My husband and I went to La Bruschetta for Summerlicious 2013. For any "licious" event I do not set my expectations very high, so I wasn't super disappointed or surprised at the mediocre dinner and service we received.
We had an early reservation, so when we arrived there was only one other table sat. The staff were at the back standing around the bar or sitting at tables. Some looked at us, but no one came over for at least a couple minutes - it was so weird! The man who finally sat us ended up being our server. He was snobby beyond belief and pretty much secured our unwillingness to return.
The food was hit or miss, with my husband getting most of the hits. He had the meatball appetizer (Polpette della Nonna) and I had the peach and arugula salad (Insalata Umbra). I was so jealous when the meatball was tender, flavourful and in a delicious sauce and my salad was overdressed in a sour vinaigrette.
My main was the clam spaghettini (Spaghetti alle Vongole) which looked a bit sad and tasted worse. There was no flavour other than salt and the clams were chewy and grainy. The homemade pasta was good though, so I was wishing I had chosen something else.
The tiramisu dessert was amazing - light, creamy and spiked with string coffee. Could this redeem the whole experience...
I would not return to La Bruschetta. Summerlicious is an opportunity for restaurants to bring in new customers and wow them so they will return. By giving second rate service and not giving special attention to the food and menu, La Bruschetta missed an opportunity.