Eric and Michelle discuss world peace as they sip on their cocktails.

Two other couples met Alison and me on Saturday night for an evening at [tag]Allegro[/tag]. I had been searching on-line for something new to try and sent out Allegro’s link to our friends. Michelle said it looked “hot,” so we decided to follow her thoughts and try it out.

Located on Dutch Valley Road across from [tag]ONE Midtown Kitchen[/tag] (which is hot hot hot,) the newest [tag]Italian in Midtown[/tag] is spacious and warm. It is not necessarily a “sexy restaurant” but I don’t think it is supposed to be. You get more of a nice inviting feeling when you walk in. You are greeted by the good looking hosts/hostesses and can walk straight to the bar if you are waiting. We got a couple of martini’s – one a Cosmo and another a lemony one -and unfortunately both were a bit too tart, but alas, I managed to drink most of mine anyway. The manager, Steven, was extremely accommodating and sat us at a great corner round table (I do love round tables) in back room.

They have a really nice wine list and the menu is offers traditional (but not boring) pasta and risotto, fish, and meats. The only thing that bugged me about the menu is that you are very aware (because it is written all over the menu) that you will indeed pay extra -$4.00-for splitting a meal. Yet, with the pasta dishes, you may opt for a smaller portion for a lesser price and therefore you will not need to share your food with anyone… The wine list was great and not too expensive and the desserts were spot on. Alison and I had the chocolate mousse and it was delightful.

We enjoyed our evening there although our one vegetarian at the table was given the wrong risotto dish and ended up with a fork full of sausage and risotto in her mouth. Not so good. It was a mistake I know, but in vegetarian standards, a pretty serious one. Besides that, our waiter Rochell, was very good. He was too serious I thought, but lightened up by the end of the night!

All in all, Brutus gives it 3 paws up!