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| - Gahhh! I mean... gahh!!
I guess the endless cheesy commecials finally got to me. Despite my instincts, and the signs -- cartoony logo, aforementioned cheesy commericals -- I decided to give it a try.
The decor was cozy -- chock-a-block with wine crates, fake vines, and the like -- but it actually worked in this case. Our server took a while, but was friendly, once she arrived.
I ordered a glass of pinot noir, and again, against my better instincts, I ordered the salmon. Past experience has told me than not many places can prepare salmon the way I like it -- a little crisp on the outside, medium-rare on the inside. But I gave it a shot.
First clue that was a mistake: my server did not ask how I would like it prepared.
Second clue: she was completely taken aback when I said, "medium rare."
While we waited, we munched on some really delicious crisp and chewy bread, dipped in olive oil. My companion also enjoyed a caesar salad topped with a nice, slightly fishy (in a good way) dressing and parmesan shavings.
When the entrees arrives, we both immediately said the same thing, "oh my god, it's swimming in butter!" Now I'm with Paula Deen on the butter issue. Butter is good -- but not 2 inches of it in my dish.
When I examined the salmon, it was nice and crisp on the outside. But as soon as I touched it with my fork, it fell apart. Alas, cooked until it flaked.
Once my companion fished the veal piccata out of the butter, she found it tough and nearly inedible. The piccata sauce lacked the bright lemon-garlic taste that it's known for. It was basically butter and capers. The pasta on both our dishes was fairly good.
All in all, I would not return. It was a half step above Olive Garden.
Lesson learned: Listen to your instincts!
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