We've wanted to try this restaurant for awhile....considering it is relatively close to our home down the street.
First impressions were hit and miss. The restaurant entrance leaves much to be desired. There was no waiting area and a table located adjacent to the double doors. The lighting and decor were perfect in certain areas of the restaurant. Outside seating on the patio was available but we chose a table inside near the restrooms.
The service.... Was above average and did not feel pressured during the ordering process and our server and was knowledgeable about the wine and food menus. What appeared to be the manager/owner was unimpressive with an untucked shirt and upon asking for salt and pepper (not on the table) we were provided with McCormick's store-bought grinders. This felt like eating at home. The silverware was wrapped with paper napkins a la Denny's diner style. They could have provided cloth napkins as a nice touch of class.
The food:
Appetizer....We ordered the bruschetta that we ordered was the "signature" and the "philly goat." The bread was not the typical bruschetta crusty hard bread that we are used to. It seemed a little undergrilled. The caramelized onions and mushrooms were well prepared on the "philly goat" with slightly too much cheese. The "signature" was very fresh and tasty but the bread was a little soggy.
Salad....We ordered the "Strawberry Fields" salad which was fresh and light. However, it would have been nice to have a decanter of salad dressing on the side because people have preferences regarding how much salad dressing each individual may want on their salad.
Entree.....The AMATRICIANA, a la macaroni tomato mixture was unimpressive, lacking salt, pepper, or imagination. We did not order it with any chicken or salmon but seriously doubt that it would have improved the flavor of this lackluster dish. Did I mention asking for pepper???
Wine....Arizona Stronghold was the wine of choice and was a welcome sight. The restaurant also has a great selection of craft beers to compliment the menu.
Endnotes...... The music playing was at the appropriate decibel level and genre. Great songs by the Police and others. However, hearing Sheryl Crow blare "If it makes you happy........." was a little too supermarket for us. It would be nice to hear more eclectic in a restaurant such as this one. We hope that this restaurant does not receive this review in poor light as they have a lot going for them and so much potential. Please take the recommendations as pure advice only. We want to come back at some point in time but want improvements or we won't visit a third time.
Ponyrider's