Famous Dave's BBQ restaurant just opened in my neck o' the proverbial woods, and our family tried it for the first time last night. It was the first experience we'd had with this particular chain restaurant and, for the most part, we liked it.
We came in at 9 pm, super hungry after the first scrimmage (in another county) and even at that late hour there was a waiting line for 25 minutes. The place smelled wonderful, for starters, so our chops were in ready mode long before our handheld ambulance notified us that our table was ready.
Sarah ordered the Devil's Spit Burger, Joel the cheeseburger from the kid's menu, Stephen got the honey chicken sandwich, and I ordered the Famous Dave's burger. Paul wondered why I didn't get barbeque (since I was the one who'd been saying how much I wanted to try it) but it was a matter of feeling pressured when the server was standing there, pen and pad set for action, and so I just picked something randomly on the spot. That is so not like me, but it does prove that you can teach an old dog new tricks! I forget what Paul ordered but he liked it. The meats were cooked just right, and every one of the six sauces served at the table had a unique and delicious taste, from Texas to St. Louis.
What I was really impressed with were the side dishes. Too often restaurants present them as seeming afterthoughts, but not these. The mac 'n cheese has corn and jalapenos. Mmm. The Drunkin' Apples still had crunch and the right amount of cinnamon. The garlic red mashed potatoes had a thick but creamy texture, and the fries (which we dipped in honey mustard) delivered the perfect complement to our terrific sandwiches.
Collectively, we had four complaints. First, three people at our table ordered sweet tea, but got unsweetened. The waiter made it right when they brought it to his attention, but on the third delivery he again brought out unsweetened tea. Second, I thought he seemed to linger too long at our table each time he checked on us. I didn't like the way he made eye contact with my older son and ran his fingers along the table telling us (with eyes that looked like a cat's when you scratch behind the ears) how heavenly-to-die-for the bread pudding is. Third, one of the employees who was "using the facilities" at the same time as one of us, was cussing in the stall and did not wash hands before leaving the restroom. The offended party told the manager about that one, who thanked us and said he'd bring it up in training next time.
The prices were certainly reasonable for the satisfying portions. No leftovers this time, and we look forward to going back. It's the kind of atmosphere that's made for lively conversation, but I mentioned to Paul (who loves, loves, loves bread pudding) that maybe we could come back soon and have a heavenly-to-die-for date. Just a thought. Famous Dave's. The new joint in town is a keeper. Check it out.
Showing posts with label restaurant reviews. Show all posts
Showing posts with label restaurant reviews. Show all posts
Friday, August 20, 2010
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Bahama Breeze Birthday
Going out for Sarah's birthday is never just an event; it's a process. We asked her where she wanted to go and she said, "somewhere new and far away." New to her, that is, not necessarily a new restaurant. "Far away" means a drive of about an hour --preferably longer--not in the heart of town. She has always loved long drives, from the moment she was born. (But that's a whole 'nother post to be categorized under "colicky baby.") This night she would be ordering a drink as she was turning the legal drinking age of 21. She was more excited about being carded, to be honest.
After that, she decided she'd rather go south, not north. So even though Philly is far away, it's north. Even though south could mean Annapolis, it was already 6:15 when she got home from babysitting and all of us were hungry. We didn't have the patience to drive an hour. A 30-40 minute drive plus a 40-minute wait was pushing the limits. Finally, following much online searching and Paul suggesting restaurants he'd been to with colleagues or heard good things about, Sarah decided on Bahama Breeze in Towson.
The hostess told us it would be a 40 minute-or-less wait. The "patio" is seat-yourself, first-come, first-served, where live music was playing. Not sure if the singer was Jamaican, but he could certainly pull off the calypso sound with natural flair. His voice was better than his diction, but his smile made up for some garbled words. I must say, he made Air Supply's "All Out of Love" lyrics sound more like a celebration of break-up than a ballad of a heartsick Romeo.
More entertaining than he, however, was Sarah, whose social commentary amuses me often. Her subject this time? A couple she surmised were an e-Harmony pair --early 40s; woman was a bottle blond and somewhat into him. He looked like a jerk from Atlanta who was really into her. I didn't like his Joe-Cool mannerisms, red wine in hand, leaning to blondie's face; Sarah agreed he was trying too hard, but "people on alcohol get like that," she said. They had started at the bar, then made their way to the patio area for self-seating when a table came available.
"Just look at them, they're too affectionate to be married, and too old have met the normal way," she concluded. Then there was a couple barely out of high school who had been there maybe ten minutes, who rudely made their way ahead of e-Harmony Couple. "Watch; I bet they're gonna get in a fight, Mom. That e-Harmony guy has been waiting a long time. He's gonna say something to that rude dude." Both of us were disappointed when e-Harmony got called to a regular table in the main part of the restaurant. No fight to watch.
Once seated in the main part of the restaurant ( 40 minutes exactly from check-in), I ordered a fabulous mango mojito. Sarah got a Caribbean Sin, which she wished was named something else. She said, "Mom, should I ask her what Caribbean Sin is like?" I said, "Probably like sin anywhere." Unfortunately, she didn't get carded. "I must look 35," she said. (Sorry, there's not a picture of her drink, but here's mine.)
Mojito Cubano
Bacardi Superior Rum, crushed spearmint, lime, sugar cane
The appetizer we chose was Crab, Shrimp, Mango and Avocado Stack 
Jumbo lump crabmeat, chilled shrimp, fresh avocados and apple-mango salsa layered and stacked; with a spicy honey-red pepper drizzle. Generous amounts of shrimp, plenty of jumbo lump crabmeat, finely diced mango, with the perfect amount of avocado, baby greens, slivered almonds, and a deliciously sweet-hot red pepper sauce. We thought it should be served with six tortilla triangles, not two, but other than that, we thought it was delightful.
The birthday girl chose the chef's special, boneless fried chicken over mashed potatoes with spinach-cream sauce, black beans and corn. Every bite fantastic.
I had a hard time narrowing my choices, but finally went with Calypso Shrimp Linguine 
Tender shrimp in every bite…sautéed with garlic, scallions, tomatoes, Creole spice and a touch of cream. Some restaurants claim to put tender shrimp in every bite; Bahama Breeze delivers on their promise.
Paul ordered NEW Cuba Libre Shrimp Salad 
Chilled shrimp tossed with a rum and cola glaze; served with fresh greens, pineapple and candied almonds tossed in sugar cane vinaigrette.The presentation of this was show-stopping with the top of the fresh pineapple and the bright yellow flesh supporting the major players.
Joel's entree came from the very limited kids' menu. He chose chicken fingers with fries--some of the best salty fries I've had in a long time. Usually kids' meals taste like afterthoughts, but not so this one.
Each dish tasted so good that we decided from the get-go that we'd eat for three minutes and then rotate clockwise, except for Joel, who took a couple bites here and there from the rest of ours, but who was quite content with his selection, thank you very much.
The service was excellent. Two managers came to the table after we told the waitress it was our first time. They made us feel very welcome--great PR, if you ask me. I love the atmosphere: romantic, friendly, dim but not dark, with classy Caribbean decor. E-Harmony couple sat three booths away, on the same side of the table, which is so high-school if you ask me when nobody's on the other side. At least Sarah and Joel sat opposite Paul and me, so we wouldn't be mistaken for star-crossed lovers. How embarrassing that would've been to our kids. His only complaint was the giggling gaggle of the bachelorette party seated near us, but they left after 20 minutes, and I didn't find them at all distracting. I was too busy enjoying every bite and sip of Bahama Breeze.
Our new favorite restaurant.
After that, she decided she'd rather go south, not north. So even though Philly is far away, it's north. Even though south could mean Annapolis, it was already 6:15 when she got home from babysitting and all of us were hungry. We didn't have the patience to drive an hour. A 30-40 minute drive plus a 40-minute wait was pushing the limits. Finally, following much online searching and Paul suggesting restaurants he'd been to with colleagues or heard good things about, Sarah decided on Bahama Breeze in Towson.
The hostess told us it would be a 40 minute-or-less wait. The "patio" is seat-yourself, first-come, first-served, where live music was playing. Not sure if the singer was Jamaican, but he could certainly pull off the calypso sound with natural flair. His voice was better than his diction, but his smile made up for some garbled words. I must say, he made Air Supply's "All Out of Love" lyrics sound more like a celebration of break-up than a ballad of a heartsick Romeo.
More entertaining than he, however, was Sarah, whose social commentary amuses me often. Her subject this time? A couple she surmised were an e-Harmony pair --early 40s; woman was a bottle blond and somewhat into him. He looked like a jerk from Atlanta who was really into her. I didn't like his Joe-Cool mannerisms, red wine in hand, leaning to blondie's face; Sarah agreed he was trying too hard, but "people on alcohol get like that," she said. They had started at the bar, then made their way to the patio area for self-seating when a table came available.
"Just look at them, they're too affectionate to be married, and too old have met the normal way," she concluded. Then there was a couple barely out of high school who had been there maybe ten minutes, who rudely made their way ahead of e-Harmony Couple. "Watch; I bet they're gonna get in a fight, Mom. That e-Harmony guy has been waiting a long time. He's gonna say something to that rude dude." Both of us were disappointed when e-Harmony got called to a regular table in the main part of the restaurant. No fight to watch.
Once seated in the main part of the restaurant ( 40 minutes exactly from check-in), I ordered a fabulous mango mojito. Sarah got a Caribbean Sin, which she wished was named something else. She said, "Mom, should I ask her what Caribbean Sin is like?" I said, "Probably like sin anywhere." Unfortunately, she didn't get carded. "I must look 35," she said. (Sorry, there's not a picture of her drink, but here's mine.)
Mojito Cubano
Bacardi Superior Rum, crushed spearmint, lime, sugar cane
The appetizer we chose was Crab, Shrimp, Mango and Avocado Stack
Jumbo lump crabmeat, chilled shrimp, fresh avocados and apple-mango salsa layered and stacked; with a spicy honey-red pepper drizzle. Generous amounts of shrimp, plenty of jumbo lump crabmeat, finely diced mango, with the perfect amount of avocado, baby greens, slivered almonds, and a deliciously sweet-hot red pepper sauce. We thought it should be served with six tortilla triangles, not two, but other than that, we thought it was delightful.
The birthday girl chose the chef's special, boneless fried chicken over mashed potatoes with spinach-cream sauce, black beans and corn. Every bite fantastic.
I had a hard time narrowing my choices, but finally went with Calypso Shrimp Linguine
Tender shrimp in every bite…sautéed with garlic, scallions, tomatoes, Creole spice and a touch of cream. Some restaurants claim to put tender shrimp in every bite; Bahama Breeze delivers on their promise.
Paul ordered NEW Cuba Libre Shrimp Salad
Chilled shrimp tossed with a rum and cola glaze; served with fresh greens, pineapple and candied almonds tossed in sugar cane vinaigrette.The presentation of this was show-stopping with the top of the fresh pineapple and the bright yellow flesh supporting the major players.
Joel's entree came from the very limited kids' menu. He chose chicken fingers with fries--some of the best salty fries I've had in a long time. Usually kids' meals taste like afterthoughts, but not so this one.
Each dish tasted so good that we decided from the get-go that we'd eat for three minutes and then rotate clockwise, except for Joel, who took a couple bites here and there from the rest of ours, but who was quite content with his selection, thank you very much.
The service was excellent. Two managers came to the table after we told the waitress it was our first time. They made us feel very welcome--great PR, if you ask me. I love the atmosphere: romantic, friendly, dim but not dark, with classy Caribbean decor. E-Harmony couple sat three booths away, on the same side of the table, which is so high-school if you ask me when nobody's on the other side. At least Sarah and Joel sat opposite Paul and me, so we wouldn't be mistaken for star-crossed lovers. How embarrassing that would've been to our kids. His only complaint was the giggling gaggle of the bachelorette party seated near us, but they left after 20 minutes, and I didn't find them at all distracting. I was too busy enjoying every bite and sip of Bahama Breeze.
Our new favorite restaurant.
Monday, March 08, 2010
Buffalo Wild Wings in Bel Air, MD: Just Okay
Having heard a great sermon by Jimmy as an entree on Sunday with a side of "the guys on staff love Buffalo Wild Wings," Paul and I went there with our youngest child for lunch right after church. Yes, we are suckers for word-of-mouth advertising-- and we eat out almost every Sunday. Call it good timing for BWW.
Jimmy had said they go to the White Marsh location, but since it's farther, we opted for the Bel Air store. We were seated right away, and the house was about half-full, I'd say.
The place smelled great. There are about a dozen TV sets in the joint, mounted high overhead, each with a different channel on, so take your pick. In a matter of seconds, I was able to watch gymnastics, NASCAR, a Kentucky game, and other hoo-ha of the sports variety which I really don't care about. I'd call it a "family sports bar," if I could coin a term.
Paul and I ordered an appetizer of 8 wings, half with the Jimmy-endorsed parmesan-garlic sauce, and half with honey BBQ. They were okay. Not to brag, but I think we've made better at home on Super Bowl Sunday.
We then ordered our meals. He got a Big Daddy Jerk sandwich (beef, pulled pork, lettuce, tomato, and onion ring) on a mammoth bun. Believe it or not, he was full from the appetizer. Yes, a grown man filled up on four wings and three iced teas and a few fries. He brought the burger home and I had to reheat it for my lunch today. Ick.
I ordered the pulled pork sandwich with sweet BBQ sauce. The server brought me the wrong thing--the slammers (3 mini sammies of the pulled pork variety). Not a big deal except that the slammers were a buck more. He apologized and adjusted the price without a problem. The skinny fries were all right. The meat tasted terrible--dry and "pork fatty". I know Emeril says "pork fat rules," but that's because of Emeril's talents!
As for the skinny fries, a few tips were burned, which is one of those "little things" that I would not let out of the kitchen if I were a chef. It's too easy to remedy and too hard to make a good first impression with anything burned.
Joel got the mac 'n cheese. What can I say? It was fair fare. Hard to mess up mac 'n cheese for a kid. He'd probably order it again,though, no matter how average.
The place has electronic trivia games that you can play at the table. Joel logged in and played against 10 people in the restaurant. I took a turn at it, too. Let's just say I am both pop-culture challenged and not quick-fingered. And I got sad when one of the correct answers was "Belgium." (That's where sweet Jessica moved with her family. Sniff. Sniff.)
Paul and I agreed the noise level was comfortable for such a place. Not too loud (the TVs were silent or barely audible) and the din of dinner conversations was a healthy level for me. For the price, we would've preferred to go to Chile's. The whole experience was just okay.
\
But Jimmy's sermon? Far better than just okay! I will definitely be returning again and again to be "fed" at SGC! As for Buffalo Wild Wings, I'll go again if someone else picks up the tab or hands me a gift card.
Jimmy had said they go to the White Marsh location, but since it's farther, we opted for the Bel Air store. We were seated right away, and the house was about half-full, I'd say.
The place smelled great. There are about a dozen TV sets in the joint, mounted high overhead, each with a different channel on, so take your pick. In a matter of seconds, I was able to watch gymnastics, NASCAR, a Kentucky game, and other hoo-ha of the sports variety which I really don't care about. I'd call it a "family sports bar," if I could coin a term.
Paul and I ordered an appetizer of 8 wings, half with the Jimmy-endorsed parmesan-garlic sauce, and half with honey BBQ. They were okay. Not to brag, but I think we've made better at home on Super Bowl Sunday.
We then ordered our meals. He got a Big Daddy Jerk sandwich (beef, pulled pork, lettuce, tomato, and onion ring) on a mammoth bun. Believe it or not, he was full from the appetizer. Yes, a grown man filled up on four wings and three iced teas and a few fries. He brought the burger home and I had to reheat it for my lunch today. Ick.
I ordered the pulled pork sandwich with sweet BBQ sauce. The server brought me the wrong thing--the slammers (3 mini sammies of the pulled pork variety). Not a big deal except that the slammers were a buck more. He apologized and adjusted the price without a problem. The skinny fries were all right. The meat tasted terrible--dry and "pork fatty". I know Emeril says "pork fat rules," but that's because of Emeril's talents!
As for the skinny fries, a few tips were burned, which is one of those "little things" that I would not let out of the kitchen if I were a chef. It's too easy to remedy and too hard to make a good first impression with anything burned.
Joel got the mac 'n cheese. What can I say? It was fair fare. Hard to mess up mac 'n cheese for a kid. He'd probably order it again,though, no matter how average.
The place has electronic trivia games that you can play at the table. Joel logged in and played against 10 people in the restaurant. I took a turn at it, too. Let's just say I am both pop-culture challenged and not quick-fingered. And I got sad when one of the correct answers was "Belgium." (That's where sweet Jessica moved with her family. Sniff. Sniff.)
Paul and I agreed the noise level was comfortable for such a place. Not too loud (the TVs were silent or barely audible) and the din of dinner conversations was a healthy level for me. For the price, we would've preferred to go to Chile's. The whole experience was just okay.
\
But Jimmy's sermon? Far better than just okay! I will definitely be returning again and again to be "fed" at SGC! As for Buffalo Wild Wings, I'll go again if someone else picks up the tab or hands me a gift card.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Funny in Any Language
We got a laugh from the youngest comedian in the household yesterday. Read what tickled our funny bones at the Chinese restaurant.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Mountain Branch--Excellent Wednesday Night Fare
I post this with ambivalence. Therefore I'll begin with a disclaimer: The last two times I recommended restaurants to people, I regretted it. One was Roy's, the other Amicci's. So, for what it's worth, here's my review of our charming experience at a local upscale feed trough.Paul took me to Mountain Branch in Fallston on Wednesday night. Being a frugal guy, he remembered their marquis about the Wednesday night prix fix menu for $19.99 a person. He dressed in business casual, I in a get-up similar to the one that left me, quite involuntarily, on my classroom floor recently. Believe me, traversing the flagstone entryway at this restaurant was enough to make me hold my breath and Paul's strong arm at the same time. I even started misquoting scripture in my head, something about "even your enemies will become your footwear."
We were seated almost immediately at a lovely table near the window, overlooking the terrace filled with a bevy of chatty women who appeared to be celebrating a special occasion, as they passed a small book around for autographs. They were a giggling gaggle, but thankfully (for my hubby's sake) the window blocked the sound of their jocularity. The scene, framed by the window, reminded me of my favorite Renoir painting, Luncheon of the Boating Party, sans men.
On Wednesday nights, Mountain Branch also has a 15-4-15 wine list. Choose one of any of the 15 bottles for $15. We tried Blue Fish riesling (the only part of the meal I didn't care for). It tasted flat and tangy. With it was served a warm , crusty mini-loaf of bread, pre-buttered, nothing memorable. Normally Paul and I decide from the bread alone how the rest of the food will deliver; to our joy, the meal improved with each course.From the prix fix menu, Paul chose a salad of lettuce wedges and bleu cheese, and the filet of beef. The meat was tender and deliciously seasoned, though he thought it was slightly more done than he requested. I chose the baby spinach salad with roasted strawberries, pecans, and bleu cheese. (Yes, I went over into my Weekly Points Allowance, which means I need extra time in the gym, but it was worth it.) Next time I would ask they not roast the strawberries; the texture was mushy and I just don't like warm fruit except in dessert. My mahi mahi, accompanied by angel hair zucchini, looked beautiful on the plate and pronounced an exceptionally satisfying gastric delight from the first bite to the last. (Don't I sound like I've been writing food reviews for a hoity-toity magazine or something? This is too much fun.)
Just when I thought it couldn't get any better, Mountain Branch's famous Cinnamon Raisin Bread Pudding was set before us. Oh. My. Word. No bread pudding I've ever tasted even comes close. The pudding itself was warm with a topping of (I think?) lemon sauce and a dollop of real whipped cream that was perfect--very light and not too sweet. It just melts in your mouth. (Pictures here are not actual. MB's presentation of the pudding is far superior.)
I forced myself to quit after just half the dessert, which Paul gladly pounced on as I pushed the plate away. (He doesn't like raisins, but they were easy to get rid of.) The decaf coffee was nothing special.
But the mahi and bread pudding would definitely bring me back. Heck, I would save half a day's caloric allotment to go to Mountain Branch for only the bread pudding. Good thing it's not "right around the corner" like Dunkin Donuts or I'd have to call in extra accountability troops.
So if you and your best friend would like a meal for $20 each plus drink and tip, try Mountain Branch on Wednesday. If you like the weather, ask to sit on the terrace. Otherwise, sit by the window and enjoy the indoor/outdoor ambience in the air conditioning. But whenever you go, save me a bite--just one bite with whipped cream--of their famous Cinnamon Raisin Bread Pudding.
So if you and your best friend would like a meal for $20 each plus drink and tip, try Mountain Branch on Wednesday. If you like the weather, ask to sit on the terrace. Otherwise, sit by the window and enjoy the indoor/outdoor ambience in the air conditioning. But whenever you go, save me a bite--just one bite with whipped cream--of their famous Cinnamon Raisin Bread Pudding.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Doorman in Flip-Flops
For Father's Day we ended up at Olive Garden after being told there was 2-hour wait at PF Chang's (for which we had a gift card from Paul's generous boss. Maybe we'll use it for his birthday at the end of this month.) I don't like Olive Garden at all, but it wasn't my day to pick.
We got there and were told there'd be a 25-minute wait. That's fine.
We took seats outside on the benches and retaining walls close to the front door. Joel found various forms of entertainment. One of them was this: hold the door open for guests.
Joel loves to hold the door whenever and wherever he can for people. No one has to tell him. He just does it. It's something his daddy always does for me at the car. It's something his older brothers have modeled and told him "that's what real men do." And, of course, he'll do anything to be cool, to be a "real man" just like them. You can tell it gives him a special feeling, because he will hold the door for a very long trail of people.
It was cute watching him stand there with his body keeping the heavy door propped open for those coming and going. Old ladies patted him on the head. Big burly men smiled as if to say, "Look at this kid showing me up!" A frail old man in a wheelchair acknowledged his help with a nod.
I wish I'd had a videocamera for what he did after about 25 people shuffled in and out. He took off his flip-flop and started to place it under the door to prop it open.
We chuckled in unison and told him "good idea but you need to keep your shoes on." We then told him he didn't have to keep holding the door if he was tired. He took a little break but went back to serving at the door until our flashing disk lit up.
We got there and were told there'd be a 25-minute wait. That's fine.
We took seats outside on the benches and retaining walls close to the front door. Joel found various forms of entertainment. One of them was this: hold the door open for guests.
Joel loves to hold the door whenever and wherever he can for people. No one has to tell him. He just does it. It's something his daddy always does for me at the car. It's something his older brothers have modeled and told him "that's what real men do." And, of course, he'll do anything to be cool, to be a "real man" just like them. You can tell it gives him a special feeling, because he will hold the door for a very long trail of people.
It was cute watching him stand there with his body keeping the heavy door propped open for those coming and going. Old ladies patted him on the head. Big burly men smiled as if to say, "Look at this kid showing me up!" A frail old man in a wheelchair acknowledged his help with a nod.
I wish I'd had a videocamera for what he did after about 25 people shuffled in and out. He took off his flip-flop and started to place it under the door to prop it open.
We chuckled in unison and told him "good idea but you need to keep your shoes on." We then told him he didn't have to keep holding the door if he was tired. He took a little break but went back to serving at the door until our flashing disk lit up.
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Senior Dinner Site Recommendations?
I volunteered to research restaurants for the senior dinner of the CDS. The problem I have had is in finding a restaurant that will reserve a private dining room for only 13 guests. There are only three graduates, six parents, and two additional couples (principals and spouses).
I need your help!
Here's what I know about what the kids and parents want thus far:
1. Italian or Chinese cuisine (PF Chang's has no private rooms)
2. $35 per person budget
3. Formal
4. Little Italy or somewhere they can walk around and feel special and talk about school memories
5. Safe location
The evening consists of dinner and then the principal shares special things about each graduate. Then the fathers share touching memories and bless their graduate. It's a real tear-jerker that I'm looking forward to!
They don't want to follow in their predecessors' tradition of getting a limo. But they do want to whoop it up a bit before or afterward (i.e. a day/evening of dinner PLUS some kind of outing).
Got any suggestions?
I need your help!
Here's what I know about what the kids and parents want thus far:
1. Italian or Chinese cuisine (PF Chang's has no private rooms)
2. $35 per person budget
3. Formal
4. Little Italy or somewhere they can walk around and feel special and talk about school memories
5. Safe location
The evening consists of dinner and then the principal shares special things about each graduate. Then the fathers share touching memories and bless their graduate. It's a real tear-jerker that I'm looking forward to!
They don't want to follow in their predecessors' tradition of getting a limo. But they do want to whoop it up a bit before or afterward (i.e. a day/evening of dinner PLUS some kind of outing).
Got any suggestions?
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Put Amicci's on Your Restaurant List
Not the easiest place to find, but Amicci's is well worth the effort. (Paul thought he could find it easily enough without a map since Little Italy is, well, little.) We (I) stopped and asked a group of young people on the street, but they shrugged and apologized. Two more blocks featured an older Italian-looking man on his front stoop, standing there as if waiting for someone. He knew exactly. "Turna right at the stoppa sign and go halfa blocka. Iss onna yer righta."
Most of the restaurants in Little Italy are old rowhomes. They have "great bones" and lots of character, much better than modern chain restaurants any day. I loved the rich hardwood floors, the high ceilings, the gorgeous staircase, and the hominess of the many small dining rooms.
As for the noise level, it was perfect for our family. We were ushered to the very back dining (through twisty-turny halls--very cool) and were one of four large parties there. Thankfully! I sure didn't want our table to be the loud oddball. A quartet of college girls sat nearest us, laughing and carrying on. A family larger than ours sat on the opposite wall, with a boy about Joel's age. A party of 8 was having an obvious good time at the fourth table.
Though I prefer linen tablecloths, I was okay with the vinyl. At least they had cloth napkins. To Joel's chagrin, I took the opportunity to teach him (again) how to place it and use it.
We started off with fried calamari, garlic cheese bread, and two large house salads to share. The calamari was just okay; tasted like skinny French fries to me. The bread was scarfed by the others. Joel left me a crusty morsel, so I have no real comment on the bread. However, the salad was amazing. (I need a better adjective; wearing that one out, but it fits.) Fresh romaine, crisp and sweet onions, juicy Roma tomatoes and pitless black olives (which I always bite into very carefully after breaking a tooth on one last summer.) The dressing made it. I don't know what it was, but all of us commented several times how good it tasted.
The menu was simple but didn't make for an easy choice. It was so hard to choose between alfredo and a marinara dish. I love them all! I wanted shrimp and pasta, but they have plenty of choices to suit that combo of passions. Sarah was having an equally hard time deciding, so we ended up agreeing to share two different ones: the Carlo and the Shrimp with Broccoli Alfredo. Ben ordered Penny's Tortellini, Stephen chose the Tortellin Roma , Paul had the Chicken Lorenzo, and Joel piped up enthusiastically for the penne with meatsauce.
All of us loved what we ordered. That's saying a lot in a group of six who aren't prone to casual compliments. Usually there's a so-so vote or someone eyeing the other's so much you feel guilted into trading. But not this time. Even Sarah and I were so enamored of our choices that neither of wanted to trade after all. Joel said of his meal, "This is the best of the best! It's like ravioli without the ravioli !" I would have to said, though, that Paul's was the best of the six. Lightly breaded chicken, tender mushrooms, tasty provolone, roasted red peppers, perfect zucchini, all marinated in a wonderful wine sauce, what's not to like? When I tasted a bite of his, I wondered if I could possible duplicate the recipe at home. It was beyond good.
Service was very good. Our friendly server kept the drinks refilled, the plain bread coming, and talked us into dessert. We shared two cannoli and I had half a decaf coffee. Would've liked the whole thing, but my family doesn't know how to linger after the last bite. Either that or I don't know how to enjoy dessert without coffee. But I'm willing to learn, if it means another dinner at Amicci's!
Most of the restaurants in Little Italy are old rowhomes. They have "great bones" and lots of character, much better than modern chain restaurants any day. I loved the rich hardwood floors, the high ceilings, the gorgeous staircase, and the hominess of the many small dining rooms.
As for the noise level, it was perfect for our family. We were ushered to the very back dining (through twisty-turny halls--very cool) and were one of four large parties there. Thankfully! I sure didn't want our table to be the loud oddball. A quartet of college girls sat nearest us, laughing and carrying on. A family larger than ours sat on the opposite wall, with a boy about Joel's age. A party of 8 was having an obvious good time at the fourth table.
Though I prefer linen tablecloths, I was okay with the vinyl. At least they had cloth napkins. To Joel's chagrin, I took the opportunity to teach him (again) how to place it and use it.
We started off with fried calamari, garlic cheese bread, and two large house salads to share. The calamari was just okay; tasted like skinny French fries to me. The bread was scarfed by the others. Joel left me a crusty morsel, so I have no real comment on the bread. However, the salad was amazing. (I need a better adjective; wearing that one out, but it fits.) Fresh romaine, crisp and sweet onions, juicy Roma tomatoes and pitless black olives (which I always bite into very carefully after breaking a tooth on one last summer.) The dressing made it. I don't know what it was, but all of us commented several times how good it tasted.
The menu was simple but didn't make for an easy choice. It was so hard to choose between alfredo and a marinara dish. I love them all! I wanted shrimp and pasta, but they have plenty of choices to suit that combo of passions. Sarah was having an equally hard time deciding, so we ended up agreeing to share two different ones: the Carlo and the Shrimp with Broccoli Alfredo. Ben ordered Penny's Tortellini, Stephen chose the Tortellin Roma , Paul had the Chicken Lorenzo, and Joel piped up enthusiastically for the penne with meatsauce.
All of us loved what we ordered. That's saying a lot in a group of six who aren't prone to casual compliments. Usually there's a so-so vote or someone eyeing the other's so much you feel guilted into trading. But not this time. Even Sarah and I were so enamored of our choices that neither of wanted to trade after all. Joel said of his meal, "This is the best of the best! It's like ravioli without the ravioli !" I would have to said, though, that Paul's was the best of the six. Lightly breaded chicken, tender mushrooms, tasty provolone, roasted red peppers, perfect zucchini, all marinated in a wonderful wine sauce, what's not to like? When I tasted a bite of his, I wondered if I could possible duplicate the recipe at home. It was beyond good.
Service was very good. Our friendly server kept the drinks refilled, the plain bread coming, and talked us into dessert. We shared two cannoli and I had half a decaf coffee. Would've liked the whole thing, but my family doesn't know how to linger after the last bite. Either that or I don't know how to enjoy dessert without coffee. But I'm willing to learn, if it means another dinner at Amicci's!
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