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But the Breadsticks Were Still Good...
Anime Amy often posts reviews of restaurants that she attends, expounding on the virtues of their wine list and culinary selections. I thought I'd try and be Amy for a day and post about my recent restaurant experience: dinner at Fazolis.
It's clear from the advertisements that the food comes second at Fazolis. The breadsticks are obviously their main draw, and they did not disappoint. Most people don't know about this, but if you dine at a standalone (non-mall) Fazolis, a helpful employee will bring a basket of breadsticks (usually the old ones they're trying to get rid of) around to each table and serve them to you. I'm a big fan of this policy, and the only better thing I could think of would be if the waiter actually put them in my mouth for me. This way I would expend the least amount of effort to enjoy the buttery goodness.
However, it was not all smiles and free breadsticks at Fazolis. Eileen and I both had one of their "Signature Pasta Dishes", signature presumably because they are the most expensive items on the menu ($4.00). Eileen partook in some sort of garden vegetable penne something-or-other, while I chose the spicy chicken and marinara penne.
Both of our pastas were underdone to the point of crunchiness. I have had their pasta before, and I've always felt I've gotten a decent meal considering the price and the fact that it's basically fast food pasta, but this was horrible. The flavor was off, the pasta was crunchy, and I didn't even finish my small portion. It was bad enough to overshadow the goodness of the breadsticks and leave me with a bad taste in my mouth.
The drink selection was the standard fountain drink fare, along with some smoothie-looking things. I chose the water, and it proved to be a fine vintage with a pleasant bouquet and good body.
All in all, I give the Fazolis on Chippewa 2 Stars. One star for their breadstick policy, and another for their proximity to Ted Drewes.
Comments
Yeah, what he said. I particularly love how they advertise about using the freshest Italian ingredients and pretend to be located in Rome, Italy. Next thing you know they'll be playing Italian opera in a lame attempt to appear more authentic. But I can't complain too much, since the breadsticks are yummy. And it is located near the Catholic Superstore, where we learn that Jesus was, in fact, taller than the Arch.
Posted by: Eileen at August 9, 2003 10:46 PM
Dude, that sucks. I do like Fazoli's for their breadstick-goodness, but making shitty pasta is horrible for a pasta restaurant. I try not to stray from the basics on fast-food pasta restaurants -- it's awfully hard to mess up lasagna or baked ziti.
Run back to The Hill! Run to Zia's!
Posted by: Amy at August 11, 2003 11:52 AM
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