513640 Sun Apr 27 18:43:40 -0700 2008 3 3 California 0 3634941 After years of listening to my boss sing the praises of Mario's, my husband and I finally made it there for dinner (thanks to that Christmas gift certificate!). I get it! Okay, well I get the food - the service started out really strong, but ended up being a bit disappointing. First, the food - I would go back here in a heartbeat for the food. We shared an order of calamari as a starter. Generous portion, lightly battered, plenty of "bodies", and a tasty dipping sauce. I opted for a couple of the evening's specials - first the beet salad with arugula and goat cheese. You really can't go wrong with that combination of flavors. It was a little light on the dressing, so I added some of the olive oil and balsamic that was served with our bread. I also went with one of the pasta specials - it was fantastic. A home made rigatoni tossed with chicken, fresh tomatoes, basils, and pinenuts. Simple, but the seasonings and flavors all melded together so nicely. Only disappointment of the evening was the service. The hostess was so pleasant, and initially the waiter was as well. A bit cocky, but bearable. Initally, he was attentive - not overboard, just right. Eventually, tho, he barely came by, and we were having to wave down bus boys and the hostess to get anything - including our check. Matter of fact, after getting our entrees, he never came by our table again - he was plenty attentive to neighboring tables, just not us...was it something we said?!. Not good. It wouldn't deter me from visiting Mario's again - I would just hope we don't have the same waiter! Anyway - Mario's was pleasant and I'm glad we finally paid it a visit. Sun Apr 27 18:43:42 -0700 2008 14910 nancyhudson 1 3635357 WHere's it at, Nancy? Sun Apr 27 22:32:56 -0700 2008 3634941 11117 SteveTimko 2 3637776 Oops - should have included that - sorry. Here you go: Marios Portofino Ristorante www.mariosportofino.com 1505 S Virginia St Reno, NV 89502 (775) 825-7779 Mon Apr 28 15:10:37 -0700 2008 3635357 14910 nancyhudson 1 4125260 Good to know it's still there and doing well. We at there the last time we were in Reno about 2005. We had pretty much the same experience. Lovely food and fading service. The gnocchi was exquisite. They had a decent wine list as well. Thu Oct 23 18:02:10 -0700 2008 3634941 234744 Blueayez