We dined at La Ciccia this month - a neighborhood restaurant at 30th St. and Church. Similar group as last month - our core diners were quick again and took the 8 spots available. In attendance: The Phans (without Isaac this time - he's become too active to wait through our drawn out dinners!), The Klinkees, The Chos, The Carters represented by Mollie and for her first ever Dine About - Ella! (Ella was kind enough to wait until after dinner to demand her own food.) While this core group makes for great company & a lovely picture (see pic to right) - the Klinkees even tried to implement joke night last night- what has happened to our other diners?!
Summary:
We found the service to be fun and professional, the food solid, atmosphere a little lacking -- all in all a nice place, but nothing extraordinary. A few comments sum up our experience:
"Nothing really knocked my socks off" - Cecilia
"It was good, but I wouldn't come back" - Avis
The Ratings:
1) Food = 84
All of the food was all inspired by the flavors of Sardinia. Yes, Phu did order the sardines! Appetizers were very nice (delicious cheese and 4 mushroom pizza), very tasty pasta w/ ~4 different meats, tangy arugula salad with vinegar soaked onions. Highlights of dinner - Bass served with a lovely tomato caper tapenade-like sauce; Hanger steak was tough, but nice flavor from the porcini mushrooms and whipped potatoes (no butter or cream, just broth and olive oil!); solid lamb chops. Desserts were very simple - we expected more (basic gelato, strawberries and vanilla ice cream, a very nice ricotta & pistachio flan like dessert.)
2) Service = 93
Very charming, informative waiter gave us the full story on how the dishes were prepared in classic Sardinia style! Dishes were cleared promptly, water glasses full, and no dishes were forgotten (see last month's review).
3) Atmosphere = 80
Can you say plain jane? I know this is a neighborhood place, but nothing on the walls (at least in the front where we sat) and some strange drift wood on top of the bar. Plus, once again a restaurant that was too hot. I've noticed this trend amongst many of the restaurants we go. It's SF people - open the windows and doors if the kitchen is giving off too much heat!
Once again a very enjoyable dining experience!! Add your comments! See you next month.
