We wanted something simple and fun for our last night here before sailing to South America and we were a group of 7. Our hosts said that Louis Bossi just nearby had great pasta, lots of veggie options and the best Cacio e Pepe ever! That was all true, but the experience sadly had a lot do desire.
We had outdoor seating in the most adorable of pergolas in the huge courtyard that was jammed with dozens of people and a huge table of more than a dozen next to us making the loudest racket ever. Our table was round, but we could not even heard each other across it! On top of that there was very loud and unneeded music piped in.
Big Jim was our server and while he was a riot, he was also a bit brutish and invasive. He kept leaning into Will to explain things; a bit too close for Covid comfort. He had his own unique method of explaining the menu in a slightly condescending way, as if we knew nothing about Italian pasta names. He was indeed funny at times, and the service was decent to good. I ordered a bottle of Grillo/Viognier blend from Stemmari in Sicily called ""Dalila" as I could not resist the operatic/biblical connection; it was delish, crisp, refreshing and superb with our large charcuterie and cheese platter(see FB photo) laden with salamis, prosciutto, Taleggio, Burrata, Parmeggiano, pickles, olives and the best grissini on earth. Sam loved his Italian mojito made with aperol as well and had a flashback to our last trip to Italy with the Peroni Beer! Arancini with truffle aioli were also a treat. A huge loaf of crusty bread came with olive oil with chili flakes.
We switched to a superb red 2017 Palazzo della Torre Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso which I have had often and also in our cellar. A treat indeed especially since on Wednesday's all wines under $100 are half price!!
Indeed the Cacio e Pepe Spaghetti was delish as well as the Pasta special of Rigatoni with Mushrooms, Mascarpone and more(optional shrimp or chicken as well). Will ordered the Radiatore Alla Vaca with Prosciutto & Chicken which came lukewarm and he sent back; it returned the same temp! My Ferrzazzoli(a bucatini-like pasta with a hollow) Frutti di Mare was also not that hot and the worst part was the scallops that tasted like mushy potatoes. The Mussels & Clams were okay, and the Shrimp & Calamari were super with the amazing spicy San Marzano tomato sauce.
We left stuffed, but would rethink the crowds, noise and dishes we choose if we go back!
