47426 Wed Feb 07 02:13:18 -0800 2001 4 2 Los Angeles Area 0 235796 Before today I'd only been to Fresco which receives marginally higher marks from Zagat's. I accidentally made a reservation at Far Niente today, and thought their carpaccio and wine list left Fresco's rather a distance behind. I work in the greater metropolitan (ha) area and am always looking for better places for business lunches. Any comments on these or other places would be much appreciated. Wed Feb 07 02:13:18 -0800 2001 0 Deborah 1 235818 Fresco used to be a great place; much nicer room and somewhat more inaginative food than Far Niente. Lately I'm not sure the food or the service is worth the higher prices and the wine list is little short of a rip off. Far Niente is darker and seems older (which it really is not), with closer tables and nowhere near the pleasant atmosphere. The food, though, is now actually better than Fresco and the wine list is far more reasonable. Service seems to be a little more reliable, the food is more interesting, and the prices are better. Fresco seems to offer little more than a pleasant memory while Far Niente is a better deal and more reliable. Try Gennaro's, farther north (of Glenoaks) on Brand for a place that's more interesting than either. For a great deal and surprisingly good food there's Osteria Nonni on Glendale Boulevard in Atwater (south of San Fernando Rd.) Fri Feb 09 01:17:46 -0800 2001 235796 0 Griller141 2 236133 ate there two nights ago food was terrible and way overpriced what are people tlaking bout? my date didnt even eat half her food an dfelt sick all night but hey the wine was good Wed Nov 21 16:06:51 -0800 2001 235818 0 david 3 236134 You know, yr post might actually be of some use if you mentioned which restaurant you were talking about... Griller141 mentioned 4 different ones. Erik M. Wed Nov 21 17:02:32 -0800 2001 236133 0 Erik M. 1 235855 We've been going to Fresco for years (when it was Fresco's in Glendale, then Tony Orlando's in Pasadena, and Fresco again in Glendale, so I mean YEARS)and it has been consistently excellent food and impeccable service. My favorites on the menu are the duck crespelle, the smoked chicken triangle pasta (when they have it), and the duck lasagna. Their pastas are great. It may not be making great strides, but it is consistent and good, which is more than you can say for most. Fri Feb 09 16:03:56 -0800 2001 235796 0 Cait