[Bijou]

We've been wanting to eat there since we heard good things about the food but hadn't gotten there until today.

Let me preface this by telling you I worked for a Mom and Pop Italian restaurant for 7 years in Tampa back in the 70's. The owners were straight from Italy and knew how to make great sauce and food. So I have a wonderful comparison and I've done nothing but come up short on decent Italian restaurants around here.

We waited for about 15 minutes before I finally asked the waitress if we could have some bread and olive oil dipping sauce. Some one mentioned in another post, that they always have plenty of this behind the bar. Apparently at the table you won't get it unless you ask. By the time the waitress brought it out, our food was already on the table. The bread was warm and very good, but the dipping sauce seemed to be a butter garlic sauce with some parmesan cheese thrown in it....very heavy and not light like olive oil with seasonings.

The red sauce did have a great flavor to it and I'm not one who usually eats red sauce. I had the eggplant parm and my hubby had the chicken parm (about all he'll usually get in any Italian rest.). The portions were VERY generous, However, I hate to see watery sauce peeking out from around my pasta. I probably could have poured a 1/4 cup of water off the pasta. Next the eggplant parm was loaded with cheese and very mushy. If it had been breaded, you'd never know it. All you could taste was cheese and sauce.

Since price is an issue to any business, I would have preferred a SMALLER portion and a small salad before the main course.

They really didn't have anything fantastic or out of the ordinary. I didn't even see bricole on the menu. It was your basic Italian fare. I doubt we'll ever go back, but at least now we don't have to wonder how it is!

[karostay]

Yawn!

[shcisamax]

I was about to ask which is better Mezza Luna or Ricciardis. I understand a third Italian restaurant will be arriving in May, Chefs of Napoli which has very nice reviews.

[gomoho]

Shcisa - was wondering the same thing.

[waynet]

had dinner tonight with my wife. Everything was excellent from the soup to the entree. Best place to eat in the Villages.

[Indydealmaker]

If everyone has been reading the myriad of restaurant reviews posted herein, it should be obvious that you should quit wasting your time and roll the dice. Take that big leap, ignore the reviews and just try each bistro as it opens. That is the only way to know for sure.

The Villages is a melting pot of regional tastes and varying levels of expectations. The only two restaurants with consistently good reviews are Vic's Embers Supper Club and The Fisherman. Every other place ranges from disgusting to superb, and that is often all at the same eatery.

Bon Appetit!

[golf2140]

Originally Posted by Indydealmaker

If everyone has been reading the myriad of restaurant reviews posted herein, it should be obvious that you should quit wasting your time and roll the dice. Take that big leap, ignore the reviews and just try each bistro as it opens. That is the only way to know for sure.

The Villages is a melting pot of regional tastes and varying levels of expectations. The only two restaurants with consistently good reviews are Vic's Embers Supper Club and The Fisherman. Every other place ranges from disgusting to superb, and that is often all at the same eatery.

Bon Appetit!

All I can add is Amen

[bluedog103]

Originally Posted by Indydealmaker

If everyone has been reading the myriad of restaurant reviews posted herein, it should be obvious that you should quit wasting your time and roll the dice. Take that big leap, ignore the reviews and just try each bistro as it opens. That is the only way to know for sure.

The Villages is a melting pot of regional tastes and varying levels of expectations. The only two restaurants with consistently good reviews are Vic's Embers Supper Club and The Fisherman. Every other place ranges from disgusting to superb, and that is often all at the same eatery.

Bon Appetit!

[Bill32]

I didn't even see bricole on the menu................What do you think that would cost????!!!

[Bonanza]

Originally Posted by Bill32

I didn't even see bricole on the menu................What do you think that would cost????!!!

Do you mean bragiole???

[jblum315]

I think it's spelled Braccciole. I have never seen it on an Italian menu I think it's a homey dish, like sausage and peppers.

[Bonanza]

Originally Posted by jblum315

I think it's spelled Braccciole. I have never seen it on an Italian menu I think it's a homey dish, like sausage and peppers.

Too many c's but everyone knows what you mean.

Bingo! How right you are.

I've never seen it on an Italian restaurant menu either but a friend's mother does an incredible job with it.
My mouth waters just thinking about it.

[KathieI]

I don't think I've ever seen it on a restaurant menu, but I've been out of NY/Bronx for 40 years.

It is spelled braciola. My grandmother used to make it with round steak pounded very, very thin then stuffed with garlic, parsley, Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, S&P, rolled and fried in olive oil. Delicious.

[KathieI]

Back on topic!!!

I've eaten at Mezza Luna quite a few times in the past 3 weeks, although my first take-out order a while ago was unimpressive, I thought I would give them another chance.

Thankfully, I've had very good experiences with them now. They've brought in a very good garlic bread, replacing that bland bread I had with my original order. I've had the Chicken Parm, Veal Marsala and Veal Piccata, all came with a delicious angel hair pasta. I've been very impressed with the improvement in the food and presentation, and the service has been superb.

Its kinda nice to have an elegant restaurant so close to home that you can be proud to bring visiting friends.

[Bonny]

We go to Mezza Luna quite often. They have very good food. I love the stromboli !!