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| - Initially, Montesano's charms me from the principle of the business, local neighborhood Italian restaurant that is also a deli and family-run, but a closer look reveals a deeper attraction to delicious food, friendly service, and family-style portions.
When you first walk in, there is a glass display filled with all sorts of Italian sweets, from tiramisu to homemade cheesecake and Italian wedding cookies. At this point, I no longer care that the rest of the interior design is not much more than a few booths and framed Italian advertisements. It's a neighborhood deli anyways.
When you sit down at the table, they waste no time before bringing over the house garlic knots which are yummy. There is a small quirk that they serve bread with butter instead of olive oil & balsamic vinegar. But neighborhood delis, like your Italian cousin who won't hesitate to tell you "that dress makes you look fat", should all have lovable quirks.
I've never had Italian rice balls before and those two words don't particularly sound yummy. But if you read the description (rice combined with ricotta, parmesan, breaded and deep-fried, served parmigiana-style), then you'll order it and get to enjoy a tasty discovery.
I love the crab meat fra diavolo over angel hair, fresh blue crab in a homemade spicy red sauce and al dente pasta, absolutely YUM! The pork and eggplant pizza was a favorite as well, considering the superb crust and quality cheeses that it came with.
The only complaint I have is that everything is a little salty, but a little water retention is worth this dining experience.
On your way out, pick up some homemade spumoni - Italian ice cream made of the following flavors: strawberry rum, pistachio, and chocolate hazelnut - need I say more?
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