I recently went to Mario Fazio's for a weekday lunch. I did not experience any of the bad things that the other reviewers did. The eggplant parm was crispy around the edges and packed a flavorful punch I can't get out of my mind. The sauce was like fresh tomatoes in the summer made into a beautiful, fragrant sauce, not overcooked. The salad was so pretty and arranged just so. I'd never had fresh peas on my salad and they were so delicate and sweet! The bread could have been more artisanal and less buttered for me. I would prefer a warm, crusty loaf and a tub of whipped butter. The dessert cake was a white frosted slice with a fruit preserve between the layers. A small slice but plenty to cleanse the palate after such a big lunch. We also ordered a serving of gelato (they have about 10 flavors of this Italian ice cream, including pistachio!) and it came with a beautiful great-tasting sugar cookie shaped like a star perched atop. The coffee was very Italian (strong!) and the plates were large, square, ceramic, and brightly colored (think Under the Tuscan Sun). The waitress was friendly and attentive, which I appreciate since I am in the food business, too. I am going back tonight with someone I want to impress- can't wait! :)
more