Roberto Paciullo was born under a benevolent star. During our first visit to Arthur Avenue, Helga and I were keen on eating the delights of Italian cuisine.Roberto's tubettini with clams, mussels and lava beans John Mariani After some research, we decided to have lunch at Trattoria Tra Di Noi which had a Michelin star. We didn’t have a reservation but were seated right away facing the street so we could see the view. Menus were given and we also looked at the specials written on a chalk board which didn’t list prices. We decided on two entrées from the specials. Veal stew with fusilli and pork scallopini with capers accompanied by roasted potatoes and green beans to be shared. Helga chose a Merlot and I had a glass of Chardonnay. A basket of brown bread was placed on the table and we both took a piece and dipped it in the olive oil that was on the table. All the dishes had brilliant colors and looked appetizing. The veal stew was tender and paired well with the fusilli. The pork scallopini was succulent and the capers in the sauce heightened the flavor in the sauce. I ate as slowly as I could not only to savor each bite but to etch it in memory. After all how often will I be able to return? Both the vegetables were also cooked well. The green beans were both crisp and tender. Aah! The roasted potatoes were the stuff of dreams browned in spots and jmouthwatering. Both of us ate our fill and at the end I struggled to eat two more pieces of potatoes as they were irresistible. Trattoria Tra Di Noi is a treasure from the red and white checked tablecloths to the top notch cuisine and friendly staff. The owner stopped to ask if we were enjoying the food and he was both pleasant and kind. Both Helga and I have often thought of our lunch and plan on returning. If we had oodles of money, we would hire a limousine to take us there every week so we could have several more feasts.I can't really comment on the food since I didn't get an opportunity to order: I support each and every restaurant on Arthur Avenue and I wanted to try their food. I walked in and I requested a menu, the woman who serves, was in a personal conversation with the other waitress about her boyfriend and how he left her for a much younger and thinner woman yada yada yada. The way I look at it people should not be discussing their private business in a place of work, is rude and it brings bad business practices, who knows why would she be discussing personal issues in front of the customers. Customers are paying top dollar to be treated with respect and served great food not have to be exposed to riff raff. Every few minutes she would circle me and asked if I was going to order but I got the impression they were uncomfortable with my presence because they kept staring at my hands and bags, I just finished shopping on Arthur Avenue. I was standing by the bar/counter and my phone rang and I had to take a very important call and she came over and was looking at me as if I had done something wrong and started to talk to me while I was on the phone, I needed to make a quick notation at the counter/bar. I asked them for a pen and then I asked is there a problem? and they pushed a menu towards my hand and said take this to go as I was still talking on the phone, I asked them what you want me to leave? They stated they don't care if I left, I've never felt so un-welcomed in my own borough. I left the restaurant but I was under the impression the reason I was not welcomed was far beyond their reaction since I was not talking loud or disturbing anyone, I was merely taking a number I needed.
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