Reality Bites

Tutti Santi - ristorante italino, Scottsdale, AZ

With my second visit this past weekend, I have come to realize the unique flavor of this place. Even though I am not a fan of Italian cuisine per say, I am a huge fan of this restaurant for the ambiance which reeks of Mafioso and is always inhabited by colorful characters. Boisterous bar patrons comingle with the flashy dressed women wearing to much jewelry showing ample decolletage. Talk is loud and there is the occasional witness of an argument breaking out amongst the animated Italian employees in the far corner. Accents are sometimes fake and forced adding to my delight.

Tucked into a corner strip mall at 62nd Street and Greenway, this unassuming eatery is big on atmosphere which explodes with unexpected charm the minute you walk through the door. It brags of "old world" appeal. Entering the narrow hallway, a prospective diner will witness the split dining areas. I have yet been seated only in the bar dining room and have no idea what goes on in the room to the right. The dining room is cozy and the tables replete with crisp white linens, gleaming silverware and sparkling crystal stemware. It offers elegant comfort, somewhat formal without being stuffy.

Louisa greets us like an Italian mom ushering her kids to the dinner table. Even though we have no reservations, we are welcomed in to wait for the next seat. Tucked away in the corner of the short bar, we sit. There seems to be no system for seating arrangements other than Louisa's memory of who is where and still needs to be fed. We feel forgotten for a short while, drinking wine and club sodas when suddenly we are beckoned to an open table and eagerly scramble over before someone takes it.

We are given menus and advised to read it and eat. Said menu boasts the usual Italian fare; Veal Marsala with Fettuccine Alfredo, Spaghetti Bolognese & Linguine with Fresh Clams are the dished I have so far sampled.

Salad is a boring plate of lettuce with a tomato slice. I have learned to order the soup which is a delicate blend of flavors, mild but distinct, leaving me wanting the next taste.

The staff is accommodating without being overbearing. It's always necessary to ask about the days specials as they never remember to offer the information.

After the entrees, our waiter brought complimentary shots of sambucca. It was a wonderfully European way to finish a meal.

I have no reservations about returning.