Normally when you say Italian, I am already at the table, fork and knife in hand and a huge napkin tucked into my shirt.
Rudy's is a great cozy restaurant in the Ballantyne area next to Trader Joe's. I remember the restaurant as being something else when I was in high school (probably Spanish or Italian)... but anyways.
We met some family friends here and had a table of 6. There is a nice bar area of which we tried the bartenders "best" vodka martini (gibson style (with pearl onions instead of olives)). Boozed up already, it was a nice start to a nice evening of good company.
Our table ordered 2 calamari fritti which were good... my favorite part about the appetizers were the zucchini strips mixed in with the calamari... the breading wasn't especially heavy or oily... it was just right.
I had veal scallopini which was a little on the tough side... maybe it was due to the cut, but still good with the quartered small red potato that comes with the side.
I want to come back here and try there pasta!
We all had some sort of gellato (which was awesome) and I had a much needed coffee.
All in all a great place for Italian. I will definitely be back!