Relish: Chowing down at the tasty new Ciao Bello
When you have a special occasion that demands a romantic setting, such as a birthday or an anniversary, you may typically settle for something a little less fantastic than you'd prefer due to the limits of your college budget. Fortunately, you are limited no more, for there exists a place where you can stun your date without having to spend excessive amounts. Welcome to Ciao Bello, the Galleria's recently opened Italian offering.
Ambiance
We dined on a Friday night, and found the scene dominated by middle-aged couples and business clientele. Although the restaurant was crowded, we did not have to wait for a table. The bar was brimming with patrons enjoying a cocktail or a glass of wine before being seated. Most dressed in business-casual attire, which combined with the chic and modern decorations to provide an unpretentious yet first-class feel.
Service
The wait staff impressed us with their upscale service, delivering the food in a timely fashion and acting friendly and respectfully, even to two patrons who were obviously college kids. Our waiter gladly offered his suggestions, which seemed genuine, not price-driven.
Food
We shared an appetizer, ordered two entrees and finished with dessert. As an appetizer, we split mussels ferent aiello, similar to a traditional white wine mussels dish but with a spicy tomato-garlic kick. Following the waiter's advice, Mimi ordered the house special risotto with shrimp and prosciutto in a creamy sauce as her entree. This dish was rich and delicious, not excessively large but certainly filling.
Tim enjoyed the paglia e fieno bello, a pasta dish with creamy mushroom sauce made with porcini and wild mushrooms and topped with rabbit. The sauce was unique and flavorful, clearly combining a wide variety of spices and herbs.
For dessert we shared the tiramisu, which was probably the moistest version we have ever encountered. It boasted a very strong and delectable coffee taste.
Price
This restaurant cannot claim to be cheap, but the quality far surpasses what you would typically expect for the price. We spent about $48, not including tip, but considering the ambiance and the large amount of food that we ordered, this is undoubtedly reasonable.
Tim's recommended dish
Tim recommends the mussels aiello, a unique twist on a classic favorite. Don't let the name fool you. The mussels are delicious in their own right, but the real treat is dipping the bread in the sauce. Make sure to order extra bread, because yours is sure to go fast.
Mimi's recommended dish
Mimi recommends the special risotto, which was, in the words of the waiter, "a mouthful of bliss." Hopefully you will be lucky enough to dine on a night when it is offered.
Tim Pawul is a Sid Richardson College junior and Mimi Arnold is a Wiess College senior.
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