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| - Gio Rana's is like a Really Really Nice East Side Mario's
That's not necessarily a bad thing. I waffled back and forth on this place, unable to decide if it was worth three or four stars. I settled on three and a half, and rounded down because it's Monday. Notwithstanding the rating, I recommend you try it at least once.
After a weekend jam-packed with excitement, Thursday seems so long ago but I remember vividly the group of about 20 of us that gathered to say farewell to FARC and fellow meatatarian Deanna "if it once ate, I'll eat it at least once" W. I arrived late but still had a little time to case the joint before getting a beer* in my hand and my order in. Gio Rana's is built inside an old bank**, with high ceilings and an open-concept kitchen near the back of the large dining area. It's not that exciting, save for the Really Really cool private wining and dining room that used to be the bank's vault.
The menu consisted of a sheet of white paper, printed double-sided, in a ratty plastic sheath. Really Really cheap-looking. Thankfully, selection was good, and everyone at the table seemed to be able to find something they wanted. I found lots, and ended up settling on pan-seared scallops with pork belly and jus, pork tenderloin in a walnut and gorgonzola sauce and beet, tomato and goat cheese salad. (these, and two bottles of beer, set me back $60 including a respectable gratuity).
Scallops
My first bite gave me a bit of a foodgasm. Two scallops, and a healthy dose of pork belly. They were Really Really big, and perfectly cooked. Regrettably, a bit of grit (not sure if that's a given with scallops, but I wish it weren't). The pork belly was a nice nod at the more traditional bacon-wrapping, and the jus was a nice complement.
Pork Tenderloin
Really Really Nice Gorgonzola sauce. Portion was quite large, and the pork was nicely done. Found myself mopping up the sauce with whatever I could find around me. Eventually just picked the plate up and licked it clean.
Beet Salad
Tasty, but unremarkable. It was what it was and I'd probably try something else next time. Also, got hit with a giant piece of onion near the end of it that left me with onion-mouth until I got a few pints of draught in me at our next stop.
Service:
Our group of 20 was handled professionally from where I was sitting. Deanna's co-FARC Christine "charfcuterator" C may beg to differ; sitting across from me the poor doll was elbowed and bumped for most of her time at the table. Still, we were taken care of and we weren't kept waiting any longer than might be expected for such a large group.
Is Gio Rana's Really Like an East Side Mario's? Really?
I kinda think so. It's loud and chaotic, and the décor is equally kitschy. The service is "run around like a chicken with your head cut off" style (but effective) and the place is good for large groups.
While the food is absolutely delicious, I still feel like I'm getting hosed when I pay 60 bucks at a place that so desperately needs a makeover (or at least a nosejob) and has such horribly cheap-looking menus.
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* Not pleased that there was no draught beer - if I wanted a bottle, I'd cry for mama.
** Get it? Case the joint?
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