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| The new Facci last weekend |
The new Turf Valley shopping center looks like a real winner for people up there. They attracted a team of local restaurateurs to open locations there -- Facci, Xitomate, Grill 620 and Red Parrot.
They also made windows that open. As I drove past the Facci last weekend, entire walls were open. It looked inviting in the fall weather, and it made the center look like a pedestrian street. Just those windows could change the feel of a place like Maple Lawn or a Columbia village center.
While you're thinking about the west county, think about picking fruit and vegetables at Larriland. Tomatoes are scattered, but they're such fun. Plus, apples are in prime season, and you could make apple butters. But then AnnieRie canned pineapple habanero jelly for her first attempt, so you could do almost anything.
10 comments:
It's a beautiful space and if they maintain the quality that they have at their other location, it's gonna be a home run.
I haven't eaten there yet, but I will soon since my son takes taekwondo classes a few doors down the way.
Yes! I was at Facci on Thursday the day it opened and surprised it was not busy! The menu was a feast for the palate as it was so difficult to pick just one item. I chose the Gnocchi Sorrentina and it did not disappoint except I could not finish it all. It reminded me of a dish I had in Celle Ligure, Italy this summer on a trip with my daughter. I'm looking forward to taking the family back soon! We have visited the Facci in Maple Lawn and loved but it's a hike from our TV home!
We went there for dinner tonight, Friday. The food was delicious just like the other one. The servers and kitchen need a little more time to get organized. But, since this was their first Friday night, the meal didn't take too long. They didn't bring our cheese plate until after we had our meal so they gave it to us for free, that was very nice. The only other complaint that I have is that a few areas are really tight to squeeze through. My husband was seated right behind the pizza bar area and servers and patrons kept hitting his chair as they went by. Also, very hard to exit from that area as the server's computers were right in the way. Overall, it was a good experience. The mussels and eggplant parmesan were fabulous! The outdoor area looks very nice as well. I'd probably wait a few weeks for them to work out the kinks.
We went early this evening and our food was very good as well. Have never been to the Laurel location so I can't compare it to that. By the time we left shortly after 6:00 it was filling up. Service was good, especially considering it was their second evening open. Considered getting the eggplant but wasn't sure if it was breaded. The server seemed unsure and I didn't ask him to go check. My husband and I both had side salads with our entree and thought they were quite large. He ordered the chicken parmesan and that came with two huge chicken breasts. Will definitely go back again.
Not to be a naysayer, but never found Facci's food to match its cult like following. Been to the original location several times and could not figure out the hype and the resulting meal which was fine, but no where near worth the effort to get a seat at times. Happy to see a local place thrive and wish them well at the new digs, but hoped I could be more impressed with the product.
We went for dinner on Saturday night. The space looks modern and very inviting. A couple of suggestions for servers, always bring salad before meal unless asked otherwise. An extra touch for a salad is to serve on cold plates. Food and drink coming out of the kitchen was very slow. However we were okay socializing with our friends. I hope you correct these little issues quickly as you get one (or two) times to make a first impression.
The service hasn't hit its stride yet, but the food and atmosphere were expectedly great. With the drought of nicer places around Turf Valley, it'll be mobbed in no time, especially after Xitomate, Red Parrot, and Grille620 open and the locals all begin dining in that complex. The outdoor bar is a nice touch.
anyone have an app suggestion? I know they are halfprice during happy hour. wish they did that with pizza like Coalfire...
I went to the Grille 620 on Friday. It is actually a pretty small setup. Service was a bit uneven as I think our server forgot to enter our order, having come back really late asking if we wanted fries or applesauce with the kid's grilled cheese.
I got the 12 oz NY strip. Steak was done perfectly medium rare, very even edges. Probably could have had a bit more char and seasoning. Wife had the scallops which were good. The miso salmon was flavorful and not over cooked as well. So pretty good marks.
I did order an old Fashioned with Maker's mark. Initial flavor was good, but they used the small square ice, so quickly diluted the cocktail.
I went and sat at the bar on a Tuesday night. Surprised by how crowded it was. My dad and I ordered a $14 pizza (Brocolli Rabe and Sausage). It was very good, but it was not outstanding (the crust, IMHO, is too thin and cannot hold up, literally. Also, I believe the smoked mozzarella was left off, perhaps partly because I requested it with a red sauce base and not white).
I thought it was too pricey. I know many will argue about premium, authentic pizzas, but give me a break. In any decent size city setting their are Neopalitan places that serve pizzas of 12-inches for the same price, and many with seasonal combinations and offered half price during happy hours (if you're ever in New Orleans, I suggest John Besh's Domenica!)
I think the new location is good for HoCo, but until they create some new combos or increase the pizza size somewhat (or offer specials) I won't be a regular.
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