I started this blog by reviewing restaurants so it seems natural that I would re-start it by reviewing restaurants. I go out to eat a lot. Even more now than before. And I travel a decent amount for my job in corporate America, so I dine out everywhere. But the restaurant I'd like to review tonight is right here in my hometown of Atlanta.
Il Localino is a narrow store front in the no-mans land between the Virginia Highlands and Inman Park. The last time I dined there was probably 8 years ago the night before the Peachtree Road Race to "carb load." Eight years ago I thought it was a quaint hole in the wall with passable food, great ambience, great music and a friendly atmosphere.
Not much about my opinion has changed.
I planned to meet a former colleague of mine at Il Localino on a particularly rainy night in December. My colleague got there before me (I had to go home and tend to Wally, my dog,more on him later). While I was dealing with Wally, I got a text from my friend saying that he had gotten there early (like an hour early) but he was being well taken care of... OK, so now I'm hustling to head over to the restaurant.
When I get there, my friend is grinning like a cheshire cat. He leans over and tells me conspiratorially that they have already given him two beers and had him tast several items from the kitchen - lobster, shrimp, steak, cheese...
But let's not get ahead of ourselves. Il Localino is a feast for the senses. It is everything an Italian restaurant should be - their walls are covered with photos of Madonna and Madonna (the virgin mother and the gay icon). Rosaries share space with photos of Michael Jackson and some 70's personalities. In short, there is a lot going on visually. The music is straight Sinatra.
When I first arrived (around 6:30) I was concerned because the place was mostly empty. I hate the idea that small locally owned places will be pushed out by the likes of Figo. But I needn't have worried, by the time we left (8'ish) the place was full.
Back to the food. It was OK.
But what sets this place apart is the service. The owner visited our table many times. He loves his patrons and, I believe, considers them family (at least that was how I felt). He came over, told us the story about how he came to own the place (apparently 20 years ago it was a dry cleaners and it took him some time to convince the dry cleaner he was in the wrong business), and then winked at me and told my friend that he understood why my friend had waited for me. Yes, I'm a sucker for a compliment.
On the way out, I was offered a rose which I kept in a vase for a week.
I will not wait 8 years to return to Il Localino. I love the restaurant and their love for their patrons.
Take care dear readers...
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