I had read the reviews and was excited to try Iorio. We had to cancel reservations twice so I was a little worried that I would be disapointed due to anticipation. I couldn't have been more wrong! We arrived a little early for our reservation and were seated immediately. The ambience was inviting, an open dining room with just the right amount of tables so you don't feel cramped. Not too loud, and family friendly.
The food was divine! The toasted foccacia with organic squash and garbanzo bean puree topped with roasted garlic and shaved parm yummy. We ordered the Calamari with cornmeal crust, preserved lemon aioli and serrano chili vinegar. It was tender, warm and I loved the serrano chili vinegar for dipping - great combination of flavors.
I had the Beet salad with dolce gorgonzola - very well prepared and delightful tasting. My wife had the Iorio whole romaine leaf Caesar - simple and tasty. For dinner I had the Casarecci - Fresh hand-rolled pasta and Manila clams in a garlic cream sauce with kale and chili flake - the pasta was perfect and the clams were tasty - overall, not too heavy as cream sauce so often is. My wife ordered the Catch of the Day - smoked salmon and sea scallops over orecchiette pasta. Great tasting!
For dessert we had the flourless chocolate cake with crema gelato and the chef's special strawberry cake with strawberry gelato. Both were decadent!
Service was impeccable. Stephen was friendly, knew the menu and easily made recomendations for wine pairings. When Stephen was busy with another table, another server would step in and make sure our water was full, or clear a place setting before the next course.
Chris, the chef, and his wife visited our table and chatted with us - what a nice touch! Overall, our evening was a great experience! We never felt rushed. Chris, Hilary, Stephen and the rest of the staff made us feel welcomed and part of the family!
We will be back many times with all of our friends!
Pros: Service, Ambience, Food, Presentation, EVERYTHING!!!
Cons: I had to stop eating!
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