Surprise Surprise, Don't walk by....walk in!
Located in the Winston Churchill Cineplex Theatre complex, I have often walked by Trattoria Timone and thought "how do they make any money?.... it always looks empty". However that may be because I am attending 10pm screenings. The fact is I have walked by many times and had the perception that this place would not be good. The design and lighting just made it seem out of place in a theater complex. I was wrong!
I went to Timone for the first time, for lunch. The restaurant opens at 11:00am which is great for anyone wanting to get an early start for lunch. And in a nutshell, the food, service and ambiance are wonderful.
The interior is Tuscan style with large stone tiles, ornate iron gratings, a large marble bar and warm tones of wood and Terra cotta. There are numerous seating options and the tables are the perfect size and sturdy!
For a light lunch we had the Roasted Pepper and Butternut Squash soup and it was generous in both quantity and flavor. The crab cake appetizer was also delicious with a warm moist center and a crispy outer shell.
Our waiter was very professional, humble and ever present. This approach seems to be a lost art in many large and self-perceived upscale restaurants....well at least the ":humble" part.
I can't wait to go back and sample other items on the menu. I think what makes this place so great is that they make you feel comfortable and appreciated whether you order a soup and an appetizer or a full on 3 course meal. It seems to be a very comfortable environment and I believe that they can move quickly (when required due to movie times) or at a more relaxed pace when you are not in such a hurry.
Well done!