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| - You can't help but really want to like this place once you find out it's run by Ennio, the owner and his wife - an old Italian couple. It really feels like you're dining in someone's home. It's located in a tiny basement, dated decorations - everything looks traditional and homey, as is the food.
I noticed a few tourists dining here, could be because Hotel Du Fort is just next door.
Little dolls, figurines, fake plants, clocks, plates and numerous knick knacks are covering the walls and any available space in this restaurant. Cute and charming, but unfortunately through the years it all gathered dust and I find it just looks cluttered. I ran my finger on the side of a wall panel and it was black with dust.
We brought our own wine, we were served a jug of water and basket of bread to start. Lots of delicious butter, too bad the bread was dry.
Soup of the day was like a stew with beef, pasta and beans. Waitress described it to everyone with caution "it has a bit of an after kick, it's spicy so watch out!". Although it was deliciously un-spicy, nicely seasoned, very hearty. It was my favorite dish of the evening.
The house salad was pretty simple, lettuce, cucumber and tomatoes with a balsamic dressing.
I had the fazzoletti pasta with meat, spinach and tomato sauce (18$) Pretty good portion size, tasty, but not as good a sauce as the stew I had moments earlier.
My partner had the veal parmesan (22$) which is also a generous portion, it came with potatoes and broccoli on the side.
We were full so did not opt for dessert although they had a nice selection of cakes, fruit cups, banana split, ice cream etc.
The food is good although I can't consider this place "fine dining" like Chez Ennio describes itself on the menu - it's a traditional, home style meal with above average prices that are justifiable when you think this is how the guy and his wife make their living.
It took us about 2 hours, like others have mentioned, you can't be in a rush. I was satisfied with my meal and the whole experience although there was nothing that particularly drew me in or wowed me so I'm not sure I'll be back.
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