Next Sunday's review
Because I forgot of the holiday last Monday and the fact that I was in computer class all day Friday, I didn't assign the photo for next week's review in time to have it taken and put in the system to go with this entry. So no visuals today.
The restaurant is Ciao Pizza Bistro Italiano in the Shops at Quarry Lake, and I know the name sounds like something I'm making up as a generic Italian chain restaurant name.
Not so. This is a local, independently owned place. And it's a big success. Someone was telling me a lawyer friend who could afford to eat anywhere in the city eats at Ciao several times a week. It's his new favorite place. Just because that's hard for me to believe doesn't mean I didn't like the restaurant. Read my review next Sunday in the Arts & Life Today section.
Comments
The first time we went there, in the winter, they didn't bring us silverware and then were surprised when we asked for it. i think they would have been even more surprised if we started eating our pasta with our hands.
Posted by: fairfax | June 1, 2008 5:01 PM
I have been there several times since they opened. Awesome food! Prices are pretty decent. I guess fairfax was visiting on an off evening. I highly recommend.
Posted by: arthur rutherford | June 1, 2008 8:51 PM
Went to the "new" Shusi Rest. Ra.
Parking $7-decor OK, service terrible,food ok and somewhat different, atmosphere NOISY, crowd young, cost $2-$3 more then a Towson or Owings Mills Sushi. Will NEVER go back
Posted by: M Barry Blum | June 1, 2008 8:53 PM
EL: I noticed in yesterday's paper that you are now also a fashion maven. Congrats! One thing, however, that I have never understood is a $10 (or more) tee shirt. It's bad enough paying $40 for a polo shirt with a horse knitted on it. [Apologies for going off subject.]
Jack of all trades...EL
Posted by: Piano Rob | June 2, 2008 8:27 AM
Generally, terrible service. We, too, have had to ask REPEATEDLY for silverware as our food cooled. At an early dinner, with nearly every table empty, they stuck me and my kids right next to a couple who were trying to have a quiet conversation. Another time we were put next to a table of six guys who were loudly discussing their dating exploits. Ciao, inexcusably, has horrible pasta - so overcooked that the spaghetti looks like a plate of white worms. Tomato sauce tastes like Campbell's tomato soup concentrate. My kids wouldn't touch the "ravioli" (one giant gummy ravioli-like thing) after one bite. The pizzas are good, though. Very, very uneven.
Posted by: baltofoodie | June 2, 2008 9:58 AM
Apropos the discussion on service in restaurants, USA Today has that very subject as their Poll of the Day:
How do you feel about customer service in restaurants today vs. five years ago?
Out of 1319 votes:
Much/somewhat better: 9%
About the same: 45%
Sonmewhat worse: 43%
Don't know: 2%
Posted by: Mr. Old Fart | June 2, 2008 2:52 PM