Rena E.
Yelp
Due to traffic, we were running behind for the reservation. Thankfully, they were understanding and accommodating when the reserved time needed rescheduling.
When we arrived, the parking was convenient; the first two hours are free. We parked on the second level and took the elevator to the third floor. As we exited the elevator, the restaurant was to the right. In addition to the restaurant, there is also a movie theater on the same level to the left.
Shortly after we reached the host's podium, we were the second guests to be seated. Since the hostess had stepped away to escort the preceding guests to their table, another staff member came over to assist. As he was about to lead us to our table, the hostess returned and escorted us instead.
There were a number of available seating options, both in and outdoors. Since the sun was setting and the temperature had reduced to a more comfortable level, we dined outside. The outdoor seating was a nice change, as it afforded great views of the area, which included high-rise apartment buildings, some retail shops and other restaurants.
Not long after we were seated, the waiter came over to take our drink orders. We decided on Evian water, which was served quickly. The waiter was personable and very engaging, as he established rapport with us before continuing with our appetizer and entree orders.
For the appetizer, we decided on mussels. The mussels were just okay. The presentation was picture-perfect complete with fresh tomatoes, sliced artichoke and ample broth. From the initial bite, I kept trying to identify specific flavors but it was a little difficult. It could have been butter and white wine but there was another element that could not be pinpointed. It might have been cilantro, however, I am not sure. Whatever the flavor, it was somewhat distracting from the overall dish. On a better note, the mussels were tender and easily pulled away from the shell.
I ordered shrimp diablo for the entree. It was not necessarily highly recommended but in comparison to the other options; this one resonated more closely with me. Not too long after the appetizer arrived, the entrees were served.
The entree's presentation was pleasing but the flavor was just okay. The penne pasta was cooked al dente and did not have much flavor. Even with the tomato-based sauce and fresh tomatoes, the pasta did not blend into the dish. And then there were the shrimp. The shrimp were a good size and the first bite was spicy and appropriately seasoned. With that said, the second shrimp was wayyyyy too salty almost to the point of being unpalatable. I ate two additional bites of pasta to balance out the saltiness of the shrimp and requested a take home box.
Though I was not overly excited about the meal, the ambiance was good, as was the waiter, who was both friendly and knowledgeable about the menu.
Another plus was that the outside seating provided pleasant views and an opportunity for people watching. Overall, it was a pleasurable dining experience.
Update: Interestingly enough, I ate the shrimp diablo the next day and thoroughly enjoyed it. I am not sure what was going on with the second shrimp that I ate at the restaurant but on the second day, the dish was good. By this point, the sauce had an opportunity to incorporate into the penne and other parts of the dish. which made it more flavorful.
