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| - My husband and I started dining at Times Square recently at the insistence of our adult son, who has impeccable taste in anything relating to food. I almost regret having ever tried it as I have easily gained 5 pounds since my first visit 3 months ago. Sure, it's not the fault of the restaurant any more than it could be a spoon's fault that I am a little thicker now... but still I have to wonder.
The outside of the building is nondescript. In fact I have been driving past this establishment for years and never paid it any attention though I remember the parking lot has often been full. The building does not catch your eye unlike the Castle Boutique whose entrance is opposite of the parking area for Times Square. Inside the décor is simple, not overdone, and the hand drawn images on framed napkins in the bar area depicting numerous faces are unique. There are multiple flat screen TV's playing sporting events just in case "the game" happens to conflict with dinnertime.
Our first experience was with a group of 6 during a Friday evening rush in December. Our server was well versed in all menu items, patient, quick to take our drink & appetizer orders and just as quick to serve in spite of the bustling bistro. She returned, personable and unfrazzled, to check on how everything was and to see if we needed anything at just the right times. It doesn't matter that I don't recall her name, all servers here are equally adept and there are plenty of them on hand to take care of customer needs each time we come here, which is usually during the 6 - 7 PM rush on a Friday or Saturday. Keep in mind, though, this place is almost just as busy during Sunday - Thursday evenings as well so expect to wait a few minutes to be seated if you haven't made reservations. I would like to mention that we were not charged gratuity on our group of 6, which resulted in a great tip for our server; she earned it!
There is a well stocked bar attended by welcoming bartenders to address your thirst requirements, be they in the form of alcohol, water, or amazing food. We've eaten at the bar a couple times and were pleased to be visited by one of the chef's to ascertain our opinions on the dishes we ordered. If we could have taken him home we would have.
Now for the food: For appetizers, my husband is a HUGE fan of the crab cakes served with pesto mayo and lemon wedges while I enjoy the fresh bruschetta. My favorite entrée so far is the Penne Alla Aribiatta without chicken or sausage. I am a vegetarian and have been told by the servers that I am welcome to order just about anything on the menu without meat and the chef will be happy to prepare it. This dish, however, is so ridiculously flavorful that I have not been able to bring myself to order other entrees just yet. In time.
Other fantastic items on the menu (according to my meat eating spouse): Pasta Giovanni, Spaghetti Alla Polpetti (homemade meatballs he fell in love with and can no longer live without), and the best Caesar Salad that has yet to grace his taste buds - I'll have to take his word since I don't do eggs either. He has had numerous other items and has loved them all.
This establishment is squeaky clean and very well run. This place is so popular they are in the process of opening a new location at 7th Street and Union Hills. They have been actively training new chefs since we became patrons in December 2013.
Tip #1: Reservations recommended, especially during the dinner rush. They take reservations for 5 or more but not after 3 PM for the same day. If making a reservation was not an option for you, grab a beverage from the bar and your table will be ready as efficiently as is humanly possible. They are very accommodating and the mouth-watering food and out of this world service are well worth the wait.
Tip #2: There are several more dishes/specialties on their menu in person than you will find in the online version, though the web version is quite considerable and gives you a good feel for what to expect.
Tip #3: There is ample parking out back if the front lot is full.
Tip #4: Lastly, but certainly not least, wear your buffet pants and make regular exercise part of your daily routine because you will quickly become as addicted as the rest of the crowd who has been fortunate enough to find this place.
That's it for my 2 cents!
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