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| - A cozy, tasty experience!
THE UP-SIDE: A huge space divided into many small, cozy rooms. Every inch of this place is designed and decorated to give you the feeling of being in a good Italian friend's home; albeit, an Italian friend who's family came over years ago and hasn't redecorated since the early sixties! Believe it or not, it really works and feels sorta cozy and homey.
The food is served in HUGE family-style portions and is meant to be shared between people dining. They do not skimp on the portions, and everything I tried was quite tasty.
The place is usually packed with people all having a great time. When I was there, nearly half the restaurant sang "Happy Birthday" to strangers that were celebrating. It was odd, but nice.
THE DOWN-SIDE: Yeah, it's corporate and manufactured to make you feel "at home." Something about that always bothers me. The food isn't high-end, but it is very good for a chain.
THE SUM-IT-UP: Look. Sometimes you have to skip the unique, hip, little out of the way restaurant to dine with family and friends at a bigger, chain-type place. If that's the case, and you find yourself struggling to make reservations for Mom and Dad, the grandparents, and a bunch of cousins, this is THE PLACE for you.
It's campy, cozy, very lively and fun. And, the portions are tasty and huge! So stop being too snobby for the suburbs and go here now!
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