Charming, Neighborly and Italian

"You talkin' to me?"

Becky's turn finally came around again in September, and she made the group an offer we couldn't refuse: dinner at Bella Napoli in Brookside. It was delightful, and earned a 4/5 stars from me.

This place does it all: it's a nice dinner place, a coffee shop, an Italian deli and lunch joint. We ate inside, in our own little secluded side room--perfect for discussing the family business, if you know what I mean.

I enjoyed the house red wine, a chianti, which was very good. They brought us a little tribute of bread with oil and vinegar, also very good.

I ordered the Tagliatella alla Bolognese, thick pasta with meat sauce and a touch of cream. Simple, meaty, delicious. Worthy of the Don, on the day of his daughters wedding.


Since I was sharing with a very hungry and squirmy Luke, I sprung for a side of sauteed spinach, which was the. best. ever. It had generous amounts of oil and butter, topped with salty parmesan. My Nonni always told me to eat my veggies, but I've never had 'em like this before. (Being green and all, Luke still wouldn't touch the spinach. But if he had, he would have loved it.)

Next time, I'll try a cannoli for dessert, but we were all too stuffed.

The restaurant was lively and bustling but not too loud. Decor was simple and authentic feeling for me, and our waiter was great. Go for a nice dinner--I personally vouch for it.