181112 Thu Oct 23 13:23:02 -0700 2003 4 15 Pennsylvania 0 972990 I tried going there once before and it was filled to capacity and then some. I've heard good and bad things about the service, but I have a gift certificate so I'm definitely going. (The chill in the air gets me in the mood for Italian...) Can anyone advise on the best dishes to choose as well as possibly a good wine to bring? Thu Oct 23 13:23:02 -0700 2003 0 Kevin 1 972992 I usually like the papardelle at Porcini. It's been a couple of months since I've been there, but I happened to walk by the other day and noticed that they repainted. It looks very cozy now. Enjoy! Thu Oct 23 14:19:56 -0700 2003 972990 0 Howard Roberts 1 972994 Sorry I can't help you with the wine but I do like their canneloni. Thu Oct 23 18:16:12 -0700 2003 972990 0 Elaine 1 973000 The gift certificate burning a hole in my pocket, I decided to go to Porcini last night. There was a very large party taking up most of the room when my friend and I arrived at 6:30. We were seated promptly in the back of the house, right next to the kitchen. Not the best of seats, but then again, I don't there really is a good seat there, it's so tiny. Hmm. To start I had the grilled calamari. I always choose calamari when I can- I use it as a litmus test of sorts. This was really very good. Served on a bed of arugula and capers w/ a lemon vinaigrette. Very tangy, not what I was expecting. My friend had the asparagus with wrapped in prosciutto w/ parmesano reggiano. Came in a nice little package, very delicate, and melted in your mouth. Delicious. Dinner was a pollo alla balsamico? for me. Veal... carbonata? for my friend. Mine was excellent- Extrememly moist and tender chicken breasts drizzled with a healthy portion of reduced balsamic vinegar. The reduction was executed very well, that perfect mix of tangy-sweetness. The veal was just ok. Actually somewhat chewy, which I found strange. I think it was fairly overcooked. Oh well. Both came with roasted potatoes and steamed zuccini. Portions were perfectly-sized. Dessert was a canneloni and apple tart. Both ok. The servers were efficient & friendly, price was about $30 each for app, entree, and dessert. The size vs capacity ratio of Porcini, I think, is it's biggest downside. I can handle the coziness of Dmitri's, Aden, or Figs, for example, but this was a bit much. The large party really brought up the volume in the small place, so much so that I couldn't hear what our server was saying at times. Beyond that, hands reached over my plate twice mid-meal to refill my water. (Think of an arm passing 6 inches in front of your face, between you and your plate.) Last, my friend literally had to move the table of two behind him just to get out of his seat. (Isn't there some fire code against that?) Some people may find the extreme coziness comforting, but not me. I felt quite claustophobic. I'd try it again, though only for the great food... Fri Oct 24 10:00:25 -0700 2003 972990 0 Kevin 2 973006 I agree that Porcini isn't the best restaurant for an intimate conversation, but I love the food. In addition, I enjoy the hustle and bustle atmosphere. Once, for instance, I went there for my birthday. Coincidentally, two other tables were also having birthdays. By the time dinner was over, it felt as if everyone in the crowded room was at the same party and we were treated to complimentary desserts. I've seldom had such a friendly restaurant meal. Fri Oct 24 14:07:35 -0700 2003 973000 0 Howard Roberts