If I had to list my favorite things in the world Italian food would be at the top, and commitment would be at the bottom.
These are two of the reasons I love The Nose . Savory dishes are served in small tapas-like servings for smallish tapas like prices. No need to commit to a big bowl of pasta which arrives served after you fill up on bread. Lively pastas, tender fish, and rich risotto are all served briskly on small plates. Instead of lusting after your neighbor's dish you can just order one of your own. If you crave vegetables you can order those as well. Or, dinner can just be a bottle of Pinot Grigio and a meatball.
Sitting at a table scares me - too much of a commitment - so we always choose the bar instead. There we can start with a killer French Martini, then move on to a plate of exceptional Fritto Misto, usually followed by another plate of Fritto Misto and whatever happens to strike our fancy that day.
Around us the crowd is always raucous. It's a happy party, which is fine for some, particularly those who like the volume somewhere between loud and deafening. I don't, which is another reason why the bar is so attractive.
Gio's is our local, and there've been many nights we've closed the bar - which is what happens when the bartender asks if I'm done, and the answer is "Yes. Maybe. No. Not done. More, please."