Il Capriccio

04/29/08

Just what we needed

by Papapapa at Citysearch

I was taken to Il Capriccio last month for a business dinner. Two of us arrived a bit early and sat at the bar for a drink. I was very impressed by the variety of aperitifs and the bartenders knowledge of them. I actually do not recall the name of the drink I had (the bartender picked it), but he did well suiting my taste. The four of us were seated in a nice corner by a shaded window. We all had different taste in wine, so we asked for help. The owner picked a bottle that we all enjoyed (we had two). She was interested in understanding what we wanted without making us feel dumb about our lack of knowledge. The service was very good. We were talking business, so he really did not say too much to us, but was always there when needed something. Every bite of the food was delicious. We had some sort of mushroom flan-type thing that was amazing.

I think what was striking to me about this place, striking enough to write a review, was that everything happened as it should. The service was appropriate and attentive; the food was delicious; the wine matched our taste and the food; the bartender knew alcohol; the hostness sat us when we were ready and a specific table was waiting for us; no dirty dishes were left hanging around on the table; and again, the food was terrific. We needed to have a relaxed place to build business relationships while still eating and drinking well. This place fit the bill just right. My wife and I are headed out that way again next month. I have a feeling that it will be a great place for a romantic dinner as well.

Thanks, Il Capriccio . . .you did good.

• Pros: Everything fit
• Cons: Couldn't find the place if I did not have a guide

03/27/08

Terrible experience will NEVER go back!!!

by foodiemujer at Citysearch

We booked our reservation at il Capriccio 2 months in advance so we could secure the private room for my mother's 75th birthday.We had relatives fly from California for the event.Three days before our Saturday Night reservation we were called by the hostess of Il Capriccio to say that they had a heating problem in the private room that they were trying to fix, but if it wasn't fixed by Saturday night we would just have a table in the general restaurant.They also assured us that if the heating problem was fixed we could still have the private room, otherwise it wasn't going to be used. So we went to the restaurant crossing our fingers that we could have the private room for this special occasion. I arrived early to drop off a birthday cake I had made. I sat at the bar and had a glass of wine and waited.To my right and downstairs was a beautiful table set up in the private room, I naturally assumed it was ours. However, much to my surprise a group of young woman came in and after greeting the chef with hugs and kisses were escorted down to the private room.When I asked the hostess what was going on she replied, "Oh we did have a heating problem, but it got fixed, and those people are good friends of the chef". I explained that we were promised the room if it became available, that my Mom is 75 and also battling a malignant disease, and that we were bumped after waiting for 2 months" and the hostess just shrugged and said "Sorry" at which point I burst into tears. I have been so upset since Saturday.I will NEVER go back and intend to let people know that you are NOT TREATED well by Il Capriccio!!Also the food was good but not amazing and certainly not worth the price!!!!I mean 30 dollars for potato gnocchi that was swimming in Olive oil???Risotto with Lobster that you can't taste because it was heavily flavored with Pesto?But more importantly we go out to eat for the experience, and I was sorely and sadly very very disappointed!

• Pros: They had a great waitstaff, except the Sommelier.Nice bar, easy parking.
• Cons: Management and Hostess who could care less, A Bitter Troll of a Sommellier that was snooty and condescending. A wine list with majority high end prices and very little to order under 100 dollars.

07/25/07

great food and service/extremely knowledable staff

by alralph at Citysearch

as good as any meal(if not better)i had in roma or firenzi.staff extremely helpful,especialy wine steward/owner.very timely service in a very nicely appointed room