My sister and I went for lunch a day or so ago. We arrived near the end of lunch service, just a few tables still occupied.

It seemed as if the hostess/server/owner? was surprised to see us. I suppose they thought they were done until they re-opened at dinner. The stated time for the end of lunch was 2:30 - we were there 1:45-ish. It didn't seem like there should have been a problem (to me), but it was a very awkward feeling.

My sister was having a major pasta craving; she ordered linguine with olive oil, garlic and Parm. cheese. A steak sandwich and Caesar salad seemed to be calling me.... what could I do? We split a half litre of Sangiovese.

The pasta was very garlicky and very good. The steak was nicely cooked, I appreciated the absence of Montreal Steak Spice, and the Caesar salad dressing was great. Unfortunately, a lot of the Romaine lettuce had seen better days, and the home-made croutons were stale and oily. Sangiovese always saves the day.

The room is neo-European bistro style, open and spare. Washroom was nicely decorated, but could have used a bit of cleaning.

Service.... again, an awkward "vibe". Not quite "oh crap, another table when we want to close", but pretty close. Not much attention paid during the meal either. Both water glasses could have used refilling. I also found the "what, you didn't like the salad?" comment, when I left about a wilted third of it, to be a teensy bit aggressive.

Value? OK. Seems like the tables still occupied when we arrived had opted for pizza, and several take out pizza orders went out while we were there. If there is a next time, I'll try the pizza.

Ambivalent feelings about this place.