Denyce M.
Yelp
This is an update to my earlier review based on drinks. We were across the street at the Regal to see Nosferatu and decided to have dinner here and that was a great decision. The service was very nice again and the food was very good. Before I get into the review, think it is important to know that the chef likes to have everyone's order placed in its entirety, appetizers and all. That said, the food was spaced out nicely and we didn't feel overrush. I hate when the table is overloaded with plates and this did not happen.
We started with bread, which was pretty good and tasty....so much so we got a second serving of it. Next we got the Tartare Di Tonno (Ahí tuna tartar, capers, red onion, bell pepper, avocado, cucumber, E.V.O.O dressing with lavash strips) and the Calamari Impanati Al Forno (Baked calamari w/ lemon oil dressing). The Tartare Di Tonno was a pretty presentation and was pretty good. But the Calamari Impanati Al Forno was really nice. The preparation was very good, with the calamari being nice and tender, with great flavor.
The Doctor got the Zuppa Di Natale (Seafood chowder soup w/ shrimp & mixed shellfish). I wanted a spoonful to just see what it tasted like, but ending up having a few more. It has a lovely creamy texture and was more like a puree than a chowder. It was a special on the menu, so I am not sure how long it will be on the menu, but I recommend it.
The Queen and my BFF #2 got the Polpette Alla Arrabbiata (handmade beef meatballs in spicy tomato sauce. Usually when I see Arrabbiata as a sauce, I steer away from it has it tends to be really spicy. But this was not the case. I had one of The Queen's meatballs and it was really good. Trust me, if I am eating it, it is not super spicy. And I loved the small size of them, made them easy to eat.
For entrees, we got the following:
BFF #2: Pollo Al Milanese with green beans (Breaded & pan fried chicken breast w/ arugula & grape tomatoes). She said the chicken was really good, but the green beans wee on the bland side, even though I could see silvers of garlic in it.
BFF #1: Ravioli Della Massaia Al Funghi (Veal stuffed ravioli w/mixed mushroom sauce). He loved it and I know he did because he was made as hell when he left his leftovers in my car after dropping him off at home.
The Queen: Fettuccine Al Vecchio Stile (veal & beef bolognese meat sauce w/ tomato). She did not have anything to take home, so guess that was a two thumbs up experience.
The Doctor: Branzino Al Francese (Mediterranean Sea bass in lemon capers, white wine & lobster bisque sauce w/grilled asparagus). Again another clean plate experience. The Doctor said the fish was prepared nicely and the bisque sauce was good.
I had the Tagliolini Al Limone (Lemon, parmesan & pecorino sauce, black pepper). It was simple but done so well and the pasta was cooked well. I asked for some extra lemon because I like my citrus based food extra tangy. I also did not have any leftovers.
For dessert I had the Torta di Pere Con Gelato alla Cannaella (Pear cake w/ cinnamon ice cream). I requested that the cake being warmed up a little and they made it happen. I love my cakes served warm and sometimes restaurants don't accommodate the request, but so happy they did. The cinnamon ice cream was a nice touch.
They have a Tuesday Ladies' night with $10 cocktails and drinks & Fix Price dinner special for $39, 3 - Course Menu from 4PM - 6PM. That would be something to check out after a matinee show at Regal. IL Girasole Trattoria has made the list to merit a repeat visit.