Music blares, bocce balIs crack together and a gleefully boisterous ambiance pervades, as Brio lives up to it's name; lively. Walking into the large building, with rustic Italian facade, I couldn't help but notice the stylish arches and earthy tones which helped set the mood. Friendly smiles greeted me and escorted me and my entourage through the large, lowly lighted dining room to the table. We were promptly greeted. Upon ordering a bottle of the Ruffino Reserva chianti, the manager (David?) came to the table and disbursed the wine into a decantur, a step of service by which I have never been graced. The calamari was tender, and came with pepperoncini-I would highly recommend. I ordered the wedge salad which was an excellent bridge to the entree. I love lamb chops but have never had them with gorgonzola. These lamb chops were phenomenal! The flavor of the cheese complemented the natural gaminess of lamb. A perfect shade of dark red banded the center of the chops. Along with the decanted wine, it made for a delightfully pefect combination. Our table was crumbed and the Desert menus went down. I was the only one who had the audacity (and stomach capacity) after such a satisfying meal, to unabashedly declare my desire for the chocolate caramel cake. It was exremely rich, just as the rest of the food. If it's ""authenticity"" you are looking for, go to Italy. No Italian restaurant in America is truly authentic. Macaroni grill, Maggiano's, Carrabas are all nice, yes, but they lack ingenuity; they're all the same! If you want excellent execution of a truly inspired twist on Tuscan cuisine- something one won't find elsewhere, you want Brio. Overall, I had a glowing evening. Service was right on target and the food, I will never forget. The ambience lent greatly to the enchantment of this experience. I would strongly recommend this restaurant to those with or without a refined palate. This is an excellent place for dates, celebrations or a casual evening out.
Pros: Ambience, service, food quality
Cons: parking lot was overcrowded
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