If you are not familiar with it, Ondanomola is a stabilimento (beach)-bar-aperitivo spot-restaurant-tavola calda. Four years ago they started a restaurant in the evening, which was not very well known but slowly picked up since their value for money was better than the Fregene average. I went several times the summer it opened but, after learning that the nice man who was running it was not running it anymore, I wasn't in a hurry to go back. For some reason we ended up there a few weeks ago for dinner, and while there were some disappointments, overall, we ended up satisfied.
We ordered a bunch of their appetizers which included cooked and raw seafood to share for the table and then continued with a dish they called fish soup. In reality this wonderful dish was more than a fish soup, it was more a seafood extravaganza in a seafood broth. I can explain it away but I think the photo will speak louder.
This dish was for four adults and included shrimp, scampi (langoustine), mussels, clams, crayfish (astice), and two whole fish.
So, on the food front, very good. We had a lovely Lugana wine from Lombardia area to accompany the meal. We were all stuffed by the time we were done with the "soup", but happily stuffed. We were expecting a killer end to the evening, considering the amount of seafood we were presented with, but were blown away when we paid 35 euros a head. Note: Usually in Fregene a 50 euro a head dinner for an average meal (drinks included) is standard.
Now the bad. We arrived with two hungry kids (ages 2 and 5) and we ordered for them immediately in order to get their food as soon as possible. The service was strange, the waiters seemed to be confused and we had to ask several times for the kids pasta. Our starters started coming out, even though we made it clear that we wanted the kids to be served first. After all, it was about 10pm, and way past their dinner time. My baby saw the raw stuff come out, and tried to reach for something to eat and was very angry when I took it away from him. I was doing it for his own good, but obviously he didn't understand, and so this led to a mini melt down. This in turn set me off, and I had a go at the waiter, stressing that I asked not to be served before the kids get their pasta. Long story short, the kids got their pasta at 10.30 pm !! For some this would automatically cancel out the place. I think I would probably not go there again with a hungry baby, but may give the place a second chance considering the good food and value for money.
If you are in Fregene, give the place a try, and leave me a comment about your experience.
No comments:
Post a Comment