It's not haute cuisine, but a delightful way to spend your evening nonetheless. Parking is a breeze (most spots are covered, too) and the live oak patio is lovely if the weather cooperates. Inside, the decor is quiet, intimate and romantic. Our server was prompt, friendly, and careful (with good knowledge of his wine list as well.)\r
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I ADORED the bread with olive oil-- it was very high quality, extra virgin oil, with a perfect mix of garlic, pepper and herbs to spice things up. I normally don't eat bread before a meal, but I couldn't stop this time because of the dipping sauce. We had to get refills! The garden salad was a treat-- instead of typical bagged iceberg and a mealy tomato slice, I had fresh romaine and oakleaf lettuce with carrots, tomatoes, baby corn, sundried tomato bits, olives, garbanzo beans, and a yummy vinaigrette. The calamari were fresh, fresh, fresh and not a bit chewy or tough. \r
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I had cheese tortellini with marinara-- tender pasta and creamy cheese, with a nice chunky fresh marinara. My boyfriend had the chicken piccata-- nice garlicky-lemony sauce with plenty of capers, but the chicken was a tad dry. I'd suggest doubling the side of vegetables (looked like portobello mushrooms, with bell peppers and beans, but I wasn't paying close attention to his plate) instead of the side of spaghetti with marinara.\r
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I enjoyed a nice glass of valpolicella on the side, which as promised was smooth, rich, and a bit fruity.\r
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Overall I enjoyed the evening very much-- a nice intimate dining experience for not too much dough ($40).
Pros: Ambience, menu variety, value
Cons: Chicken was a tad dry
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