This was the second time, in four years, that we had been to this restaurant. The first time was in 2000 or 2001 and we went for dinner. While we do not remember the specifics, we remember enjoying the meal. We then went again recently for a birthday and while it was okay, it certainly was not as good as the first experience. This may very well have been because it was Lunch and we had set our expectations too high.
The first big negative was there was a street fair going on (Christmas related) and people who were entertaining at the fair and were impersonating people from the 1800's or something, were coming in and bothering us. We really did not want anything to do with these entertainers, and were surprised that the restaurant allowed them in. None the less, they were only merely a distraction.
Fresh bread with garlic butter on it was bought to the table and this was pretty good. The table ordered a Pizza Margarita (for everyone to share) and while I understand there are tomato's on this kind of pizza, I have never had them be actual tomato chunks. The crust was more like cardboard then "thin crust." I had the fried ravioli and this dish tasted very good but it was 5 pieces. The pieces were not very big, and thus if not for the bread and the desert after wards, this would have been an unfulfilling meal. Again, maybe this is what I should expect for a lunch, but I don't know.
The best part, by far, was the desert. I ordered the special...a peanut butter cheesecake with a side of banana gelato. It was DEVINE. This was truly delicious as well as the cappuccino. My wife and an in law had the espresso and were not impressed at all by it.
There was some good and some bad, and while I would probably go back again, it would not be for lunch.
more