My first dinner at Mama Mia's was enjoyed last night with four friends. A Sunday night found the place busy but not full, which made me wonder why our service was so darn slow. It took almost 15 minutes for our waiter to come by and take our drink order! Likewise I wondered if the appetizers would EVER arrive, but then the entrees came at a good pace as did the table clearing and dessert.\r
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Our waiter was nice; it seemed odd that the women who brought the drinks not once but twice tried to set them down at the end of the table where no one was sitting, instead of actually delivering them where they belonged. Table clearing was prompt and unobtrusive, so overall, it only made a dent in my impression. \r
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The food... perhaps some of the best moderate cost home style Italian I've had since moving to Oregon. All items we ordered or sample from our dining partners tasted fresh, and were hearty when they should be and light when they should be. Very flavorful, but not overbearing. My husband and I tried the garlic bread and fried ravioli for starters, and then the manicotti and linguini alla carbonara. We were stuffed but couldn't say no to desserts, cheesecake and their ganache covered ice cream which was excellent in both preparation and presentation. \r
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We'll be back. Ah, to find satisfying Italian.\r
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