This is a charming place in the heart of downtown Mesa.
The sitting area outside and the warm, inviting wine bar made us do a uey after passing this little restaurant. When we set foot, the bartender welcomed us in and motioned us to sit anywhere we'd like. The tables are empty, so we parked at a comfy booth. It was late, so we wanted something fast and quick. Lisa, the chef came in and motioned us to sit. She was quite boisterous--loved it.
We really liked the server, he was friendly and curteous...the only thing was the bread and apps came before he set the bread plates. To eat right off the table is just a little annoyance of mine. Other than that he was wonderful. The crusty bread came out with little packets of butter...yes, you read me. How hard is it to cut a chunk of butter and set in a ramekin dish? I don't get it. Restaurateurs spend thousands of dollars on the ambiance of their establishment and serve bulk butter packets? It doesn't set a good precedence to what's about to come out of the kitchen. If this was a diner, it would be fitting. The spinach and artichoke dip came out with toasted pita triangles. That was the worst dip ever. It consisted of previously frozen spinach/artichoke and cream cheese blended and popped in the oven to brown the top. No parmesan nor any other cheese as far as my tastebuds could tell. There was not enough pita, so I ordered another side of it. A moundful of cold day old pita breads came out. Was what that all about?
For entrees, hubby had the huge, piping hot and delicious Pesto Penne. He had to take some home! They were so nice to make a creamy Alfredo Pasta for my little cutie pie and he loved it. My salmon salad entree had a little on the jerky side 4 oz salmon on a bed of spring lettuce, orange slices and pistachios with a refreshing Italian vinegrette dressing. The Snottsdale price meat entrees were just above what I would pay for in a place like this. They should offer alternate small plates, since they are trying to project more of a wine bar atmosphere.
This is just my due lira...take it or leave it.