Cuisine type: Italian, pizza
Atmosphere: casual, family style seating, subdued lighting
Meal: dinner
Overall score: 8
Nina
Seeking a quick late dinner, we stopped by the Mexicali Grill in Santa Clara. After sitting at our outdoor table for 15 minutes and not even getting water (or the promise of water), we crossed the parking lot and entered a much more welcoming and well staffed Tomatina. The lighting was dim, the seating was a combination of smaller tables and banquet/family style shared tables, and we were quickly presented with menus and water, and soon afterwards offered drinks.
The menu was classic and rustic Italian, with a broad selection of vegetarian and seafood dishes, along with smaller sections specifically designated as for meat eaters. It was nice to see this kind of balance, where vegetarian options are not an afterthought, while at the same time not being the only thing available.
I ordered a beer and the mushroom veal medallions with marsala sauce, served alongside mashed potatoes and roasted bell peppers with zucchini. The dish was quite flavorful, the meat was tender and the sauce was rich and creamy without being too heavy. The vegetables were perfectly cooked, which I appreciated given how many times I’ve had both of them either overcooked or virtually raw. That being said, there could have certainly been improvements to add an extra zing - more seasoning with the sauce and vegetables, an extra softness or golden sear to the meat, but I guess you can’t have it all.
A much redeeming factor was the classic, solid tiramisu that I had for dessert. Dessert always makes everything better :)
The menu was classic and rustic Italian, with a broad selection of vegetarian and seafood dishes, along with smaller sections specifically designated as for meat eaters. It was nice to see this kind of balance, where vegetarian options are not an afterthought, while at the same time not being the only thing available.
I ordered a beer and the mushroom veal medallions with marsala sauce, served alongside mashed potatoes and roasted bell peppers with zucchini. The dish was quite flavorful, the meat was tender and the sauce was rich and creamy without being too heavy. The vegetables were perfectly cooked, which I appreciated given how many times I’ve had both of them either overcooked or virtually raw. That being said, there could have certainly been improvements to add an extra zing - more seasoning with the sauce and vegetables, an extra softness or golden sear to the meat, but I guess you can’t have it all.
A much redeeming factor was the classic, solid tiramisu that I had for dessert. Dessert always makes everything better :)
| Food | 8 |
| Drinks | 8 |
| Atmosphere | 8 |
| Service | 9 |
| Value | 8 |
Ben
This is a pretty solid italian place, average location across from a strip mall in Santa Clara. The pizza was pretty tasty; a little thick but generous with the toppings (we had meat lovers: pepperoni, prosciutto, spicy italian sausage and mushrooms). The atmosphere is decent, somewhat dimly lit, wooden tables in a combination of booths, long tables, and several (small) TVs hung up throughout, tonight playing the olympic opening ceremony though I imagine they tend to play the sport of the day. They offered a reasonable beer selection with some local favorites. The price was about average. Not a bad place if you are in the area and looking for italian (though I can only speak to the pizza).
| Food | 8 |
| Drinks | 8 |
| Atmosphere | 8 |
| Service | 8 |
| Value | 7 |
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