Sunday, December 12, 2010

Gugliani's

3 out of 5 Stars

Meyerland
4990 Beechnut St
Houston, TX 77096
(713) 349-9040
For all locations, see website.

Have I lost my mind?

I was aware that various Collina's locations were renamed to Gugliani's, but was hoping that's where the changes ended.

I swear that menu changed. Where are the pasta dishes? Sure, they have the basic spaghetti and meatballs and tortellini, but I could have sworn Collina's had a few more "fun" dishes - nope.

Before I begin writing up an an average review of Gugliani's, I want to preface that I generally prefer / enjoy the Collina's Richmond location, but my family selected Gugliani's for proximity - sake.

The reasons I happily dine at Collina's on Richmond are because the food is straight up good, the atmosphere is casual, it's BYO and the waiters appear to have been there for years and clearly enjoy working there - making my dining experience an absolute pleasure.

Switching gears, the Gugliani's in Meyerland is just not the same.

Although we were seated immediately (crazy, when the wait on Richmond can be a grueling hour), the food took forever and the waitress did not really seem all too concerned.

When we finally received our orders, my whole family was BLOWN AWAY by the Abruzzo Pizza. Normally selecting the Mona Lisa (tomato, spinach, shroom and feta), the Abruzzo was a pleasant surprise. Featuring spinach, artichoke, and 3 cheeses (mozzarella, provolone and some sort of creamy cheese) this pie was too die fo - DECADENT and the saving grace of a rather blah meal.

My mom and I also spit the Capellini Pomodoro Fresco - a basic pasta with basil, garlic and tomato which ended up being flavorless, watery carbs. If I'm carbing up, it better be worth it - not so much.

Bottom line: if it wasn't for the Abruzzo Pizza, Gugliani's might as well be Olive Garden minus the unlimited bread sticks and salad. So if you must go to this particular location, go for the pizza (they all seem to do the job) and bring your own bottle of vino to distract you from the other flaws at this location.

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