But that's where the similarities ended.
While the service at Aureole was fantastic, the service at Drago Centro was anything but. Despite our reservation, we had to wait awhile for our table. So incredibly annoying. Bad start.
The real downer of our night was our server, who was none other than a facsimile of the Soviet meathead in Rocky IV -- dense, rude, and ultimately a loser. He ruined what otherwise would have been an enjoyable dinner. Hate him! Boo!
Salmon puff amuse bouche. Bland. Sort of slimy. Not amused.
Glam's i rigatoni all'amatriciana (rigatoni, smoked pork jowl, onions, tomatoes, pecorino) ($16). The pasta was perfectly al dente. The flavor was hearty and reminiscent of home cooking.
Giggles' i carciofi (grilled artichoke, Belgian endive, Bronte pistachios, EVOO sabayon) ($14). Rather tangy. Not my favorite, but I'm not a fan of artichokes, so it's a bit unfair for me to judge.
La suppa (butternut squash soup with vanilla oil) ($9). I was thrilled with my soup! I hate soup that is merely warm. This was piping hot and rich and smooth and wonderful. The vanilla oil worked so well! Sweet without being overpowering!
Glam's il pollo ruspante (truffle-crusted chicken breast, forest mushrooms) ($24). My memory of the bite I had is sort of a blur...just like this photo.
Giggles' il merluzzo alla fiorentina (roasted cod, spinach, cipollini onion) ($27). Good but not seriously-bowl-you-over good. Nice texture but lacked oomph.
I was the winner with la quaglia (focaccia-stuffed quail with cannellini beans) ($27). Super flavorful! Super golden! Super crisp! Super tender! Super super!
So adorable! Squeeeee!
Glam's ricotta cheesecake was palatable. Light with a bit of citrus.
I thought Giggles' torta di cioccolata e crema alle nocciole (chocolate hazelnut tart, caramel gelato) ($9) was lovely. I quite enjoyed my tiny bite.
I felt I triumphed again with the panettone di natale (spiced bread pudding, marsala foam, candied hazelnuts) ($9). The flavors were so interesting and scrumptious -- a little Bollywood dance in my mouth!
Complimentary chocolate.
Sadly, the check was far more hospitable than our server. Nice dinner marred.
I really shouldn't read your blog at 8 in the morning. Now I'm ridiculously hungry and lunch is still 4 hours away.
ReplyDeleteI don't like artichokes either!
ReplyDeleteThe quail looks wonderfully crisp. I can't remember the last time I've had quail. I can't say I encounter it very often.
ReplyDeleteA plus about quail is that hand holding a drumstick makes you feel like a giant!
I hate when a bad server ruins everything.
ReplyDeleteI hate bad service.
ReplyDeleteI don't like being reprimanded period. But I especially do not like being reprimanded by a waiter when I am in the midst of a good conversation with my homies. I still had a great time though because I was with two of my favorite people. :)
ReplyDeleteI hope you left the lousy server a lousy tip.
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh...look at the little leg! Why is it tiny things always seem cuter?
ReplyDeleteUgh. What is it with restaurant service these days?
ReplyDeletethat mini drumstick is just too cute.
ReplyDeletewent to drago the other day with felicia. not bad. i too loved the butternut squash soup.
ReplyDeletei really hate it when bad service yucks up an otherwise nice meal. bleh!
ReplyDeleteI agree. I was not impressed.
ReplyDelete