Oh Mario Batali....you know I've adore you from your early days on the Food Network in your little kitchen where you spoke so passionately about Italian food (and made me think what does this chubby red headed guy know about Italy? but won me over and made me yearn to be sitting on the counter eating your food!). I heart your pudgy love for food! So boy was I excited to try out one of your restaurants in hopes I would be transported to the counter of your old tv show.
Sadly...I was transported to just another overpriced, overrated restaurant. Don't get me wrong - I'm willing to pay the big bucks as long as it's worth it. But my gawd...could the portions be any smaller? Not just that but the seasoning was all over the place. The spicy spaghetti (and what the heck about those meatballs? those are child's size!) was way salty. My grilled albacore was way overcooked and salty. But the seafood pasta was super bland. And another thing...what's up with this new trend I see in restaurants of serving bread in wrapping paper. 1. Stop killing trees unnecessarily in an attempt to look cool...oooh unwrap your break like a gift. No thank you. 2. Don't be so stingy with the bread. I'm sorry if your little plate of food was not enough and I needed more sustenance. 3. Why am I begging for olive oil and balsamic...for the price we paid you better pour it with a smile on your face!
Mario...you can do better than this. You ain't a big boy for nothing...I know you can cook but this place did not show that at all!