Sunday, November 28, 2010

Candelari's

2 out of 5 Stars

2617 W Holcombe
Houston, TX 77025
(713) 662-2825

For all locations, visit website.

Yikes! I gotta agree with Yelp here.

What is wrong with the Candelari's on Holcombe?

I was sad to see Candelari's leave their small Bellaire location as it was down the street from my apartment.

I have visited their Heights / Washington location and was also a happy customer.

Holcombe? What did you do?

My friend and I walked into an almost empty restaurant after a long "Monday Funday" (thank you, vets). We ordered a calamari appetizer and a shroom and olive pizza.

I noticed our appetizer took quite a while (especially since we were one of the only patrons) and felt the need to clarify to our waiter we expected it come out first. He confirmed that was the plan but conveyed the pizza may be ready first. Get it together, kitchen!

The calamari came out and was par for course. Pro - the dish also came with fried artichoke! Con -the marinara was pretty bland and on the watery side.

The pizza came out shortly after and just didn't do it for me at all. The crust was thin, but not crispy. The dough needed more salt. Overall, there was just a lack of flavor explosion that I've come to expect thanks to Grimaldi's, Dolce Vita, and Pinks.

Our waiter also rubbed me the wrong way. So I'll admit I'm a slow eater and I tend to pick at my food a bit when I'm almost done. There is nothing more annoying then feeling rushed to finish your meal when the waiter asks you if he can clear the table TWICE.

Yeah, dude, still eating...

Note that he was not worried about table turnover (as it was empty) and they were not about to close.

When I actually did finish my meal, we received our check.

Somehow we each paid $14 without tip. The bill was right, I was just surprised by the total. I'm fine paying $20 each for Grimaldi's, but this was not cutting it.

No Thanks, Candelari's on Holcombe. I'll drive the other direction to Washington, should we choose to meet again.

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