We walked in and sat at the bar and were immediately brought menus by the host and greeted by the bar staff and drink orders taken. All of the staff we sounded work were nice and focused.
Chairs at bar swivel which is helpful. Hooks under the bar for purses. Decor is simple, open kitchen with central bar all around it and tables around the windows. I think there is a patio on the side but it was raining so not sure.
Close quarters, you can call it intimate if you like, but it's not romantic...the noise level is through the roof. Not sure why they even have background music.... You only hear the bass once in a while. . Just turn it off and maybe it will be a little quieter... Or add some sound proofing. I got a little bit of a headache. I would think twice about going back just based on how loud it is.
The bar seating is ample (1st come) and good spots to watch the kitchen staff bring together all the plates from apps to wood-fired grill to stove to plating and garnish. Great ventilation system and the kitchen itself is quiet.
The drink menu is interesting without being annoying. Wine menu is solid but of course bottle pricing is ridiculous.
Menu is short which isn't a bad thing. The Butternut Squash app was good and I do like that they allow the flavors to shine... But a little seasoning or extra spritz of additional flavor in that would have been nice.
On the pasta choices it seems the first two items after the name are the sauce with the third thing being a feature of the dish... For example; lamb/oxtail is a reduction sauce - no meat, the mushrooms are the feature (after the pasta). And it was delish! Loved the lemon pasta with it, but the lady next to me thought the lemon was a bit much.
Shrimp special was good, but again just a little extra seasoning... Shrimp were slightly over but still a good dish. I wanted to get the king crab squid ink but they couldn't leave out the chili peppers which I can't have... so the sauces are pre-made. Portions are perfect. I was just getting full with one or two bites left, but that's also why I think it's fairly pricey for what you get.
Speaking of pasta... How can you go wrong with fresh pressed/cut pasta? I do like being able to see it made along with watching the whole kitchen. I wonder how it is for the staff though...I guess they get to watch us too!
I saw the cookies at the end of the bar and asked what they were... The bartender said Snicker doodle but that's the only sweet they have. Based on the pricing of the wine/food they should probably just bring you one at the end of the meal as a treat.
You know... I'd might eat there again but it's not a place I feel I have to go back and check out soon and, as others have noted... It's pasta!