Mike Fein Fine dining does not get any better. This was close to absolute perfection.
We arrived with reservations at their opening, and were promptly seated at my favorite location, a table in the back corner. A young man filled our water glasses without spilling a drop. Our server, Conner, recommended a wonderful Italian-produced Pino Grigio, which was light and fruity with a nice finish. There is not much better than a server who is like a sommelier. The wine list is quite diverse, and certainly adequate in reds, whites, and sparkles.
We got warm, fresh bread, and breadsticks, while we contemplated the menu. The cuisine is strictly meat and pasta, no seafood, but there are many great choices. My wife got the outstanding Minestrone and the Lasagna Parmigian, our niece got the Ravioli de Radiccio, and I got the Escargot, and the Rack of Lamb. Pardon my lack of Italian language here.
The escargot were large, in a tremendous traditional butter and garlic sauce, where the bread came in very handy. The lamb was perfectly cooked to order. I have never seen a lasagna presented like this before. All presentations were meticulous, as I am sure Chef Rafael demands. Dinner was nicely paced. While we were too stuffed to order off the homemade dessert menu, Conner did bring out some complimentary, lemony, wonderful Italian cookies.
We were also greeted at our table by an elegant, gracious lady, Signora Mastro, who reminded me very much of Chef Andrea, former owner of the great New Orleans restaurant the bore his name for over 30 years.
There is something about the Italian people, no matter where we go, that drives them to respect their tradition, and that seems to always make a difference. Signora Mastro is truly a culinary Maestro.
