I have to admit I was very spoiled by Guarino's Restaurant in Cary for many years and was very sad to see them close. I have yet to find Italian food as good as theirs. My personal test is Egg Plant Parmigiana and I was very disappointed. The egg plant should be soaked in milk to keep it tender, lightly fried, then Layered ( I stress Layered) in a dish with marinara sauce and cheese, many layers, like lasagna. This way the flavors all combine with each other and the egg plant is moist and delicious. Daniels egg plant was about the size of a silver dollar (never have I seen one that small), fried hard and crunchy, with cheese melted on top of it. They also serve it over pasta. I prefer my pasta served on the side. The marinara sauce reminded me of salsa, a lot of chunky tomatoes without a whole lot of flavor, like it had not been simmered enough. I couldn't even taste the garlic! My husband had a deluxe pizza, which he said was "okay" and could get the same quality in a mall.
We went on a Monday night so we did not have to wait but a few minutes to be seated. The service and atmosphere was good. I was surprised at the rating of 90.5, which now I know has been a constant problem. If they took the course for 2 extra points, that means their rating is actually a "B". Will I go back? No. My quest to replace Guarino's continues.
Pros: Service Good on a week night
Cons: Average tasting food
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