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| - THE FOOD; This is a small restaurant done right. The menu is simple and elegant. The small menu includes several different pastas and a few salads and appetizers as well as veal, chicken breast and tillapia dishes. There are a few, very well executed preparations. This insures that the ingredients are very fresh and that the chef has given the requisite attention to the preparation.
I had one of the three veal medallion preparations-- the classic veal marsala. The fresh mushrooms were sllced paper thin atop tender, succulent veal. The marsala sauce was appropriately thin, subtley sweet and savory. I must admit to tossing small slices of bread in my sauce to sop it up. Purrrrrr.
My companion's tillapia was surprisingly delish. I don't like tillapia. It is generally mushy and bland. Whatever discernable flavors it has are wholly unimpressive. This fish was again, exceedingly fresh, perfectly cooked and flavorful. The entree was topped with a fresh (not stewed) tomato and basil sauce. Num.
Our appetizer--an artfully arrainged version of ensalata Caprezzi (buffalo moz, tomatoes, basil and olive oil) was very fresh, The basil was unusually fantastic. Really-- it stood out. The salads were simple and fresh-- the vegetables looked as if they had been picked and chopped seconds before.
The tiramisu was the best I've ever had. And I've had a lot of tiramisu in my day-- which may explain some things. It was creamy and not at all gritty. The coffee flavors were bright, but subtle.
ATMOSPHERE: Cozy. It defines an intimate Italian restaurant, although it was a bit bright.
SERVICE: The wait staff is absolutely charming-- friendly withut being overly so. Our server was pleasant, genuine and candid.
WINE: Good selection.
NB: They accept only cash and personal check. This is bizzare considering that gumball machines in Rocky River take plastic. It is tiny and popular, so make reservations.
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