Via dei Mille

At some point last week, I had dinner with Ms. J at Via de Mille.  I was super excited because I hadn't seen her since she got the good news re: the most grueling exam ever.  I was looking forward to Via de Mille (turn down your speakers before you click) because I love going to SoHo and peaking into the boutiques to find something new.  I didn't get a chance to do that this time, but nevertheless I was looking forward to Via de Mille.

Upon entering the restaurant you're immediately in the front dining area.  The model like hostess offered us a table in the front but I was not interested in the draft that would pass through the dining room each time someone opened the door, so I requested we sit in the back.   What a mistake.  As soon as we sat down the manager started complaining to the waiter that we shouldn't be sitting there.  Apparently they were expecting some VIPs.  I won't go into too much detail because one experience at a restaurant, unrelated to the food shouldn't make or break a review.  What I will say is that the server did not mention the specials to us, ignored us for a good portion of the meal, and when we finished our entrees asked if there was anything else, rather than asking if we wanted dessert.  The chef also repeatedly stepped out of the kitchen and peaked over at the VIP table, which mind you was filled with unrecognizable faces.  The manager harassed the servers repeatedly and asked them to pay close attention to the "VIP" table.  It was quite an unfortunate event.  As for the food, Ms. J ordered the Paccheri  Pasta with Seafood in a Light Tomato Sauce.

It looked pretty good to me, but she noted that the dish was salty and really not that fabulous.  As for me, I ordered the FIletto di Salmone.  

A Wild King Filet of Salmon served with Red Bliss Potatoes and Horseradish Mash, Baby Watercress Salad and Red Roasted Pepper Coulis.  It was beautiful and incredibly delicious.  The red pepper coulis was perfect and brought the dish together quite well.  I was definitely impressed with this dish.  After we finished, we forced our server to offer us dessert.  Ms. J ordered the Nutella Crepes. 

Delicious crepes filled with Nutella Hazelnut Spread and served with Vanilla Gelato.  It looked quite decadent, but I must say that $10 is a little steep for such a small portion.  Before I even arrived, I had my heart set on the White Chocolate Mousse.

It was creamy goodness, but the milk chocolate shavings were a bit of a distraction.  Overall, Via dei Mille is a restaurant with good food but not incredible.  Most of the dishes were not memorable and could have probably been served at any other Italian restaurant.  I was definitely dissatisfied with the service and hope that they learn how to treat their customers better, even if they're not explicitly labeled VIP.

Hungry yet?