Jianna

I’ve been “dying” to eat at this restaurant since I read about the concept. Fresh, simple, Italian fare made from scratch in a great venue in the heart of downtown Greenville. We tried to go a few times before but tried to make reservations too late both times.

The upscale eatery is located above lululemon right across from Falls Park on the Reedy. The second floor location offers the perfect wrought iron encased vantage point to people watch and enjoy a relaxed dinner.

Inside seating is available for those who want to watch the acclaimed chef oversee the kitchen and view the pasta being made from scratch.

Chris surprised me with reservations for my birthday so off we went to check it out. The weather was perfect and the veranda was all that I had hoped it would be.

The waiter offered us still or sparkling waiter as soon as we were seated at our table. I assumed that “still” water was upscale lingo for regular water which was correct.

We started with the Potato Gnocchi and Grilled Ciabatta with Olive Oil. The appetizer was excellent. I probably could have ordered that and been full.

The grilled bread was a nice complement to the dish. I prefer when they put the olive oil and seasoning on a small saucer like Carrabba’s so the mixture is evenly spread on the bread but #firstworldproblems.

Their sweet tea was perfection. I am a true Southerner at heart and am stingy with my sweet tea endorsements but it was brewed like my Mom’s tea.

For our main entrees, Chris went with the Bavette Steak Tagliata. I felt like I had to get pasta since that is the restaurant’s signature offering. (It’s like going to a seafood place and not ordering steak because it feels wrong. Maytbe that’s just me…)I had the Spaghetti TBG with Shrimp which I was told was one of the most popular dishes.

Chris liked his beef and accompaniment’s but felt it was somewhat on the dainty side. The plating was Instagram worthy.

The waiter happened to come by at the exact moment Chris tried to clock me from sampling his beef which was funny.

I thoroughly enjoyed my “spaghetti”. This is not your traditional spaghetti. The heirloom tomatoes were bursting with the flavor and the dish was very tasty.

Usually, we are too full for dessert but since it was my birthday we decided to check out the dessert menu. Chris had the Italian Chocolate Cream Cake (espresso caramel, cocoa hazelnut soil) and I went with the Limoncello-Lemon Tart (coconut meringue, strawberries, grated pistachios, sweet whipped cream).