I feel bad saying bad things about nice people, so I hope the owner of Sabatiello's is not pissed that I said- to an Advocate reporter- that I thought the food at Sabatiello's was "OK."
It's such a neat little spot and it's just a mystery why it's not more productive," Redlien (that's me!) said. "You can look out and see everyone that's going by." One explanation may be the food. In comparison to other Italian restaurants in the city, the few dinners Redlien had at Sabatiello's were "OK," she said. (See full article.)
OK is OK, right? Like, it's not great, and it's not bad? I did not say the food was good, but that's because I am an FC-trained food snob. Not a real food snob, but a food snob who can either pay 20 bucks for great Italian food (small size pasta at Napa, or a delicious pasta entree at Siena) or pay $10-15 for OK food that most people would never complain about. That's how I classify Sabatiello's based on the few times I ate there. It's normal Italian food. But that's the prob. There is so much of it already in Stamford that Sabatiello's has not made a splash.
With Capriccio just a few doors down, you have already have quality Italian food on Bedford, plus the best outdoor scene in Stamford. My husband loves Capriccio, so that's where we get our fill of Italian food at a good price. He likes lighter Italian. I actually like Siena a lot, on the other end of Spring, even though it's a bit pricey to eat there regularly. By pricey, I mean meat entrees are over 20 bucks. Siena is a pretty, romantic resto with very good food. We rarely go there because my husband likes nothing on the menu, but sometimes I can play the sympathy card and we'll get to go there.
But back to Sabatiello's. I can't wait to see the show... and maybe we can all agree to go there in the next week and share our reviews! My husband has been scared to eat at a place that has been on Kitchen Nightmares (I forced him to the reality show taping under slight duress), but maybe the show will portray a place that is clean, with good quality cooks, but that is just struggling because of slow business.
There. I think I feel better now, and that what I said was alright. OK? OK.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Me on Sabatiello's, in Newsprint: Is It OK?
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30 comments:
I think what you said was entirely appropriate. Not having eaten at the restaurant, I don't have first-hand experience to work with, but from everything I've heard (friends) read (chowhound, here), your assessment of "OK" is completely fair.
Plus, I think there's little chance of the owner chasing you down with a meat cleaver.
Just sayin'.
Yeah, it's mediocre at best, and what a waste of great space. And you touch on a really good point...the competition is pretty steep in the immediate area.
Just walk down Bedford:
-You have one of the best restaurants in Stamford, Telluride.
-You have a great Asian Fusion, Republic.
-You have a great little cafe, Capriccio.
-You have a great family place, Lucky's.
-You have a great pizza place, Remo's.
-You have a great pub, Tigin.
-You have a great sports bar, Bradford's.
And that's just on that block. Not even mentioning Napa, Market, Columbus Park, Ferrante, Emme of Capri, Il Falco, Duo, Plateau, Mona Lisa, Uncle Dai's, Colony, Kotobuki, Siena, Bobby V's, Galangal, Bennett's, Capital Grill, Morton's, Tiernan's, Grand, SWG, CPK, PF Changs, Kona, MFM...
In a town where food reigns supreme, Sabatiello's is an afterthought.
So much for ST's anonymity, lady!
I second the last comment...maybe should have edited out your last name there chica...still time to go back and do it. I will go w/you to check out Sabatiello's sometime soon! I am not afraid....that is what pennicillin is for!
am i the only one who doesn't love cappricios? my husband and i got major food poisoning after eating chicken ceasar salad there last summer. i'm always surprised when i read all the raves on this blog about it.
Boy, The Advocate sure is strapped for stories and sources these days ;-)
If Gordon was so on his game, he should have said "Screw Italian - you want to stand out? This city cries for a solid Mexican/Tex-Mex restuarant that's more than just chips, salsa and soggy burritos."
Andy Warhol said that everyone will be famous for 15 minutes. I think you're going into OT now, Kristine, thanks to the blog. Looking forward to seeing you on "Nightmares" tonight. Keep up the good work!
wow..just saw it on TV! The guy is deep in debt, the food is..OK, he has anger issues..yikes!
anonmity? guess you guys missed the article about stamford bloggers in the advocate and stamford times?!
Girl! You looked good!
Aw, thanks! I had forgotten about those earrings. I'm relieved I did not look too freaky or say anything too foolish.
I think I now recall that my steak was quite good, but too raw in the middle, although that was so long ago, I wouldn't sign an affidavit on it.
I don't see Sabatiello's too full downstairs when I go by these days, but since I can't see the upstairs, it's hard for me to say how much business they are getting.
I do think the show will get them some curious customers!
You on TV = adorable
Guy at the end of the bar unable to close his mouth while chewing = unfortunate
Seeing the fat sack behind Sabatiello's = unappetizing
damn you're hot
Well the owner of Sabatiellos' is one dumbass. Italians didnt create pizza greeks did! A sign of a poor italian restaurant is pizza! Idiots. Greeks make pizza. Italians that are smart know their heritage and wouldnt make pizza in it. Wise up! Italians are known for quality pasta not pizza!
Actually its ok to say he has anger problems. The word issue is used to often to sugar coat things we dont want to talk about. Yeah he has anger problems. Even with the help of the show will do everyone a favor and close in a year or so. I can see them closing in a year. They just care about charging for a top notch steak and ripping the customer off. The prick owner even said that his menu was old school! It was a ripoff! He was charging prices for AAA steak and had a cheaper cut, he owes the public a FORMAL apology. What an ass.
We might try it for lunch though.
Then again, Telluride next door might be the better bet . . .
I saw Sammy buying his meats with his staff at CostCo (i wish i was joking...but unfortunately i am not)...how do you think Gordon Ramsey will feel if he comes back and finds a Kitchen Nightmare revisited where the owner is actually WORSE than before he came along to help (he RIPPED on Sammy on the show for marketing imitation crab as jumbo lump meat, and regular steak as black angus, etc.) Considering Sammy is charging a minimum of $60 for a two-person order of "Chef Ramsey's" Bistecco (table-side filet mignon), I think Sammy should be the one scared of getting chased down with a meat cleaver...
Nothing wrong with Costco meats, the NYT did an article last year saying top DC hostesses were buying there, their quality is very good.
Sorry I missed it, hopefully they will archive it or repeat it.
Anyone who doesn't think 99% of all restaurant owners are assholes is naieve. Sammy is the norm, not the exception. /the majority of people who work in restaurants are f'd up, I'm one of 'em.
I agree with gms. While it may not be Whole Foods, Costco has an outstanding meat department. I can't fault the owner for shopping there. If not for my agorophobia, I'd shop there too.
Congrats on making the cut. I didn't spot one of my friends from work. I guess he's not telegenic enough.
Oh yeah, and I'm all for transparency over anonymity in this arena, but then, I don't really have a choice.
Awesome to see you guys on TV, you both looked great. Makes up for having to eat there.
OK - I echo the commenters with the "no shame at Costco" sentiments. In fact I bet Costco has better quality control than most places. Certainly better than the local grocery stores.
But I have to say - having seen the show, I went from "uh, maybe I'll try it," to "No WAY in hell will I ever set foot in there."
Why would Sammy's girlfriend/fiance date a guy like Sammy? I cannot figure it out. He seems like the biggest boor. Is he blackmailing her?
Oh. My. God.
Just saw the thing (http://www.hulu.com/watch/44210/kitchen-nightmares-sabatiellos#s-p1-sr-i0), and I nearly felt sorry for the guy, but I think that with Ramsey out of town, Sammy will revert to the beast at the beginning.
I mean three day old soup, crappy, oversold meat, ersatz crab.
And, throughout, a girlfriend/hostess who was chewing gum during dinner!
The man should never have moved up to that beautiful spot, he is truly not worthy.
hmmm, should I comment? During the show the famous Kahn of the HD showed up for an inspection and did not like what he saw. Lets just say Ramsey offered him a job and he refused. Me I can think of a lot nicer places to eat.
I walked by the restaurant yesterday and not surprisingly, it seems to be closed - permanently.
Confirmed.
http://www.stamfordadvocate.com/ci_11182421
Sammy's girlfriend is one of the most gorgeous creatures I've ever laid my eyes on. How in the world is she with this disgusting, low class pig?
She should find a gentleman, what's going on in her mind to be with him???, she can have any man she wants.
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