Name: Nolan

Overall Rating: 16.5/20

Dish(es) reviewed: Scallopini Portobello—veal prepared with Italian sausage, Portobello mushrooms and peppercorns in a Marsala wine sauce.

Review:

The first feeling upon entering Chianti’s was one of warmth, both in the actual temperature of the room (very pleasant when coming in from the typical Saskatchewan winter evening), and right down to the smallest details of the décor. From the ceiling hung dried cloves of garlic and jalapenos, which blended nicely with the two-tone chocolate coloured walls, giving the interior a distinct Italian feel. And, on the ceiling itself were two magnificent murals – a very fitting touch. Even on a busy Friday night with the restaurant nearly full, it was relatively quiet; the traditional Italian music one might hear on a gondola ride through Venice could still be heard. From where I was sitting, everything looked great and felt great. However, from the other side of the table, facing the front windows, the walls were slightly bare, and could have used a few of the decorations (cloves of garlic and dried jalapenos) used in other parts of the room. It was a very small blemish in the overall look, and did not sway me too much in my decision.

The first thing that popped into my mind when I saw our meals: wow. The portions served were quite large. Very well priced for how much you get – I was impressed. Unfortunately, my Scallopini Portobello was not what I expected. Apparently, the combination of Italian sausage and marsala wine sauce (both of which I enjoy, usually), came together on top of my veal and formed an unexpected flavour. The veal itself was cooked perfectly to my liking, but the sauce surrounding it virtually negated that fact. On the opposite side of my plate, however, was an entirely different story. The carrots and cucumbers - steamed, seasoned, and packed with flavour – were fantastic. I’m not a vegetarian, but I could quite easily eat a meal containing only those carrots and cucumbers. The potatoes were nearly the same, and extremely good. The Portobello mushrooms were caught in the middle; they had qualities from each side of my dish. For dessert, we indulged in something that was completely unlike anything I’d ever had before: a hazelnut gelato, dipped in Belgian chocolate, and shaped like a pear. It was simply delicious. If you are ever stuck with the task of ordering dessert, simply ask for “Pear.” You will not be disappointed.

Ratings: Food 7.5/10 Environment 9/10

Name: Cory

Overall Rating: 16.5/20

Dish(es) reviewed: Portobello Al Limone ($6.95)
Fresh slices of flavorful portobello mushrooms sautéed with garlic in a lemon wine sauce.

Pollo Alla Cacciatore ($10.95)
Tender pieces of chicken backed in tomato sauce than served over spaghetti with sautéed fresh garden vegetables.

Review: The Portobello Al Limone had a very strong taste to it; too much wine took away from the mushrooms. The Pollo Alla Cacciatore at first site looked very colorful and inviting. It tasted much different then I expected, in a good way. My only problem with this dish would be that the chicken was a bit plain, but where the chicken lacks the vegetables, spaghetti and sauce made up for it. The hazelnut ice-cream dipped in Belgian chocolate Pear was the dessert, it was very rich and sweet it was a great way to end the meal.

As soon as you walk into the place you get a warm feel from the decorations and the friendly atmosphere that surrounds you when you’re in the building. The main dining area was quite nice with roof paintings and lots of decorations around. We got seated in the low-ceiling chamber adjacent to the main dining area, my only complaint would be the fact that it was not as colorful nor did it have as many decorations as the main dining area.

Ratings: Food 8.5/10 Environment 8/10

Name: Graham

Overall Rating: 17/20

Dish(es) reviewed: Portobello Al Limone appetizer ($6.95) and Alla Campesino ($8.95)

“Chicken breast, pineapple and sun-dried tomatoes in creamy curry sauce. (regular or spicy)”

Review:

The Portobello Al Limone was a good way to start the meal. The mushrooms were large and plump, the sauce was elegant yet not overpowering (unless you are sensitive to wine sauce). I thought the sauce was awkward in its fluidity and even a bit excessive in quantity. But since I’m a fan of wine-based sauces, I couldn’t ask for more. When I received the Alla Campesino, I was happily surprised. For the price, the size of the dish was very respectable. When I sank my teeth in, the sauce was what grabbed my attention. The chicken and penne pasta were decent, but the sauce was superb. Whoever invented the curry/pineapple combo is a genius! My only complaint here was that I couldn’t detect any spice, and I had asked for the spicy version of the meal. To top everything off, we had a deceptive item simply titled ‘Pear’. This ‘Pear’ was rich hazelnut ice cream dipped in Belgian chocolate, sprinkled with whipped cream and chocolate sauce. The presentation was impeccable, as was the taste. Overall, I was very impressed with the food.

The environment was pleasant, with only a few minor setbacks. The background music was too much in the background, and the chatter surrounding us quite loud. The lighting was pleasant however, the air was warm and the table clean. The traditional-style painting on the roof was a nice touch. However, I would have like to see a few more paintings/decorations in the portion of the restaurant where we were seated. From my vantage point, there were only bare walls and a bare ceiling. Behind me was a masterpiece, but I suppose the food in front of me was decoration enough.

Ratings: Food 9/10 Environment 8/10