Mao wrote:
How about some details- times, place in the park, fees, etc.

Sommerman wrote:
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K-Lo wrote:
Third dinner at Osteria last weekend -- with a large party. All of our first course plates, which we shared, were delicious. My son and I shared a pork chop special, which we saw the waitstaff tasting as we came in as they opened. Judging by the looks on their faces, we knew whatever they were eating was making them very happy. My sin and I agreed. Everyone else loved their pasta dishes.

They could use some accoustical work, but the kitchen is consistently fine.

Good to know about the Osteria - thanks for your review. The grocery is really 2nd tier, IMEO. Twice the pappardelle ruined a meal (it was free the second time because I told the guy how awful it was the first time). Perhaps they are trying to discourage consumption of bad carbs. The person cutting the cheese, in the literal sense, cut the rind off a rind-washed cheese) and then cut it parallel to the edge (there is a reason cheese is cut in wedges), the bacon was twisted so tightly that when I wanted to use it it had fallen apart into strips of fat and lean. Most if not all of the cold cuts (affettati) are American and can be found in any decent supermarket. So much of what is happening in JC has just the veneer of quality and competence, like this place. Just one man's opinion, I encourage you to try it for yourself. Personally, I've no reason to return since I pass by Citerella and WF a few times a week.

JCbiscuit wrote:
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bodhipooh wrote:
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Baron-Bay wrote:
Good on you, Voyeur, for getting behind Monty. I do not know the guy, but I am disappointed at the number of JC List contributors who like to joke about businesses that are slow to get their doors open. It takes a great leap of faith and much financial and emotional strain to open ANY business. There are MANY forces to overcome. Delays are not a laughing matter. I took a glance inside in the spring. As far as I can tell, a beautiful, unique space is being created. We should all wish him well and thank him for further contributing to a great, diverse Downtown scene.

I *think* you fail to understand why people comment (and, joke, or make light) of the usual business delays in opening in JC. It isn't that people do not understand or appreciate the hardships and obstacles associated with opening a business. It is the expression of our collective jaded experience... our Buildings Department is regarded by many as the ultimate obstacle for most entrepreneurs. I certainly do not make fun of business owners for failing to meet their expected opening dates. I make fun of the absurdity that is getting inspected and approved to open your doors. Over the past 10 years, it would seem like most new restaurants and bars missed their expected opening dates by many, many months, sometimes years. It is so ridiculous as to have become laughable. Our mayor ran on a platform that, among many things, promised a more streamlined buildings inspection process free of corruption. I am sure there are differing opinions on the progress on this campaign promise, but it would *seem* like things have improved. Over the past year, we have had many new places open in what could be considered record time (by JC standards) and welcoming guests by their announced opening dates. Let's hope things stay on track and we can look forward to many more businesses opening their doors and making all of JC a better place.

for a textbook example of the JC Buildings Dept torpedoing a business before it even had a chance to succeed, see Ox.