We had friends from abroad over and we went to this restaurant because it was recommended by many internet sites and by the concierge at their hotel. We had reservations so the seating was not a problem.\r
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The appetizers were up to par with our expectations except for the stuffed artichoke which was way too greasy. The stuffed mushrooms however were delicious.\r
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And so was the bruschetta for two - 6 large pieces. The aroncini dish was OK but nothing to rave about.\r
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The entrees were not as tasty as we had expected however. The pappardelle e melanzane was OK and the gnocchi were relatively tasteless (I have had great gnocci at other places in Boston). The other two people ordered swordfish and steak about which there were neither complaints nor rave reviews from our table.\r
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We were however very unhappy with the service. While the owner herself comes and serves some of the dishes, the regular weightstaff was arrogant and careless about their job. We had to stop the waiter 3 times to learn the specials (we were particularly interested in the risotto). \r
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What was our surprise however when at the end of the evening we got our bill and found out that because we were a party of five, our tip was already calculated in at 20%. Nowhere did it say on the menu that that would be the case and the normal procedure is that the tip is calculated in only if the parties over 6 people. When we asked, the waiter said that it was only 18% rounded up when it was exactly 20% when we calculated it. Not only that but the tip was calculates after the tax was already included. So overall, we had a pretty large bill and they swindled about $15 out of us. We didn't argue because we were too tired but we are never going back and telling all our friends about this highly unethical behavior.\r
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I am not sure how other cities compare but I have never had to deal with such arrogant and unethical waitstaff in Boston or Cambridge.\r
Pros: a few good appetizers
Cons: bad service (watch your bill), arrogant waiters
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