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| - I knew before we arrived, from studying the creative menu, that this was no ordinary Italian restaurant. That impression was reinforced when we arrived and saw a packed parking lot. Once inside, we were not disappointed. The reception and wait staff could not have been more hospitable (thank you, Danielle for taking such good care of us). We started with pizza appetizers, and this was simply the best pizza I have ever had, and that's something for a Chicagoan to say, as we have a few notables in that category back home. I had the Sammy's Sunday sauce, made with ribs vs. usual beef, plus veal meat balls. It was spectacularly delicious, as was every dish those in our group ordered. One of our guests put it best: "if I lived near here, I would be here all the time." (Appears the locals are.) The cocktails are creative and extremely generous in size. Desserts, same. Those of a certain age will remember the Fazio food chain in Cleveland; family member Mario (now passed on), started this fabulous place years ago, and his charismatic and hard-working daughter Lisa has kept the tradition not just alive, but vibrant and growing. She is a 4th generation restaurateur, and come to find out her college age children are studying the trade as well. Wow, how many businesses make it to the second generation? Now, here, five? This is a special group of people. In sum: Not to be missed, and worth the drive east. Five stars.
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