Guy Anthony's

We have been holding on to a gift certificate for Guy Anthony’s Italian Bistro for several years and finally decided to go. We were so impressed and decided it would now be our “go-to” place. There were three chefs (with head coverings) in a wide open kitchen for everyone to watch (I like that!). Two waitresses and Guy stayed at the front of the house, and it all equated to a well-oiled machine! Guy seated us and went back to working the bar. The two waitresses seamlessly waited tables, bussed them, took orders, brought them out, and filled water glasses while smiling and talking with the customers. Our waitress, Jeannie, introduced herself and then asked for our names. For the rest of the evening, she would say things such as, “Bill, do you want another drink? Diana, how is your salad?” I felt as if we were in the “Cheers” bar ---- a place where everybody knows your name! Jeannie brought a basket to the table: cheesy bread and mini pizza bread, and set it down next to a small vase with a fresh rose. I browsed the menu: I usually get fried calamari for an appetizer, but I noticed that one of the menu items was calamari over pasta (you could have any sauce you wished). The calamari could be sautéed or fried. I opted for fried over linguine with garlic and oil. The calamari was so crisp on the outside yet incredibly tender. And, for the first time ever, there wasn’t a puddle of oil at the bottom of the plate; it was perfect. My husband ordered Veal Piccata. Jeannie said, “It doesn’t come with capers. Would you like some?” (Wow!) My husband never picked up his knife; the veal was so tender that he could cut it with his fork! Despite a large party of eight at the table next to us, Jeannie was extremely attentive to our needs. She didn’t rush us. When taking our dessert order, I asked for raspberry sorbet. She returned and said they were out of raspberry; she asked if I would care for lemon or mango. When she brought the lemon sorbet, she told me she didn’t charge me for it because it wasn’t what I wanted. ---How delightful! And I must say, the sorbet was crisp, tart, and refreshing! As you can see from the photos I posted, it’s a real cozy, comfy neighborhood spot. People were eating at the bar, chatting with each other, and speaking with Guy and the waitresses. The ambiance was palpable, the food was extraordinary, and the prices were very reasonable. We wouldn’t change a thing!