I had read good reviews on Rustica, especially the grilled calamari, and decided to give it a try. The restaurant is small but very nicely done. One of the owners - Nino - welcomed us with a warm smile.
For the appetizers we had the eggplant and of course the grilled calamari. It was a Tuesday night so only one other table was occupied in the dining room.
On taking our first bite both dishes were lukewarm. We mentioned this to our waiter (the owner's son Andres), who took one plate away. Nino came over and took the other plate away and said he would heat it up with a smile (this is exactly what he did... simply reheated it).
For the main course we had the gnocchi and the linguini with New Zealand clams, No fresh grated cheese was offered. Both dishes were hot but very bland with not much taste at all.
After dinner Andres came over and sat down and wanted our honest opinion on the food. I asked Andres where the squid was from, he did not know but knew it was fresh (by the taste and texture I knew it was previously frozen). He was interested in learning more as to where different squids come from and their catch season, as I told him I was a seafood broker.
Andre's attitude was great, while neither owner (both there that night) even acknowledged our disappointment in our meals or said goodbye. We were also billed for every single item we ordered, including the appetizers that needed to be reheated.
At the end of the day the best advertising you can get is word of mouth. I never normally write reviews or even send my food back but on this occasion I was asked about my food and wanted to give a true and honest opinion of Rustica. I really do hope and want them to survive but thank god for Andres and the good drinks as there was not much else.
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