I came here alone on a Friday night to celebrate my birthday, specifically for the Frank Sinatra tribute night. The event poster said "dress to impress," so of course I did! Not everyone got the memo, though.
I had made a reservation for one: when I made the reservation, I was told that because I was dining alone, I would be seated at the bar. I agreed.
When I arrived, however, things got a little confusing. There was a line to be seated, for people who already had reservations, and it took a while for everyone to get seated. When I gave the hostess my name and said I had a reservation for one, she looked very confused and said she would try to "accommodate me at the bar." I reminded her that I actually had a reservation.
Eventually, I was seated at the bar next to a barstool with a reservation sign on it. I asked, "Wait... is that my seat?" And nope! Another server said that they had simply forgotten to reserve my seat. Thankfully, it worked out and I got seated, but it definitely could have been a lot worse if they had given my spot away.
Once I was settled in, the evening got much better. The bartender was great, and I had a Pinot Grigio throughout dinner.
I started with the Ortolana salad -- spring mix, avocado, artichokes, cherry tomatoes, stracciatella cheese, and pesto dressing. Fresh, light, and very good.
For my main course, I ordered the Fregona Sarda al Frutti di Mare (first time ever), a couscous-style pasta with a fish and tomato broth reduction, tossed with EVOO and garlic and served with mixed seafood. I really enjoyed it, especially the seafood and the flavorful broth.
And then came the sweetest part of the night. ... At the end of the meal, they were kind enough to ask the singer to sing Happy Birthday to me, and they brought me a dessert with a candle!
After the slightly chaotic seating experience, that was such a lovely gesture and really made me feel special celebrating my birthday there -- even though I came by myself.
So, while the reservation/seating situation definitely needs some work, the bartender, food, entertainment, and especially the birthday surprise made for a memorable night. And honestly, who doesn't want to celebrate their birthday with Frank Sinatra?
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