| rev:text
| - This might have been the best meal I have had in Champaign, arguably in my life (well outside of my Dad's BBQ :)). The quality of everything was immaculate, and I am certainly a big fan now. My family was seated right away, but with the U of I just letting out a few weeks ago seating was not a problem. There was one little hiccup in service, but other than that I would not expect more from anybody working here.
A nice wood bar up front, then a charming dinner seating section towards the back. Some big windows that let in natural light, and a great patio outside. Inside can get a little loud, but overall a really great feel to the place.
Ordered an appetizer of octopus carpaccio with swordfish as well as arugula, tomatoes and radishes. Which was a fantastic starter. The octopus was sliced so thin, but so fresh a tasty, along with being amazingly simple. I had the spinach salad next. With sliced pears. Again, simple and beautifully tasty.
So far in the evening, all the dishes have come out perfectly paced. Though it took a while to get our entrees. Which is the only small hiccup with service. The entrees came out piping hot and incredibly prepared though. The Linguine Portofino was great. With a mix of sea food. Anything from the massive mussels to clams, scallops, squid and shrimp. Nothing was overpowering, and everything worked together. On top of which, really fresh. Which is particularly hard to do with a land locked Mid-Western/Great Lakes town. All pastas made in house, cocked great, and the olive oil is to die for.
Had a great, classic Negroni, and the wine selection seems up to par. Everything was about as good as it gets for this sleepy college town, and can hold its own in any of the bigger metropolitan cities as far as I am concerned. Overall fantastic.
|