Quote:
Originally Posted by Chazz
We were a group of 8 last night at this Italian restaurant on US 40 in Ocala. We've been there a few times before. They were short staffed last night, due to someone calling in sick, according to our server (who we've had before). Our server was practically sprinting around the place trying to get everyone's orders in and delivered. Naturally, things ran rather slowly, as the place was packed.
The food, as always, was wonderful. Everyone in our party was happy with their meal. Price-wise, it is on the higher side for the area, though not excessive, in my opinion. However, for this caliber restaurant, a higher level of commitment to quality service is expected. We will go there again, though.
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Following is a review of this restaurant that I wrote after a visit on 8/19/2011I have not returned:
Today's luncheon adventure took us and two friends to Mesa De Notte located at 2436 E. Silver Springs Blvd in Ocala.
The restaurant is actually larger than it appears from the outside. Inside, the place is not particularly aesthetically special, but, although plain, it does appear to be clean and spacious.
The wait staff approached us as we were seated and took and delivered drink orders promptly. A basket of good,crisp outside and soft inside, Italian Bread was brought to the table along with a tasty oil and pesto dipping sauce.
Mrs. (X) ordered Portobello Mushroom soup and Mediterranean Bruschetta, a Crostini topped with fresh tomatoes, calamata olives, & crumbled feta cheese from the appetizer menu. While she thought the soup was excessively sweet, she was very complimentary about the Bruschetta. Her Husband, Mr. (X) selected Chicken Parmigianino, a breaded breast of chicken topped with marinara sauce & melted mozzarella cheese. He was not enthralled with this selection, indicating that the chicken was very thin and excessively breaded.
Vitello Parmigiano, a breaded veal cutlet topped with marinara sauce & melted mozzarella cheese was Pat's selection. She thought the veal was quite good and thought the marinara sauce was especially good. I choose Eggplant Parmigiano, a fairly sizeable cutlet of Eggplant breaded and served with Marinara sauce. While I agree that the sauce was tasty, my selection was not nearly hot enough and as was the case with Mr. (X) it was covered with an excessive amount of breading. (I've had far better at the Olive Garden).
All three full lunches were served with the pasta of the day, Rigatoni in a creamy pesto sauce. While it was reasonably tasty I thought that the cream sauce was overwhelming. Pat apparently agreed as she left virtually all of it after small taste.
Bottom line is that both of the guys were underwhelmed by the meal while both girls indicated that they would return in the future. (Undetermined was who they would find for dates to accompany them on the return trip)! It won't be me or Mr. (X).