| Campania | |
Appetizers: $12-15
Pastas (appetizer size): $14-16
Entrees: $30-40
Cuisine: Italian
504 Main St. / Waltham / 781-894-4280 Review date: November 2002 |
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The atmosphere at Campania was perfect for a romantic dinner - candles, fresh flowers, exposed brick walls, the fire blazing in the brick oven. The service was friendly and attentive. The food ranged from good to excellent, but was never creative enough for $200 bill for 2 people. Many dishes featured luxurious ingredients such as Dover sole, beef tenderloin, truffle oil. Unfortunately the combinations of ingredients in some dishes lacked balance and harmony of flavor. The appetizer of mozzarella and tomatoes wrapped in prosciutto and seared to a crisp was wonderfully intense, but overpowered marinated and beautifully grilled paper thin eggplant served with it. The shrimp appetizer was succulent and delicious. The pasta course was impeccable. Each bite of the tender potato gnocchi was bursting with the flavors of wild mushrooms and truffle oil. The beef and veal tortelloni with vodka cream sauce had a beautiful balance between veal and cream flavors. For main course, we ordered beef tenderloin and Dover sole. The tenderloin was cooked to the perfect medium rare, but it tasted like a plain steak from a steak house. Dover sole with a head of roasted garlic and a salad did not come together to create a cohesive whole. The desserts were tasty. The carrot cake with papaya cream cheese icing presented a nice twist on a traditional dessert. The chocolate soufflé was simple and decadent. Wine list concentrated on red wines that go so well with Italian cuisine. With the help of the owner, we chose a nice bottle of A Mano Primitivo. It was a steal at only $25. We felt that each individual course was overpriced. We both had all four courses, as the restaurant menu suggested, and that made the bill even more outrageous. If only the prices were more inline with the food, we would be more than happy to come back to Campania. |