubai Chocolate, which was rich but light all at the same time, replete with a snaking line of chocolate sauce across the plate which was interrupted at intervals with sprinklings of edible gold.
Couldn't have been more pleased with what turned out to be a fantastically appropriate Mother's Day locale.
We will definitely be returning! read more