This is a hidden gem, and one you shouldn't sleep on. I had contemplated booking a private room or another venue, but I wanted a memorable night - and Fresco delivered. We had planned/celebrated a surprise birthday party here and I worked with Art on all the details for our event. He made the process easy - and after the success of our party, I'm going to be a lifelong customer/supporter here. Venue: beautiful. You really don't have to do much decorating with the space. Everything is modern and sleek. Food: delicious (and plentiful). It is family style and so fun to eat here. Everyone who attended our party raved about how great the food was. Their appetizers (and I know I'm missing some here) were sooo good. Most popular with our guests: golden beet salad, ravioli, bruschetta, eggplant/vegetable salad, caprese salad. I've never seen my kids devour ravioli the way they did here. Different guests were telling me a lot of their items were the best they've ever had. I'm in agreement as the quality is unmatched. I know my review is going to be long - I'm doing my best here to keep it short. Entrees: chicken/beef meatballs, chicken kebabs, and salmon with bbq vegetables. I'm not a huge fan of salmon - but I am here. It was cooked perfectly and was light and perfectly seasoned. The chicken kebabs: so good. I could eat that everyday enthusiastically and never get bored. Meatballs: solid - not too heavy and the perfect texture. Service: professional and patient. I loved their staff. They were kind and super attentive. Everything was absolutely wonderful. I have no complaints. Fresco deserves all the recognition a restaurant should receive for their delicious food, beautiful space, and providing service that's so personable and professional. Whether it's another private event or ordering pick up - I look forward to calling Fresco for next time. read more

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We had a birthday event at this restaurant. Food was great Service was great, Staff friendly. We had a amazing time.Great experience read more

Accommodating, great food, and amazing service! I hosted my engagement party at Fresco, and the owners were incredibly kind and accommodating. The staff provided superb service, and the food was absolutely delicious. I would definitely book with them again and highly recommend them to friends and family! read more

Food was great, but 1 table had 5 smokers and the workers weren't telling then to go outside. Litterally every other table got up to leave including the hosts. No one wants to smell like an ash tray coming home when they don't even smoke. It's restaurants job to make sure rules are followed. read more

We celebrated my wife and sisters' birthday here and had an awesome time. Great food, friendly staff, and really easy to work with. Highly recommend! read more

One of the greatest restaurants I've ever been to. The people and the ambience is incredible. If you ever want to have one of your greatest times, come here ask for Art . read more

Fresco catered my Christmas party and I couldn't have been more pleased with the results. The service and food were amazing. I have a picky bunch to feed so the fact that everyone was enjoying the food said it all. Will definitely be ordering again. read more

I have been here multiple times throughout the years and it's only gets better every time. The food is amazing and the staff is always pleasant! Thank you for giving me and my friends multiple memories! My go to, friendly restaurant! read more

Great for private birthday or engagement parties. Wonderful service with staff and food

Made the best decision to go with Fresco's to cater my gender reveal party! They did a phenomenal job from beginning to end. Food arrived perfectly hot when though we were late 40 mins for pick up and was so delicious just like I expected. Their jalapeño cheese poppers were to die for, I was obsessed wasn't too spicy at all just perfect. Also loved their bow tie pasta and the salads were amazing in their own way. I can't wait to host another party and know that frescos is around! Also a great place to celebrate your special events here, cozy and family oriented place for sure. Thank you again will be back soon! read more

Maybe this place is not the largest or most fancy decor, but can you try the food and see what amazing service you'll get before judging them? After reading a few of the other reviews, it amazes me how picky people get. I've come here multiple times, and every single time the food is fresh, delicious. Literally, every appetizer is the most tastiest I've had. The service is also great. Hint, if you tip them before they start serving. (just a little something to get them energized and motivated) you will have extra attention, care, and service. read more

I've eaten at Fresco at least 3 times that I recall and they were all for either private parties or banquet-style events. In each case, the food and service was excellent. If you attend a banquet here, just expect LOTS of food. Even when you think you've eaten everything you can, they will still bring more food. And all of it is good! I love the pastas here, especially the farfalle wish mushrooms. I love the ceviche we tried recently as well as a passed hors d'oeuvres (not sure if it's on the regular menu or not). The banquets I've attended here have been Armenian ones (the owners are Armenian), and so the food has walked a line between Italian and Armenian dishes. I appreciated and enjoyed everything I was served. Honestly, even if I hadn't been here for group events, weddings, etc, I would happily return for the food. I know that most of their business does come from banquets, and the space is perfect for it, but I would definitely enjoy coming here on any given evening for a nice Italian meal. I hope you'll consider it in the future! read more

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We celebrated my son's first birthday here earlier this month and everything was amazing. Fresco Ristorante is truly my go to place when my family is hosting an event. Their service and food is like no other!! The renovations they recently had done are spectacular - the place looks so great! Thankful that every event I've held here has been filled with so much fun and happiness! read more

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Food was delicious and definitely a nice restaurant for a small gathering but they do need to upgrade their waiters. Slow service

Fresco has been a landmark restaurant on south Brand for many years. I have been here many times though not for 10 years until last week. Fresco is of another time in many ways: traditional in many ways. Yet since i am of another time and used to traditional ways i love it here. In the 70's this space was Mauro's and it was THE place to go for primo, upscale Italian food and exceptional service. Mauro's was owned by Mauro Vicente and he moved to the Oviatt building in DTLA in the 80's. If memory serves, this space was left to his partner and carried on under the Fresco name under which it operates today. I have not darkened these doors for 10 years and since a friend from NYC was visiting i thought it was the perfect time to check Fresco out anew. Reading the current reviews i note that the current owners have adapted to the times in Glendale and the ever increasing population of Armenians that have moved here. Smart move as far as i am concerned. If you want to stay in business you move forward but always with a glance backward at what made you famous. So we had a few current lunch menu items: Caprese Tower Mozzarella di Buffalo, Vine ripened tomato, basil. Ceasar Salad Costoletto Griliata di Porco Herb crusted organic pork chop charbroiled with grilled vegetable salsa. The Caprese was beautifully presented: all the components are fresh,tomatoes sweet and ripe, basil so fresh it seems to have been picked seconds before serving. Olive oil is fruity and lusciously nutty. The buffalo mozz is maybe cut too thick though it is milky and cheesey: very much unlike other mozzerellas. Caesar. A great Caesar salad is all about two things: the freshness and chill of the romaine and the dressing. The romaine was crisp and fresh but the dressing was a little two strong on the fish side though there are also high notes of lemon and parmesan and good olive oil as well. The real winner was the grilled pork chop which was cooked to perfection as it is not always easy to do with a basically fat less piece of meat. The veggie salsa is delicious. A winner. Good Stuff! As has always been for years: the service here is beyond reproach. The physical plant beautifully cared for. We had an amazing lunch: great food and great service. It makes my heart feel good that this old world style restaurant has survived with class with its basic great standards intact. Bravo! read more

Fresco Ristorante - standing as if a Beacon on south Brand - Italian Near Me - Glendale, California

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People, Come here to support this business. This place served great Italian food! I decided to give this place a try based on the yelp review. When I walked in, it was quite empty! I mean, wow, 8pm, its empty! My friend & I was hesitate at first but after we looked at the menu, we decided to give a try. Location: Its pretty empty at night, the neighborhood is mostly car dealers and very easy to find street parking nearby. Its empty but definitely safe to walk around. The Food: Wasn't very hungry, so did not order the appetizer. We ordered the Braised Sea Bass with Lemon Caper and Seafood Linguine to share. The funny thing is, the other table ordered exactly the same dish as us! They also ordered the Caesar Salad, which was prepared at the table side. Warm bread was served immediately after the waiter took our order. Braised Sea Bass. You are getting one big piece of sea bass which I think it worth the price tag. The fish was cooked perfect. Crusty outside, tender and juicy inside. Its very delicious! One of the Best Sea Bass I have had in town! Served with side of mash potato and steamed fresh veggies (not the frozen ones). Excellent choice. Seafood Linguine. Pasta - Au Dante. Tomato sauce - not too sweet not sour. Was made of fresh tomato and it was not too "watery" either. Seafood: They give u plenty scallops, calamaris, shrimps and mussels. Served with fresh Parmesan cheese. Its pretty hearty so if you are a light eater, I recommend you order one pasta with one appetizer is enough for 2 people to share without taking home. Service: No frills, friendly. Even tho the deco is bit not to my taste but I still find this place very cozy to eat and able to have decent conversations with friends or date. The chef is really good! We need to support this business to keep it running! read more

Getting Hungry while shopping for your next Hyundai? ... Well Fresco is right across the street. Came on a Wednesday night and the place was empty. There are roughly 10 parking spots out front so I don't know where everyone else parks when this place gets full. From the reviews, this place seems like it would get pretty full on a weekend. As you walk in, you can tell most of the business is from banquet rentals. All the tables are spaced quite far apart and you can hear each step as you cross the glossy wood floor. Over all the food was pretty good. Linguine de Mare- Heavy on the sauce which I loved. Tons of seafood: mussels, scallops, shrimp. Pollo Marsala- I had a small bite, but my companion really liked it. Chocolate mousse- Came out frozen, I guess all their desserts are pre-made. After it defrosted, it was good. Huge wine menu with prices in all ranges. So needless to say 2 people can easily split a bottle for very little cost, not saying I'm a cheap date though ;) The only suggestion, friendlier service. I'm used to more chit chatty waiters. I guess if you're paying $20ish and entree, I wanted a little more schmoozing. read more

Came here for a Christmas dinner with my office. This was nothing fancy, but I see a lot of potential. The name may say its a Italian restaurant but it was clearly a Armenian restaurant with Italian-style dishes. 1st course: Cold cuts, cheeses, pickles, pita, bread, and Armenian inspired dishes. 2nd course: Ravioli and bow tie pasta (Actually very good) 3rd course: Various meats (chicken, beef, and kabobs) and rice 4th course: Cesar salad with fried fish 5th course: Giant Martini glass with fried shrimp and fried calamari Beverages: Water and a bar for alcohol Large dance floor Stage for a DJ Bathroom is clean Overall the service was not good (certain ethnicities were given preferential treatment in my honest opinion), the food was okay but came out so slowly that the men at our table filled up on cold cuts and bread before the real food arrived leaving the last 2 courses relatively untouched. read more

Fresco Ristorante - Meat plate. It was good. - Italian Near Me - Glendale, California

FRESCO is an absolute crowd pleaser! It was such a treat coming here. 5-star service, as we got treated like family. Food is amazing. Homemade bowtie pasta with mushrooms sauce is a must! The staff is attentive and very warm. Nothing more to say short and sweet- it was my first time here but definitely not my last. I would highly recommend this place for small celebrations up to 100 people. So happy to have discovered this absolute gem in the heart of Glendale. read more

About a month ago my wife and I celebrated our wedding dinner gathering at Fresco Ristorante. We had the absolute best time with our close friends and family. The staff was highly professional and responsive. All our expectations were met. The owner (who was also the chef) and his son were both amazing, kind hearted and professional people. From the very first phone call to the day of the event, all my concerns were taken care of right away. I never had to worry about calling them and getting a hold of them. They were really on top of things. The food was exquisite. Every single guest complemented every item on the table. I have never been to a gathering where every single person is truly happy with the food. I couldn't be more thrilled and relieved to hear that every guest had only great things to tell us about the venue and how cozy and smooth the entire event was. Fresco Ristorante, Petros and Harut; my sincere gratitude for all your hard work. No one, and I mean, no one else could have done a better job. You guys made our day only more special. Thank you for the most wonderful service! read more

Great Food, Great service! Can't go wrong with that. The ambience of The dining room is Classic Italian And gorgeous to boot!

Long overdue yelp review. Let me just start off by saying how much I love this restaurant!! I had my bridal shower here about seven months ago. The place is beautiful, they recently remodeled it. The color scheme goes with every theme. The manager is very sweet, he spent so much time going over the contract. The staff that worked on the day of my bridal shower were all very professional,fast, and friendly. The food is spectacular!!! They have so many options to choose from which is one of the main reasons why I chose this place. Everyone loved their food at my shower and I know a few booked the restaurant right away from their upcoming events. This place deserves 10 stars!! Thank you for everything. read more

Imagine every stereotype of boring old Italian banquet hall meal. Decor and food left behind by time. Also the valet parking is so stupid, when there is clearly street parking even if you park yourself you have to give the keys to valet...who then charges for the privilege of holding your keys in a box? Without ever getting into or moving your car at any step of the process? Just symptomatic of the cruising along with inertia attitude of the place read more

This place was amazing, to say the least. I threw a party for my husband's 30th Birthday Bash here and am glad to say that they've exceeded my expectations. The service was phenomenal and most importantly the food was exceptional. Everyone kept raving about the food, and it made me so happy to know that I picked a place that everyone loved. Huge thank you to everyone that made that day so special and amazing for us. read more

I drove up from San Diego to stay the weekend with this guy I've been dating. I told him that I would bring dinner - it was 'take-out and a movie at home' that night...perfect with the approaching storm. Not knowing the area at all, I found Fresco Ristorante using my phone, on Yelp. It had an above average Yelp rating, but recent posts talked of a recent change in ownership - and scored lower. Needing to 'just find something' I found it and stopped in. When I walked in, the place was vacant except for two employees setting up the bar area. I asked if this was a restaurant or a club, because the dining tables were cleared and there was club music playing. They were actually closed for a private event and were setting up. Slightly disappointed when I thought I'd have to search for another place (I was already late) I asked if they could recommend a good restaurant nearby. The gentleman (owner?) said he'd take care of me, the kitchen was open and setting up for the private party...and they did take REALLY good care of me. They brought me a menu, I ordered and they offered me a glass of wine while I waited. I sat at the bar and talked with the female bartender who was also setting up for the party. They were so kind, friendly and extremely helpful. I could not believe the level of personal service and attention that they gave me when they had a big event that night for which the entire restaurant was closed. And oh yes, the food! It was excellent! I ordered for take-out the Caprise Tower, Farfalle e fungi Formaggi with chicken, and an awesome insalate for two. I will definitely be back to Fresco Ristorante. Both the food and service were an incredible experience. read more

This restaurant should have a long line waiting to be seated. I do not know why it doesn't because the food and service are excellent. It is located between car dealers so there is plenty of street parking...more people can afford to eat out as opposed to buying a new car. The restaurant is very nice and relaxing. The staff is as helpful as you would want them to be, nice, polite, etc. The menu is simple and easy. we had the gnocchi and salmon. Both were outstanding. Their salad and minestrone soup were also wonderful. We could not make it to dessert since we stuffed ourselves. This restaurant is worth a try. read more

The outside doesn't do the inside justice! I was looking for a place to meet a high school friend, just to chat. I should have looked at the images for this is a great place to take a date! If you do choose to I would suggest taking someone you've been seeing awhile as the inside maybe a bit overwhelming. The others that were in there were a little bit on the dresser side. Not coat and tie, but my friend got the feeling she should be in a dress. The food was great, I had the Pollo Marsala my friend had the Salmon Al Mostorda. Though I must say, I really wanted to bite her salmon... and I don't like salmon. The prices were well worth he dishes. They also have a Full Bar and a wine selection (but I don't drink wine). Only odd thing was the lights on the side of the wall. They kept changing color... It didn't bother me to much... but I could have done with out it. read more

Because of Yelp I've finally found a really great Italian restaurant in Glendale. The service was excellent and the food was top notch. I had the gnocchi and my fiancee got the farfalle al fungi--both were delicious and the portions were generous. For me it was a little expensive, but worth the money. The waiter told us that the restaurant had recently been remodeled to appeal more to Glendale's Armenian clientele, which I guess is good because they host wedding parties on the weekends, but as authentically Italian as the food is it doesn't feel very Italian. But that doesn't matter too much; anything to boost business for this place to get people in the door is worth trying, and it looks nice. As another yelper said, this place was dead on Thursday night. We were in there for a good hour and it was just us, the waiter, and the chef in the kitchen. It felt a bit awkward. Maybe all of the Yelp fans of Fresco can get together and go here for dinner at the same time so we can talk to our partners above a whisper and eat comfortably. read more

If not for yelp I wouldn't have tried this place, but I'm glad we did. We parked right in front of the car lot next door and were the only customers in the place on a Friday night. Actually, when we walked in the waiters were sitting at a table together, probably bored to tears, but they jumped up and were happy to attend to us. The food was fresh and satisfying - we had the pasta special (large portions), soup and tiramisu. The bread had just been baked and smelled homemade. I might go back, but hopefully next time there will be more diners so I don't have to feel so bad for the staff (the tiramisu was a pity order). read more

In one word: Quirky. Best for: Renting out for large parties. They even have a small riser in the corner and I think I glanced a karaoke machine... FOOD: The food was okay. I did not enjoy the crab cake. The bowtie pasta was really good. I can't remember what my bf ordered. AMBIENCE: There is a floating wall that divides the dining area from the bar area. There were about 6 tables spread out in the dining area. While I can tell that this is an attempt to invoke "intimacy," the effect is just the opposite. The room is quite large so the space feels empty and imposing instead of cozy. There were two other parties in the room and we could hear their conversations - especially the older women who had clearly been enjoying their wine. I don't remember if there was music playing while we were there, but if there wasn't, it might have helped. SERVICE: the host/waiter was very friendly and put in a lot of effort, but the tone he set throughout the dining experience didn't contribute to the "formal" setting they are trying to accomplish. I could see him doing well at a family chain restaurant, but his appearance, demeanor and speech only heightened the feeling that everything there was a mismatch. OVERALL: It was ok - I wouldn't refuse to go there, but I wouldn't go out of my way to go back. I think going to a party there could be really fun and the food is good enough for that. read more

Well after seeing a high rating I decided to make a reservation here. I get there at 8pm on a Tuesday night, and completely empty. My date and I were the only people there. Awkward. We're seated by a waiter who was trying really hard, but failing nonetheless, I feel bad giving him a bad rating because you could tell he was genuine, just not what you expect at a formal restaurant. For example, he failed to give me a wine/beverage menu at an Italian restaurant. After we ordered a salad for an appetizer, he says "Oh ya, we also have a greek salad that isn't on the menu." A little late buddy. After my date orders a white wine, and he gives it to her, he says let me guess, you're getting the fish. No, she wasn't. He asks us what we'd like to order, and I say, "Do you guys also have a ravioli, that's ALSO not on your menu?" ( I read it on a Yelp Review), and he says "Oh yes, we do, its actually our best dish." My date asks, what's in it? And he replies, "let me go check." Seriously? Their gnocchi also isn't home made. When we're served the Risotto (which is quite bland) my date asks for fresh pepper, and he says "let me go check if we have that." The ravioli was also just acceptable. In the middle of our meal, we see some people walk in and are somewhat relieved. Turns out to be family, it seemed, and we hear little kids running around and yelling. Overall, the owners/managers/waiters seem like good people, hard workers, and genuinely care, but to be charging the rates they do, with the mediocre food, this place just didn't make the cut. It was my first time there, so maybe just a bad experience, but I probably wouldn't go back. read more

Loved the food and service! The owner was very kind and answered all my questions and multiples calls. I had my daughters 16th bday party there. The hot plates were amazing! Especially mushroom pasta and the meats! Will defiantly go again. read more

Customer Service 0/5. We went in to the restaurant, and they were playing some jazz music, with a live sax. Unfortunately the sax player was playing too loud and we could barely hear ourselves. We asked them to have him lower the volume, and the waiter said wait a couple more minutes and he would be done. Wrong. He cranked it up and didn't stop till about we were gonna leave. I guess they didn't care about us, and wanted to entertain their other party. The old sax player started DJing (and horribly I might add), at almost club level sound and the other party started dancing. The waiter didn't know what type of beer they had available. Food 2/5. Food was not good also. The caprese just tasted like supermarket tomato and cheap cheese, neither was good. The canneloni was okay, I've had better. The pork chops tasted good, but I ordered medium and it came well done (maybe they couldn't hear me?). My friend said the risotto was undercooked. And the vegetable pasta with tomato sauce was really bad. Prego sauce tastes three times better. Cost: Was approximately $140 with 2 rounds of beer for 4. Total 1/5. If your thinking of going here, go to Speranza. Their caprese is just amazing! read more

I thought I'd check this place out after reading the reviews on Yelp. Pretty much everyone was on the money. The location isn't anything great. It's not an unsafe or dirty location. It's just that there's nothing else surrounding it other than car dealerships. Not a problem though if you're just looking for a nice place to eat. Upon walking in the restaurant, I was impressed with the cleanliness and decor. I was also surprised to find only one other couple having dinner, despite it being a Friday night. The service was above board. We ordered the Mediterranean sea bass and the salmon. Wow! Both were outstanding. My sea bass practically melted in my mouth. The prices were a bit on the high side. But I suppose no more than any other Italian restaurant of similar quality. Definitely a be back location. I am a bit perplexed at why a restaurant of this quality was so empty. read more

Unfortunately, nowadays, when dealing in business, one must usually always be on the defensive because people are almost always looking for a way to rip you off. THIS BUSINESS IS AN EXCEPTION TO THIS GENERAL RULE! I called the restaurant to ask about catering 2 days before my gathering. I was texted a catering menu which listed the long list of food items available. The guy texting me also gave me Petik's # so that we could discuss pricing. Petik was extremely friendly, helpful, and his prices were almost too good to be true. They have a standard catering package with Armenian food which is priced at $250. Petik was able to complete my custom catering order (mostly Armenian food and some Italian dishes) for 12 people for $260. Let me tell you-- the food was much, much more than we expected. Our event was on June 18. It is June 21 today and my fridge still has a whole bunch of leftovers. Food was good! Guests were happy! I am happy! Just a slight critique: please make sure my food is ready on time. I had asked for 11am pick up. I arrived late-- at 11:20am-- and the food was still not ready. The lady was checking the bags and realizing that she had forgotten things, so all the running back and forth took an additional 20 minutes of waiting. read more

Fresco Ristorante - Catering menu - Italian Near Me - Glendale, California

I'm really surprised that this place has 4 stars on yelp. Like other reviewers have mentioned, this place was completely empty inside. It seemed more of a banquet hall that people rent out rather than an elegant restaurant. We were the only patrons in the dining room, which felt pretty awkward. For a moment I thought it might be nice having a restaurant all to ourselves, but... nope, not the case. Our server seemed to be a newbie and was unable to answer some of our questions, but he was friendly nonetheless. Overall, the service was attentive, but being that we were the only ones there, that was not a difficult task. I'm a HUGE fan of gnocchi and usually order it when it's on the menu, but I had a feeling that their gnocchi was not made in house. I decided to ask, and sure enough, it was not. We ended up ordering the ravioli and the risotto. The pink sauce that the ravioli was swimming was not bad, but I the ravioli itself was boring, and the risotto, bland. I have a sneaky suspicion their pastas are not homemade either. Next time I want store bought pasta, I'll make it at home. :) Overall, the experience was uneventful. Never Again. read more

Try their lule kabob and you will become a vegeterian for life. The place is small, with a low ceiling and cheap decor. There are so many better choices in Glendale. read more

Let me begin by saying you will NOT regret booking an event here OR ordering food from them for your party. We ordered food from Fresco for my graduation party this past weekend and I have to say we were beyond pleased. Our guests absolutely LOVED the food and kept asking us where we ordered it from. This time we wanted to have something different other than just Armenian food and every single item we ordered was unique in its taste and extremely delicious (mix of Armenian and Italian). Lastly, I just want to add that the owner, Peter, is sweet, caring, and generous. He goes above and beyond to satisfy his customers' needs. read more

Long overdue review. My fiancé and I hosted a traditional Armenian celebration at Fresco on Valentine's Day in honor of our recent engagement, also known as our "Trndez". My experience from beginning to end was nothing less than amazing. We met with Harut, who was an absolute pleasure. Prices were reasonable, food was amazing, and general atmosphere was perfect! We partied the night away! Their flexibility and willingness to work with me is what made the experience that much better. I brought my own decorations and decorated the banquet hall to my liking and they did not seem to mind at all! Harut told me to do what my heart desires, as long as I don't burn the place down LOL. I managed to follow his directions :) We truly had an unforgettable night. Impeccable customer service and all-around fantastic experience. Five stars for sure!! read more

BEWARE! Based on other reviews here on Yelp!, we made a reservation for 4 using OpenTable. Showed up at the appointed time and -- despite the fact that we had a confirmed reservation -- were told that they don't even use OpenTable anymore! They were not apologetic whatsoever, and informed us that the place was being utilized for a private party. Frankly, the restaurant and its patrons made me feel like I had somehow become a witness to a Diane Arbus photo "in vivo." Others have now informed us that it has essentially become another "Glendale banquet hall," and that the ownership has recently changed. Clearly that is correct. This is not like the "Fresco" that was previously reviewed on this site! read more