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| - I need to put out a couple "qualifiers" before I get into the details of our dinner at La Calabria this evening...
First, this 4-star rating is the combination of my bride's 4.5-Star rating and my own 3.5-Star rating. Secondly, I speak with the background of a Chicago boy of Calabrese Italian descent, with 50+ years living in Chicago. So I suppose the bar was set pretty high.
That said, let's cover all the Pro's: Even though the place was pretty busy when we walked in at 7:00, the hostess - Clara - was thoughtful and attentive. She made a "party of 2" table for us within several minutes. Nicely done! Water, bread & oil (good, hearty bread) came promptly. The Italian-accented waiter graciously apoligized for his delay (quite unnecessary) and took our appetizer, wine & entree order promptly. Fried Calamari was lightly breaded, plentiful and decent; not too chewy. Thumbs up!
Salads were mixture of Romaine and Iceberg, with cucumbers, Italian olives, radish and tomato slice. OK, that too was fine. The bride had Risoto Quatro Formaggio, which even though looked a little runny, she said it tasted just perfect! She ordered a glass of merlot and she enjoyed that as well.
Here's the Con's: I ordered a dish not on the menu, so I cannot be too critical-- Penne (with vodka sauce) with mozzarella baked on top. It could've used a LOT more cheese... and I should've requested the vodka sauce be omitted (but that's my fault, not their's). 2nd Con: their pricing was definately of "linen tablecloth" caliber, yet there was no linen. I feel that if you're going to charge those prices, offer that extra "ambiance"- even if you're proud of your casual atmosphere. You shouldn't have it both ways.
The check came promptly, as we passed on the dessert (although their dessert menu looked top-notch and truly authentic Italian). So the service was very good; very attentive. Our waiter also asked how the food tasted. I would make one final suggestion that their wait staff INTRODUCE themselves to the patrons.
We would go back. I think the place has plenty of positives... And the bride liked it, and we men know how much that matters. Happy wife, hapy life!
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