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| - So, we walk in, rug rats in tow.... it's my birthday, so far the family celebration has included the fathead four year old's pre-k open house (woo-hoo), and an argument amongst the kids regarding where to take Mom for her b-day dinner - "peter piper", "no chuck e cheese", "no, sister, I said Peter Piper"... you get it... my nerves are frayed as we are driving down 16th Street and spy that Gasper's is indeed open - lovely - always up for a new dining experience in Cen-Pho.
Back to walking in with rug rats in tow.. my first thought - this could get ugly, fast.... They are billed as Casual Italian Dining - but the place is really quite gorgeous inside. Very thoughtfully decorated - not too much, not too little. The kids were welcomed warmly and attended to as if they were paying the bill (someday my pretties, someday). The menu was very thorough and varied, something for everyone - I detected a Sicilian influence. I went for the Osso Bucco (it's my birthday and I can pig out if I want to)..... the spouse went for the Chicken Parmigina, the rugrats, a cheese pizza, one that trust me, was completely wasted on them... wayyyy too good to be wasted on the same mouths that uttered something about a Piper and a Rat. The service was outstanding - and didn't skip a beat when the aforementioned fathead four year old sent his bread plate crashing to the floor, the drinks were kept refilled, and seemingly, our every need was anticipated (happy birthday to Mom, indeed!).
Welcome Gasper's, Welcome.... and thank your for an AMAZING birthday meal - the best Osso Bucco I've had since my honeymoon in It'ly 12 years ago, the outstanding wood fired pizza, the simply amazing handmade pasta and freshly made mozzarella. And finally, thank you for the the warmest welcome and smiles I've experienced in a restaurant for quite some time now,
and the birthday tiramisu? quite simply dreamy....
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