The father of Ken’s coworker works as a server so we went to visit on Friday, August 5. Lou wasn’t there as he had hurt himself the day before. He must be popular as many people were asking about him.
The 40-seat restaurant was relatively empty when we arrived for our 6:30 PM reservation but QUICKLY filled around 7:15 PM. Reservations are required.
Since we had a choice of seats, Jay chose the table for two closest to the kitchen due to the lovely mural. The ceiling is painted with vines – even the smoke detector is disguised! The salt and pepper shakers were also handpainted with a grape leaf motif.
Upon arrival, your wine is taken to be opened and is returned to your table. Hot, crusty bread is brought out with softened butter and a dish of olive oil and vinegar. Before you know it, you are given fried tomatoes which rest atop an olive oil/herb mixture. Yummy!
Service is prompt, but also allows time to digest each course.
Appetizers:
Ken had the fried calamari. It was big enough for four to share. The sauce drizzled on top was sweet and spicy. Jay helped Ken finish. Jay had crab cigarettes which were "paper thin crepes, rolled with JUMBO lump meat with roasted pepper puree dipping sauce." These also came with a sweet spring roll sauce. You wouldn’t believe the size of the crabmeat.
Salads:
Ken had ordered a salad, but asked that it not be sent out since his appetizer was so huge. Jay had the fresh greens with a nice spicy Asian ginger dressing. Everything was fresh.
Entrees:
Ken had the lobster ravioli and jumbo shrimp. Nice size dish; the shrimp were huge and the ravioli melted in your mouth. The sauce was slightly sweet and spicy.
Jay had the pasta special – pasta purses. These were stuffed with gorgonzola cheese (not overpowering) and included large chunks of crab meat and tomatoes. 2-3 people could have gotten full from this entrée! Of course, she couldn’t finish, so she took it home for the next day’s lunch.
- Dress - smart casual.
- Service - excellent.
- Decor – Very nice.
- Portions - excellent.
- Price - Absolutely worth it.
- Reservations - Required.
