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REVIEW: Cafe Revo ~6 months later...

Started 2 years ago by Homer
Latest reply from dobro

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Homer
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So, we've been to Italy and thought, jeez, how have we not tried Cafe Revo yet? I also like to let a restaurant work out the kinks for a few months before trying them. Well, last night we tried them and were quite unimpressed. The atmosphere was great, the staff was great but the food and the menu were just "eh". I had such hope for this true authentic Italian restaurant. All four of us with different dishes left thinking..."eh, that was ok". The menu seemed very limited and the prices seemed high for what we got (and no free bread). For example, I start to judge a place by it's spaghetti marinara which said it was a "rich pear tomato sauce" for $7.95. Well, it tasted like sauce from a jar and was very runny and liquidy and had no real flavor at all. Nothing like in Italy or other restaurants around the area. Our party had lots of other dishes that were pricey and also had no flavor or were quite small.

Well, it had potential and maybe it will in the future but as for now, just another attempt at Italian that is expensive, not much flavor, and a limited menu. Again, we did like the atmosphere and the staff was great but the food is what keeps me coming back to restaurants. Oh well....*sigh*

Posted 2 years ago #
JoB
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Homer...

That's the conclusion i came to.. though i do enjoy dropping in for lunch occassionally...

just not dinner.. i expect too much from dinner.

Posted 2 years ago #
c@lbob
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We went to Cafe Revo Saturday night and had an excellent meal.

We started with the non-alcoholic lemonade with strawberry - refreshing and just sweet enough.

Caesar salad was as expected, nothing to complain about, nothing to write home over. The croutons were good.

The rack of lamb was tasty, well prepared and consisted of 4 large chops. They came with a delicious risotto, green beans, mint and rosemary garnish.

The Torta Revo we shared was a satisfying end to a great meal.

No reservations required, ample parking, friendly staff. I guess I could always ask for more, but what would be the point?

Posted 2 years ago #
Cait
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Must have a really great reputation if an "eh" experience constitutes a rant. I've always loved it there, but you do pay quite a bit.

Posted 2 years ago #
EmmyJane
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Homer- we just came back from Italy a couple months ago and I've never expected anything to ever come close to that (although believe me, I've hoped!!) I agree, I was hoping for it from Revo, but its American Italian and for what it is it really is decent. Although I'm speaking from a very limited place b/c I'm a vegetarian so I can't eat a lot of the meu. One bonus they do have though on most places around here is outdoor seating.

Posted 2 years ago #
EmmyJane
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Homer- we just came back from Italy a couple months ago and I've never expected anything to ever come close to that (although believe me, I've hoped!!) I agree, I was hoping for it from Revo, but its American Italian and for what it is it really is decent. Although I'm speaking from a very limited place b/c I'm a vegetarian so I can't eat a lot of the meu. One bonus they do have though on most places around here is outdoor seating.

Posted 2 years ago #
kg
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"If you are posting a rant about a business, YOU MUST SAY WHAT STEPS YOU TOOK FIRST TO NOTIFY ITS OWNERSHIP/MANAGEMENT. If you took those steps and still want to tell the world, fine, but this is NOT the place to come just to rag on a business without having let them know directly.

If you tried but could not get through - include that info, because that's a helpful part of your story."

Those are the rules for a "RANT" post here on WSB.
What did the management say?

Posted 2 years ago #
JanS
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kg...doncha think it's more of a review than a "rant"? I mean...what do you do...call them up and say...Hey, your service was great but the food was...eh..."...that's a review...and it's posted in "open discussion" What could the restaurant have possibly done...hand out gift certificates to everyone who has a less than wonderful experience?

I think maybe homer should write to the owner..snail mail...and voice his disappointment...

Posted 2 years ago #
SarahScoot
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Jan:
Yes, of course this is more a review than a rant. Since that's the case, Homer shouldn't have labeled this post a "rant." I think that's what kg's annoyed by, and I am too. It doesn't matter what the body of the post is; there's a psychological connection made when people see "Rant: Cafe Revo..." as the post title.
I know the owners of Revo and am irritated by this post title.

Posted 2 years ago #
WSB
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I'm retitling it a review, which as suggested seems to be the proper label. (Disclosure, Cafe Revo is a WSB sponsor.) May have a few hours later tonight to finally separate out the food posts into their own Forum category, as was also suggested some time ago. A protocol to classify reviews with REVIEW in the heading will be part of it.

Posted 2 years ago #
JoB
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TR..

great idea...

i would love a review venue..

Posted 2 years ago #
kg
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@JanS
At the time it was labeled "RANT" so no I didn't think of it as a review. It's hard to read implied content on a forum.

A review venue would be a great idea.

Let's have this thread have more posts than the cupcake one. LOL.

Posted 2 years ago #
Homer
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Guys, enough, it's been changed to REVIEW but really who cares. Most of you are missing the point. JanS, thanks for saying that because, KG, no, I don't have to go to the restaurant first. That's the point of these open forums. There's nothing a restaurant will do when I say their food is somewhat bland and a bit overpriced. I post it here to alert others about it and maybe the owners will read this, maybe they won't, but it's my decision to write about it. I'm not "bashing" them, I'm just informing everyone else to my experience as I'm fully allowed to do. Your rules are your rules, not mine. You may think you're more decent because of them, but to me, I do talk to places that I feel will be able to change if they hear it. As others said, this isn't something they would be very receptive too.

Either way, go and form you own opinion everyone, I just voiced mine for anyone that wanted to hear it...ahh, the internet. :-)

Posted 2 years ago #
Homer
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Oh, and a food review venue would be great!

Posted 2 years ago #
SarahScoot
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Homer, those aren't kg's rules, they are the WSB Forum rules. Right at the top of the forum listings is a sticky labeled "rules reminders." This contains the rule that if you post something as a "rant" in the forums, you must include the steps you took to address said rant with the business owner/management. That's why kg put the rule in quotation marks. No one's upset by your opinions, just pointing out that semantics do matter in this case.

Posted 2 years ago #
kg
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At the time that you labeled your post "RANT" you were obligated as a registered user to adhere to WSB forum rules which as I quoted in my first post regarding posts labeled "RANT". I suppose following rules on a forum isn't for you?
Regardless, the title of the post has been changed by a moderator, since you made the mistake so feel free to do/say what you want.

Come on guys we can beat that cupcake thread.

Posted 2 years ago #
JanS
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hey, kg, chill a bit...TR said it was OK...OK? Why does everything have to be an argument? Yes, I realize that you were pointing out the rules...which I agree with. I support TR,et al in that. But in this case it really seemed more like a review. Maybe other posters are right, that there perhaps is a place for reviews in the offing. That would be nice, even if just for restaurants, since it seems we all like to eat in West Seattle :)

Words, labels, semantics...mistakes...we all make them..let's give this guy a break :)

Posted 2 years ago #
kg
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I am as chill as they come. My statements were neither argumentative nor posted in anger.

Posted 2 years ago #
JanS
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:)

Posted 2 years ago #
cjboffoli
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The owners of Café Revò are descendants of Northern Italy where the cuisine is quite different from what most Americans consider Italian-American food. That cuisine has Tyrolean influences and almost completely excludes tomatoes. So I'm not sure that using the quality of their marinara sauce is the best litmus test by which to judge the quality of the Revò experience. They have a fairly diverse menu. I recommend going back in and sampling some of the dishes that are more authentically Northern Italian and I think you'll see what makes them special.

Posted 2 years ago #
Homer
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Thanks JanS....I guess the moral of this story is that people would rather focus on a mistake rather than accept a mistake was made move on to the "meat of the article". Some people don't feel comfortable in "confronting" someone or a business and this was my way of letting everyone else KNOW about my experience. Moral of the story here: to get people to read my review, maybe I should just lie and say I contacted the restaurant with no call back every time I post a review.

So much for helping others out...if I ever get sick or something from eating out at a local eatery, guess I won't be posting it here for all to be forewarned about...I'll only PM JanS about it! ;-)

Posted 2 years ago #
JoB
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Yesterday I made an Orzo salad.. totally italian.. mostly northern italian.. took me much less than half an hour and it gets better every hour it is in my refrigerator...

i want italian food that will beat my orzo salad by a mile if i am going to spend the dollars for dining...

my experience is that Cafe Revo often meets that standard.. which makes it a great place to drop into for a quick meal or with friends for a great time.. but not someplace i would choose for dinner out...

All places don't have to be all things to all people... they still get some of our dining dollars.

Isn't it better for a restaurant to meet or beat the expectations generated by other people's reviews than to be good.. but not quite what you were hoping for?

I would love to hear where i can find that northern (or not) Italian dinner out that will knock my socks off...

we saw a chili place on the food network's diners and dives (i can't remember the full title) program that we are going to try next. They had hubby at the chili verde... :))))

not West Seattle but i will still let you know...

Posted 2 years ago #
Homer
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JoB, there used to be a GREAT little place, of all places, in the U-district that was so authentic but bad placement and it went out of business. Not sure why Italian around here can't really be just that, true Italian. If I find it though, I'll be sure to post it here! Mmmmm....Caprese salad.....

Posted 2 years ago #
Gina
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There is a place called Vito's on Madison St., up by the blood bank that has what I consider to be the closest to waaay Southern Italian food. Kind of a dive bar type place. Buca di Beppo isn't too far off the Sicilian trail either. The "corn eaters"(polenta, not part of Sicilian cuisine) are everywhere else.

Rosellini's, gone but not forgotten.

Posted 2 years ago #
JanS
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ahhh, Gina...didn't Vito arrive with the first settlers? ;-)

Posted 2 years ago #
bsmomma
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I tried Revo a few months back. I had a dish with noodles and a garlic cream sauce. I am not a salt and pepper adder but I had to. It was very blan. I understand that it's probably suposed to taste that way, being authentic. But atleast a little hint of garlic was expected. There was a great place in Leschi called "That's Amore" small little "cafe" with hands down the BEST Fettuccini EVER! They made everything to order with homemade noodles and fresh baked bread. Not sure if they're still there??????? Assagios is great too! They do made to order as well, if you ask. And Maro, the owner, is awesome! He lives in West Seattle!

Posted 2 years ago #
jbar
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Highly recommend Spinasse on 14th on Capital Hill. OMG. Most amazng pasta I've EVER had. Not sure if it's northern or southern Italian -- it was fantastic. WORTH THE TRIP.

Posted 2 years ago #
JanS
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bsmomma..

http://www.thatsamoreseattle.com/

jbar

http://www.spinasse.com/menu

gina

no website, but LOVE the reviews here - lol...so anyone - be forewarned before you go :)

http://www.yelp.com/biz/vitos-madison-grill-seattle

Posted 2 years ago #
RainyDay1235
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I have heard great things about That's Amore too - plan to check it out soon.

Regarding Food Network - apparently they went to "Slim's Last Chance Chili Shack" on First Avenue South. Hmmm..I do like good chili (sans meat however)...gotta check it out too!

http://www.mynorthwest.com/index.php?nid=11&sid=161058

Posted 2 years ago #
Cait
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Folks, if you have an issue with the OP's rant, just make a rave in response. You will be in the majority as these forums show. Her opinion is just as worthy as yours (ranting/bashing/reviewing can be pretty closely related though) so instead of adding more negativity, why don't you just post a compliment about this place... makes more of a point and it's just as informative!

The waitstaff is fabulous, IMO. Always SO friendly and knowledgeable. I have never had to order anything but the Pasta Sofia Bella which is phenomenal. Their drinks are all to die for AND the creme brulee trio is phenomenal. I don't know anything about how it compares to Italy, but for Seattle Italian food, it doesn't get a whole lot better IMO :)

Posted 2 years ago #
MargL
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We just ate at Cafe Revo this evening with our 3-year-old daughter. Gotta say I have to agree with Homer on the Spaghetti Marinara - it was just ok. But given that this is Northern Italian cuisine and that tends to focus less on pasta, tomatoes and olive oil and more on things like polenta and cream sauces - it was about what I expected. If I hadn't had to get something to share with my 3-year-old (spaghetti is a sure hit with her) I'm sure I would have loved the Pasta Sofia Bella - it sounds really good from the menu description.
Service was friendly but seemingly a little disorganized. Guy completely forgot our bread because they don't write things down and we wanted to order everything at the same time rather than get bread, wait, salad, wait, dinner, wait, check, etc. On the plus side, we probably really didn't need those extra carbs and calories :-)
Also, there was no wait for seating so I hope it was just that we were early and they really are getting some business because I'd like to go back to try other things on the menu.

Posted 2 years ago #
FredTate
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Spinasse is Northern Italian. Piedmont in particular.

Best pasta in Seattle.

Vito's on Madison closed a few months ago, too bad. They had one of the best restrooms in Seattle. :)

Posted 2 years ago #
pigeonmom
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OMG Jan, the Vito's reviews are priceless! Matthew used to live down the street back in the day..we've stumbled out of that joint a few times, I'll tell ya.

Posted 2 years ago #
dhg
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Diners Driveins and Dives has covered Last Chance? OMG. I want to see that. We're well familiar with Pig Iron BBQ which is right next door. The BBQ owners opened the Last Chance and I think their turkey chili is very good.

Posted 2 years ago #
JoB
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dhg..

glad to hear it.. hubby has high hopes for the chili verde tonight.

Posted 2 years ago #
beachdrivegirl
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For Italian Food Volterra in Ballard (this has been named Seattle's best & has been on the Food Network) or La Rustica are top picks in this household.

Posted 2 years ago #
rockergirl
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There is a coupon on KMPS Half Off deals for a $50 gift certificate (which you pay $25 for) for That's Amore in case anyone is interested. You order it online and takes a few days to get them.
It's a good way to "try" out different Restaraunts for "half" price.

http://www.kmps.com/pages/4590789.php
*make sure to read the "regualtions" as it looks like it can only be used mon-thurs.

Posted 2 years ago #
JoB
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Tried Last Chance Chili tonight.

The chili verde chili was exceptional.. the bean and brisket wasn't as good... but still a great choice for someone who wants a milder chili.

We will go back.

Posted 2 years ago #
Cait
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BDG is totally right about La Rustica! I went there for prom lo so many (5) years ago. Ambiance, food and service to die for :)

Posted 2 years ago #
Homer
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So, as a follow up, found a place in the Capitol Hill are called La Spiga. OMG, great gnocchi and ravioli, very friendly service and boy do I want to go back again! Price wise it's a bit high but the food was terrific so that justifies it for me...anywho, just thought I'd share!

Posted 2 years ago #
JoB
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thanks Homer...

i don't mind paying if they are making something i can't do as well...

Posted 2 years ago #
Homer
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Exactly JoB! Making gnocchi is time consuming (so we make a lot and freeze it) but theirs was good and a lot less effort! ;-)

Posted 2 years ago #
FullTilt
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LA Spiga Rocks. Full disclosure though, the owner Justin is a friend of mine. Still, it is simple and amazing food.

Posted 2 years ago #
hopey
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If you're looking for discounts, we are big fans of Restaurant.com . Wait until they have a sale, and you can get a $25 gift certificate for $3 or $4. To keep this on topic, Cafe Revo recently signed up and have certificates available on Restaurant.com .

Posted 2 years ago #
bsmomma
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Thanks for the tip on the 1/2 price deal Rockergirl! That's Amore is truely amazing! I'd go there any day of the week! :)

Posted 2 years ago #
skipperjoni
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It is really interesting to read all the comments here about Italian food. I have taken Italian language classes for three years at Bellevue College. I've had several different teachers -- all born and raised in Italy. Two were from Rome and two from farther north. One of the pet peeves I have heard expressed by both of those from Rome was about the stereotypes Americans hold about Italian food -- especially the idea that everything has to be made with garlic. My family is Italian and we ate lots of pasta, but none of it was spaghetti. We ate seashells, mostacciolli and bow-ties because they had crevices that held the sauce, which had very little tomato in it, but was basically a meat and vegetable (onions, celery, parsley) sauce seasoned with basil, oregano and red wine. Not only was it better than spaghetti, but it was lots easier to eat. Perhaps some of you need to open up your palate and find that Italy is a country with many regional specialties.

As for Homer's assertion that bringing problems to the attention of the restaurant owner would not result in any adjustment, that assumption puts all restaurant managements in the same bucket. Those I know in the restaurant business pay very close attention to their customer's comments and welcome those which are positive criticism. Why would they not?!

Posted 2 years ago #
mlfrye
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We went to Revo on Monday for lunch and found it to be not as good as the last few times we were there. We always order the NW Ravioli and it just seemed a bit off this time. Not bad enough not to give a pardon, but we noted it and hope it was a one-time sub-par meal. It is a great little place and we love going!

Posted 2 years ago #
kitty
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I also love La Rustica, and Brads Swingside Cafe (in Fremont, just north of the Buckaroo) is one of my all time favorite restaurants. I went to That's Amore once and we ordered the antipasta. I am not joking, it had cubes and slices of different processed American cheeses. Gross. Hopefully something has changed!

Posted 2 years ago #
maplesyrup
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http://westseattleblog.com/blog/?p=20747

Posted 2 years ago #
dhg
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RIP, Sean Goff. We will miss you.

Posted 2 years ago #