Arrabiata's

Arrabiata's

600 Dover Center Road

Bay Village, Ohio

(440) 835-9100

http://www.arrabiatas.com/

The Mr. and I had been to Arrabiata's twice for dinner before making this lunch outing. The first time we were impressed, but the second time left us a little disappointed. I'm not sure if we were swayed by the environment - visit #1 was a beautiful fall evening, and we sat out on the patio and fell in love with their homemade Ranch dressing. Visit #2 was a frigid winter night, we sat in direct aim of the gusts of cold air that came through the main entrance, and we ordered Caesar salads, thinking it was THAT dressing that we loved. So upon our return, I wasn't sure what we'd feel when we left. Granted, lunch is always a different motive. Get in, get out, spend minimally, and leave satisfied.

What I ate:

Insalata Italian, $9

What The Mr. ate:

Side salad, with Ranch of course, $2.5

Veal Cacciatore, $8.50

We both drank water.

While we browsed the menu, we were given some bread and butter. The bread's average - it seems like they try to warm it up in the oven but instead it ends up making the crust too hard and crumbly. The inside, still soft and warm, though, is enjoyable with the homemade flavored butter.

The Insalata Italian (from their summer salads menu) was a big salad topped with grilled chicken, tomato, onion, mozzarella cheese, and an olive oil and garlic dressing. Served alongside was garlic butter ciabatta bread (yum). Because, as I mentioned earlier, we love their Ranch, I asked for both dressings on the side. I ended up going back and forth between each one, which says a lot for the olive oil and garlic! Warning: This salad is terrific, but be prepared to battle the stench it leaves in your mouth. Between the garlic bread, garlic dressing, and onions, it's a powerful salad.

The Mr. said he really enjoyed his veal, which came with a side of spaghetti marinara. We've decided their marinara sauce isn't very good, which is a sad thing to say considering it's an Italian restaurant... There's just not much to it.

I wouldn't rave about the food, but the atmosphere is cozy, the service has always been good, and prices are fairly inexpensive. And if the weather's nice, the patio's decent as well. I would be lured to return for their happy hour, which boasts $5 bar foods and $5 martinis. Oh, and happy hour is also effective during all Indians and Cavs games. Sorry, Browns, no special treatment for you.