[CFrance]

We went to Mezza Luna this afternoon for an early dinner. Thanks to people's advice on this forum, we arrived a 4:30 and were seated right off. There were many open tables. 20 minutes later there was a line inside and out. So getting there by 4:30 (on Saturday, anyway) seems to be the trick.

Our service was great. Our friends ordered items of Southern Italian style--lasagna for one and eggplant rolatini for the other, both with tomato sauce/gravy (however you call it). My husband and I both ordered veal Marsala.

Our veal was very tough and rubbery--overcooked--and the sauce was very bland; it had none of the nuance of the Marsala in it. It tasted like a bland gravy. Our friends liked their lasagna and eggplant rolatini. I was gazing longingly at their plates. I don't normally go out to dinner and order something I can make at home, such as things with tomato-based gravies, but our veal was so not good, if we go back there again, I would stick with the tomato-based southern Italian dishes.

The Caesar salads were also bland, without enough good-quality parmesan, and although I was happy they had real anchovies, the dressing (served on the side although we didn't ask for that) did not taste homemade. If I'm going to splurge on the calories for a Caesar, I want the real deal.

We would go back if friends wanted to go there, but we would probably not choose to go there on our own... I suggest trying the southern Italian dishes if you go. Again, service was top rate.

That's just our opinion, of course.