Sunday, February 18, 2007

The Mafia Owns Carle Place

I finally got the chance to dine at Ciao Baby. I have been wanting to eat there for over 4 years now. I had heard about it from a student who went with his wife & her family. He kept saying they went to this great italian restaurant "C. Ow. Baby" (the phonetic spelling of what he said). He also said "My wife is 100% italian........I'm spanish...what do I know about good italian food? They LOVED IT!" An intalian liking italian restuarant food? It must be good.

So I went to Carle Place to see what all of the hype was about. Walking in was like entering a 'Sopranos' episode. Johnny, Tony, Peepo, and Joey were all at the door to greet me when I walked in. Thank goodness I had called ahead to be put on the list so my wait would be less than 1/2 the time as if I had just walked in.

The place is dark, narrow, and crammed with tables. The bar area appeared spacious, but I didn't have the chance to find out. I was seated quickly by Gianni and met my 2 waitstaff members. One would take care of my beverages & dessert and the other for my appetizer & entrees. The portions, although not family-style, are tremendous and they do recommend sharing. The waiter also said that if I do not see it on the menu, they can and will still prepare for me anything I request.

I ordered an appletini and was so happy when it came with a green apple slice garnishing the edge. I then listened to the specials and decided on the fried crab-stuffed ravioli (that tasted much like good crab cakes) and a stuffed rigatoni.

While waiting for the food, Gianni came back & explained that two HUGE parties were moving into the section and I had first dibs on the booth that just opened up. I was all too happy to not have to sit near the incoming groups & grabbed my martini & scurried to the booth. I waited a bit longer, listening to Frank Sinatra (and lucky me...I got to watch him on the tv screens they had ther as well). I am not a "Blue-Eyes" fan at all & think that one must be italian to appreciate him.
*sidenote*Mr. Italy used to have Dean Martin's "That's Amore" as his voicemal song.....UGH! It always drove me nuts calling & hearing that.

My food came &, yes, the portions were way too big. I loved the crab ravioli but was less-than-impressed with the rigatoni. The sauce tasted like something from a can. The appletini was so strong that it took forever to finish the dinner only because with each sip it went right to my head & legs.

When I was finished & ready to leave, Gianni came back & said I should go to the bar for 'drinks on him' because I was so cooperative for moving tables. I thanked him & declined and he tried to insist again, but there would be no way for me to drive for the next 10 hours if I had done that.

Overall, the experience was nice & I'd definately go back for another appletini, but I'll have to go with people 'more italian' so this Irish Lassie doesn't stand out too much!