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The first time I went there, my husband had found a groupon. Being quite suspicious of grouponed restaurants, I went in with an open mind. And boy was I surprised!!!\r
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Let me tell you what this restaurant is not. If you are used to cookie-cutter servers trained by corporate policy, then this is not the place for you. The servers here are unique and personable and your dining experience is greatly dependent upon your rapport with them. You may have to be a bit patient with a couple of them, but all in all they truly have your best dining experience at heart. If you are used to the predictability of mass produced chain restaurant food, then this is not for you either. If you prefer buffet lines, sporks, and value meals, then needless to say, this won't be your cup of tea.\r
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However, if you want Italian food as close to what it is like in Italy (which, btw, is NOT that chain despite their culinary institute commercials), then this is your place.\r
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After having grouponed over a month ago, I've been there three times and it's my new favorite place to go. The antipasti is WONDERFUL. Roasted peppers like I have never tasted before. The big wheel of cheese that Giovanni cut slices from is like eating from a heavenly table. The pasta y fagioli was my nephew's all time favorite. My husband especially enjoys the warm bread with pesto and olive oil, especially when paired with a dry wine. Moving on to dinner, the linguine with clams was light and fresh, reminiscent of growing up on the Atlantic coast. The veal parmigiana was, by far, the absolute best veal parmigiana my husband has ever eaten (which, by the way, includes my recipe, and all of his early years in Jersey and NYC eating at some of the best trattorias). Considering he has a culinary degree, that's saying a lot. The last time, my husband and I both had the lasagne... and it was fabulous. Again, if Stouffer's is your thing (which is great in its place and time), then you are not going to appreciate this heightened level of lasagne with ground veal and bechamel...the way it's supposed to be.\r
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The last time I was there, I finally succumbed to the dessert menu. The cannolis impressed my very Italian aunt and the tiramisu was not only the best I had ever eaten, but had to be shared for the serving size was abundant. My parents enjoyed the ice cream and noticed that this was not store-bought by any stretch of the imagination. My mother was duly impressed.\r
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Sure, if you're looking for a quiet conversation with friends, the music might be a bit stirring (even with only a few people there). And depending on your server, you will have an experience that ranges from very good to exceptional (no one compares when Giovanni is in the house). But all in all, the place is fabulous and I would highly recommend it. \r
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This is a great place to linger and savor - appreciate the experience of something different, enjoy the people you're dining with (and whoever else may be there), carve out a moment in your fast-paced life to breathe, enjoying the highest quality food that is presented in a relaxed and casual atmosphere. It is a restaurant worthy of great appreciation - for the people you choose to share a meal with, for Italian culture, for exceptional food, and for the sense of community in greater Atlanta.
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