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| - I know, I know, this is 4 stars for a chain Italian restaurant in Champaign, Illinois? Well, when you go with little expectation and those expectations are exceeded on nearly every point, it's worth an extra star or two!
I won't belabor all the details, but the place was bustling and our server was conscientious and helpful. The wine list was surprisingly extensive and we enjoyed a little-known (to me) "Lemberger" red wine from Austria. Light, almost pinot noir-like. Very nice. The appetizers were pretty good - fried calamari was crisp and tender but a very small portion. The seafood arancini were not very good. I had the spinach salad which was a bit oily but delicious. For my main course, I had the special Tuscan cassoulet which was a hearty and savory braise of beans, rabbit sausage, chicken and duck confit. It was simply delicious, not something I would expect at a chain Italian restaurant. Such an unexpected treat - I think I can still taste it!
My dinner companions generally enjoyed their food as well. Our desserts were competently executed including tiramisu, chocolate cake, and bananas foster (no flambe though).
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