During the last hour, Nell managed to check her blog four times. There had been no response from Northwoodsman. She was bound and determined not to wait around doing nothing but anticipating a rejection or a confirmation of her invitation to meet. She thought it was high time she posted another review on her blog.
Nell retrieved her restaurant file from the office. It contained written notes she made before she purchased her iPad. She also grabbed the mini for more current reviews. She sat down in her comfy chair in the living room to look it over. She had notes from several establishments so all she needed to do was make a decision.
She picked Fabio’s, an upscale Italian dining spot in Niagara that Leigh and she visited about a month back. Now she just needed to review her notes and close her eyes to remember the evening in detail. This was the way she always prepared for her reviews.
She thought back to when they pulled up in the parking lot, noticed the outside appearance of the building, and the beautiful sign. She considered her impression when opening the door and walking in. Her first recollection was of the tantalizing aroma of garlic. They entered a magnificent foyer. They could either go to the right to the bar, or the left to a table. Nell had checked in with the hostess, reserved a table for two, and they went to the bar side.
Even though she didn’t have an alcoholic beverage because of the long drive home, she always tried to get a bead on a place by watching those who were imbibing. Leigh ordered a rum and coke and Nell requested a Diet Sprite. The two bartenders were friendly and efficient. The patrons appeared to be having a good time. Nell had high hopes that the food side of the establishment was run as smoothly as the beverage side.
In the dining room, Leigh and Nell were seated at a small, but elegantly decorated table. The place settings were lovely as were the tan linen tablecloth and black napkins. Fresh flowers graced the middle of the table. A college-aged young man introduced himself as their waiter and presented menus.
Many enticing entrees were offered. Nell decided on spaghetti carbonara even though she ordinarily didn’t like to order spaghetti, linguini, or fettuccini. She usually ordered penne instead so she could avoid the embarrassment and mess of spilling it all down her shirt. But on that night Nell wanted the whole experience. Leigh chose the whitefish picatta.
With the deliciousness of the meal foremost on her mind, Nell knew she was well-armed to begin her blog posting. She pulled up her blog and commenced writing.
Nell’s Noshes Up North
Fabio’s - Niagara, WI
Far from home, but well worth the drive is one way to convey my impression of Fabio’s in Niagara. However that comment doesn’t adequately portray the delightful evening a friend and I recently experienced there.
Starting with my first glance at the attractive stone building and ending with my last bite of sweet cannoli, Fabio’s is an exceptional place to enjoy a memorable evening.
The decoration in the establishment is exquisite, from the elegant paintings on the walls to the lush fabric of the draperies. The soft instrumentals playing in the background invites you in to a relaxing atmosphere to enjoy a drink or meal. The large bar area, on one side of Fabio’s, has beautiful clear and iced glass throughout. Most of the drinks are served in stemmed glassware for a sophisticated presentation.
The dining area also pleased us. Different sized tables, all with linen tablecloths and napkins, were spaced appropriately so diners couldn’t hear the conversation of the people next to them. The silverware was heavy with no bent tines on the forks (a pet peeve). The addition of a lovely fresh flower arrangement on every table and the continuation of soft music playing in the background added greatly to the relaxing atmosphere of the room.
Our young waiter was smiling and attentive. He kept our water glasses filled and brought my friend a sparkling glass of wine exactly when she wanted it.
We both chose an Italian specialty as that is the theme of the restaurant. Steak, chicken, and seafood were also on the menu, but we went with pasta. I ordered spaghetti carbonara and she ordered whitefish picatta. Each entrée came with a salad and garlic bread.
To our delight, good-sized salads arrived along with the generous portions of warm garlic bread. The salads had crisp greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, black olives, pepperoncini peppers, curls of parmesan cheese, and a peppery Italian dressing. The garlic bread had just the right amount of bite, almost melting in our mouths.
When our entrees arrived my friend and I were both relaxed and anticipated what wonders we would next experience. We were not disappointed. My carbonara held true to tradition using cream, egg, and pecorino Romano cheese, but substituted the bacon that most places serve with pancetta. A switch I may use the next time I give this a try in my own kitchen. The sauce was so rich I knew I would be taking a lot of it home with me. What a pleasant thought! My taste buds were absolutely singing.
My friend was extremely happy with her choice as well. She had a good-sized portion of whitefish served with bright green asparagus and salty capers in lemon garlic butter. She decided to take half of hers home, too.
We each wanted to try a cannoli. Few places have served me a good cannoli and I wanted to see if Fabio’s expertise extended into the dessert menu. Let me assure you that it did. Excellent!
The whole experience at Fabio’s was wonderful. I only wish it was not so far from home. But maybe the distance is a good thing. Otherwise I might give up reviewing restaurants and just eat there every time I dine out.
True nosh or truly nauseous?—You Decide!
Nell enjoyed thinking back about the pleasant evening they experienced in Niagara. How she loved doing restaurant reviews! Her blog was a source of pride for her and she knew she couldn’t give it up. She was going to fight for it!