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| - I'm not an epicurean. I'm an old fart and a fussy eater. But I'm not so far gone that I don't recognize quality when I see it.
Ilios Noche has it.
There hasn't been a decent place to eat in my Quail Corners neighborhood since I moved here 14 years ago. Mama Riccota's, a Chinese Place, Wolfman Pizza . . . all gone (Wolfman moved and downsized from a sports bar to a Little League Pizza place.)
They starved to death. Based on that history, I figured we could perambulate over to the new Ilios Noche on a Friday before sundown without reservations and have our choice of seating. That was not in the cards. The place was packed and the only seating was on stools at a lunch counter against the wall.
Hardly enough room for a sandwich. Not nearly enough for a full meal.
Up steps Alex Mourias, the general manager. Our genial host takes my wife by the arm and steers us to the bar, scooting several patrons down a bit to make room.
The leftmost seats at the bar are by the wait station where drinks are ordered and received. If our bartender is not in charge, she should be. She worked that bar with non-stop energy and diligence the entire time we were there. It was a pleasure to watch her multitask; mixing, taking orders, instructing, and having a running conversation with us and everyone else. Not the least of her skills was mixing my wife a flawless Martini (which should have printed instructions in several languages -- It's seldom correct.) I'll see if I can find her name and append it here later. She is deserving of our praise.
The rest of the wait staff were all friendly and eager to help. At least a good half dozen people cheerfully helped us -- without us needing to flag someone down! (Granted we were sitting in the center of activity, but still!)
The Food.
My wife reports that the shrimp and sauteed mushrooms were absolutely scrumptious. My own dinner was the spaghetti and meatballs. Three generous meatballs were flavorful and good. the spaghetti with a marinera sauce was perfectly seasoned.
I wish I could eat more, so I could give a report on more items, but I'm picky, remember? Subsequent visits will provide me more to write about. There are several lamb dishes on the menu I'm eager to try.
We've found a place just blocks from home! We're going to be regulars.
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