If you find yourself in Hollywood, Florida, and you’re on the hunt for a steak that’s as legendary as the Hard Rock Casino itself, Council Oak Steakhouse should be at the top of your list. This upscale dining spot, tucked inside the iconic (or eyesore) Guitar Hotel, isn’t just about playing a winning hand on the plate; it’s about an elevated experience where oak-fired steaks and decadent sides take center stage. Known for its prime cuts, and fresh seafood, Council Oak is a destination for those ready to bet big on flavor.

Let me set the scene for you.

It was a typical evening at the Hard Rock Casino, and while my two friends were off making “generous donations” to the slot machines, I found my way to L Bar where the cocktails are crafted to perfection. As I sipped a Whistle Pig 12 Old Fashioned, enjoying the energy of the casino floor, I received a text that instantly shifted my focus: “Ready for dinner? Council Oak?” My reply was a quick “Let’s go,” and I knew I was about to embark on a night of culinary indulgence.

When it comes to high-end steakhouses in South Florida, there are a few spots where you know your hard-earned cash is well-spent. Council Oak stands tall among the best, rivaling iconic institutions like NYY Steak at the Seminole Coconut Creek Casino, Abe & Louie’s in Boca Raton, and New York Prime. I’ve been dining here for years, long before the larger-than-life Guitar Hotel became part of the Hard Rock complex. One thing has remained constant: Council Oak delivers a dining experience that’s always exceptional.

The Ambiance: Casual Elegance Meets Sophistication

We arrived around 9 p.m., and while the main dining room was packed (no surprise there), we were promptly offered a table in the bar area. Though the bar space was more relaxed, it didn’t feel any less sophisticated. The live band was providing a perfect soundtrack for the evening, and the vibe was laid-back but still upscale—perfect for a late dinner after a night of gaming.

Starters: A Prelude to Perfection

The moment we settled in, we were greeted by a basket of warm, crusty bread. Now, this bread wasn’t just a placeholder to kill time while we perused the menu—it was a preview of the magic to come. Buttery, fresh, and with a perfect outer crust, we devoured it like hungry gamblers eyeing a jackpot.

My friends kicked things off with the French Onion Soup, which arrived with a glorious layer of melted cheese bubbling on top. Their reactions were enough to make me envious; it was clearly a winner. I, on the other hand, went with the steak tartare because, well, if it’s on the menu, it’s going in my belly. The tartare was silky, tender, and bursting with flavor, paired with slices of fresh-baked bread that complemented each bite. It’s one of those appetizers that sets the tone for the rest of the meal, making you realize you’re in for something special.

The Main Event: Steak, Steak, and More Steak

The real stars of the show were the entrees, and they didn’t disappoint. Two of us opted for the New York Strip, while our third dining companion chose the Filet Mignon. When my medium-rare strip arrived, I could immediately smell the oak wood that had kissed the steak with its smoky essence. One bite, and I was transported to steak heaven. The wood-fired grill imparted a flavor that was both deep and complex, giving the steak a richness that elevated it to masterpiece status. Topped with perfectly sautéed onions, it was the kind of steak you dream about long after the meal is over.

Sides: More Than Just Supporting Players

While the steaks were the obvious stars, the sides at Council Oak are worthy of their own applause. We all went with the loaded baked potatoes, and let me tell you, these things were massive. Picture a potato that could easily double as a doorstop—stuffed to the brim with butter, sour cream, and enough bacon to make you forget about the salad you didn’t order. I could only manage to eat half, but even that half was a carb-filled triumph. For a moment, I considered making room for more, but discretion (and my waistline) won the battle.

Service: On Point from Start to Finish

A great meal is only as good as the service that accompanies it, and Council Oak excels in this department as well. Our server was attentive without being intrusive, ensuring our drinks never hit empty and that every request was met with a smile. Even in the bustling bar area, the staff made sure we were well taken care of, and that kind of service always elevates the experience.

No Room for Dessert: A Sign of Success

By the time we finished our steaks and sides, we were officially full. Dessert was off the table—not because the offerings weren’t tempting, but because we simply couldn’t eat another bite. Sometimes, the best ending to a meal is knowing that you’ve indulged in something so satisfying that adding more would almost feel like cheating.

Final Thoughts: Is It Expensive? Sure. Is It Worth It? Absolutely.

Council Oak Steakhouse isn’t the kind of place you visit if you’re counting every penny—but if you’re looking to treat yourself to a memorable dining experience, it’s worth every dollar. From the oak-fired steaks to the impeccable service, it’s a feast that satisfies both your appetite and your desire for something extraordinary. Whether you’re capping off a winning night at the casino or drowning your gambling sorrows in a perfectly cooked steak, Council Oak never disappoints.

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Since I wanted to see just how insanely expensive this free pizza was going to be, I threw a $12 order of wings into the cart and smugly added the pizza. I braced myself for a reasonable total. But when the checkout page loaded, I had to blink twice and rub my eyes—$26! And that didn’t even include a tip. Throw in a few extra bucks for the driver, and that “free” pizza would have cost over $30! So what exactly is going on here? Let’s break it down.

The Breakdown of ‘Free’

First off, there’s the $1.49 delivery fee. Not bad, right? Except that’s just the appetizer of fees. Then comes the mysterious $4.50 “small order fee.” This one is especially head-scratching because you did meet the $9 minimum. It turns out, this fee is applied when your subtotal is less than $17 because apparently, delivering food under that price is too much of a burden on the restaurant. Domino’s seems to think your $12 wing order isn’t worthy of their time, so they slap on a penalty fee, or as Uber Eats calls it, a “small order fee.” Charming.

Then there’s the real kicker: a $6.13 “marketplace fee,” which is essentially Uber Eats saying, “Hey, the restaurant is delivering this food instead of our drivers, so we’re charging you for that too.” This fee is 19% of the subtotal, and it’s conveniently tacked on without any real explanation other than the fact that Uber Eats is involved at all.

The Art of ‘Free’ Pizza Economics

Let’s take a moment to process that. This “free” pizza has come with enough fees to buy another pizza, and you haven’t even tipped your driver yet. How does that work? Are these Uber Eats fees hand-delivered by a pizza-loving leprechaun with gold dust in their pockets? Probably not. But people still go for it, and that’s the craziest part. It’s like we’ve collectively agreed that paying outrageous fees is normal.

If this were a heist movie, Uber Eats would be the bandit who pulls off the perfect crime in broad daylight. You see it happening in real-time, yet somehow, you feel like you’re in on the deal. But let’s be real: a $4.50 small order fee? A 19% marketplace fee because Domino’s is delivering its own pizza? These fees are the equivalent of legal robbery. And the worst part is, we just keep hitting “confirm order.”

To make matters worse, when you order Domino’s through a 3rd party app, you don’t earn rewards points that can be redeemed for a TRUE free pizza.  So there’s more being taken out of your pocked besides $12 in fees.

Would You Pay $30 for a Free Pizza?

So, here we are, wondering why we all keep falling for this free pizza trick. The promotional allure is strong. Maybe we’re just too lazy to pick up our own pizza. Or maybe we’ve accepted that getting food delivered comes with hidden costs, even if those costs are equivalent to an extra-large pizza on its own.

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But have you ever wondered whether this is actually a good idea?

As cruise lines tighten policies around food sharing between passengers and crew members, it’s worth asking: Is it really okay to offer crew members something to eat? Let’s break it down by looking at some of the key questions surrounding this well-meaning act.

Is it okay to offer food to crew members?

On the surface, it feels like offering a snack is a harmless way to say thank you. After all, crew members work long hours, often away from home, and a small gesture could brighten their day. But cruise lines are increasingly discouraging passengers from sharing food with crew members, no matter how well-intentioned it may be.

Do you know why cruise lines might frown upon this gesture? It turns out there’s a lot more to consider than meets the eye.

What are the potential risks of giving crew members snacks?

Did you know that even an unopened, commercially produced snack could cause problems? While some cruise lines may allow certain types of food, like factory-sealed snacks, most have strict health and safety policies that prevent crew members from accepting food from passengers.

What might seem like a friendly gesture could actually violate these policies, which are in place to protect crew members from potential health risks. So, does this mean that offering something as simple as a candy bar could cause more harm than good?

Could a gift of food lead to bigger problems?

Surprisingly, yes. There have been instances where passengers unknowingly gave food items containing substances like THC or marijuana to crew members. Even if the gift wasn’t intended to cause harm, the consequences for the crew member can be severe.

What would happen if a crew member were to fail a drug test due to something they ate, not knowing it was laced with substances? Could they lose their job? Would they have to pay for their own trip home, or even be banned from working on cruise ships in the future?

So, what’s the best way to show appreciation?

With all the potential risks, should passengers avoid giving crew members food entirely? Are there better ways to show your gratitude while staying within cruise line guidelines?

These questions make it clear that what seems like a small, thoughtful act can have much larger consequences than expected. If you’re curious to know more about why this is such a sensitive issue and what you can do instead to thank your favorite crew members, we’ve got the answers.

Want to dive deeper into the details and learn the best ways to show your appreciation on board?  Click here to read the full article and find out more!

Why You Shouldn’t Offer Snacks to Crew Members: A Sweet Gesture Gone Wrong

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It’s a good question. After all, when you stroll into a coffee shop, hop on a bus, or even sit in a car dealership waiting room, you’ve got access to free internet. And now, with United Airlines announcing plans to roll out free Starlink WiFi across their entire fleet by 2025, the question becomes even more pressing: will cruise lines follow suit?

The Cost of Staying Connected at Sea

If you’ve ever cruised with Carnival, Royal Caribbean, or Holland America, you know WiFi isn’t just pricey—it’s eye-watering. We’re talking upwards of $20 to $30 per day, per device. And if you’ve got a family in tow, those numbers multiply fast. But why does it cost so much? Is it just another way for cruise lines to squeeze a few more dollars out of passengers, or is there more to it?

Some cruise lines offer packages to help soften the blow, like discounts if you prepay or bundle deals in higher-tier packages. But is this really enough? Wouldn’t it be easier if WiFi were just, you know, free?

Will Free WiFi Ever Set Sail?

When asked about offering free WiFi, Royal Caribbean’s president didn’t mince words. His quick response during a recent Q&A left little room for doubt. But does that mean there’s no hope for free WiFi on cruise ships, ever? Or could there be some scenarios where it might happen—like for loyalty members or those who spend big in the casino?

And what about the technology involved? If you’re curious about how internet service is actually delivered to cruise ships in the middle of the ocean, it’s a whole different ball game compared to WiFi on land. Ever heard of Starlink Maritime? The costs of this high-tech service might surprise you.

Curious for More?

So, what’s the real deal with WiFi at sea? Is it ever going to be free, or is that just wishful thinking? To dive deeper into these questions and get the full story on what’s really going on with cruise ship WiFi—plus some inside scoops on how to save on your next cruise—head over to my cruise website and get the skinny!

Why Free WiFi on Cruise Ships Is Still a Distant Dream

The post Cutting the Cost of Cruising: Is WiFi Free on Cruise Ships? appeared first on Scott Sanfilippo.

Cruise lines have used the downtime during the COVID pause to rethink and revamp many aspects of cruising life. What once involved crowded group activities and bustling buffets has been replaced with more streamlined, tech-driven experiences. There’s a greater emphasis on efficiency and safety, but with these improvements come some trade-offs that might surprise you. If you’ve been cruising for years, you may need to adjust your expectations a bit for what’s to come.

For starters, safety drills have been completely transformed. Gone are the days of crowding together in groups for lengthy briefings—now, many cruise lines have moved to a more modern and convenient way to handle these requirements. But while this might be a welcome change for some, it does raise questions about how these new procedures will play out in real emergencies. And that’s just one of the new protocols in place.

Technology is taking center stage on cruises like never before. From dining reservations to entertainment bookings and even keeping track of daily activities, everything seems to be shifting to your smartphone. Some cruise lines have embraced this digital approach so much that traditional paper schedules and menus are becoming a thing of the past. If you love convenience, this might be great news. But what if you prefer a more unplugged experience on your vacation? Will these tech changes enhance your cruise or leave you feeling overwhelmed?

Dining, one of the most beloved aspects of cruising, has also seen some interesting adjustments. You may notice a difference in what’s being offered and how it’s being presented. Is it a push towards sustainability and reducing waste, or are cruise lines simply finding ways to cut costs? Regular cruisers have mixed feelings about these changes, and it’s something to consider when you think about where—and what—you’ll eat onboard.

And then there’s the stateroom service. If you loved the twice-daily tidying up that came with your cabin, complete with a cozy evening turn-down service, you might be in for a surprise. Many lines have changed how they manage housekeeping, and this could affect that touch of luxury you’ve come to expect on your trips.

These are just a few of the shifts you might notice on your next cruise. Whether they improve or detract from your experience will depend on what you value most about cruising.

Want to get the full scoop on all the changes and what to expect on your next cruise? Dive deeper into my full article over on my cruise website, where I break down the top five ways cruising has changed since COVID.

The Top 5 Changes to Cruises Since COVID

The post Cruising in a Post-COVID World: What Has Changed? appeared first on Scott Sanfilippo.

Maybe it’s a missed flight, unexpected traffic, or a late connection that delays your arrival on embarkation day. Or perhaps it’s that extra-long lunch at a quaint seaside café while you’re on a day trip that ends up costing you more than you bargained for. Whatever the case, finding yourself standing on the pier while the cruise ship sails away is enough to make anyone’s heart skip a beat.

So, what happens if you miss your cruise ship? Is your vacation completely ruined, or is there a way to recover from this nightmare scenario? Can you catch up with the ship at the next port, or are you doomed to book an emergency flight back home, losing out on your much-anticipated cruise experience? And what about all the other complications that come with missing a ship—your luggage, potential penalties, passport and visa issues, and more?

The truth is, missing your cruise ship isn’t as simple as just waving goodbye to your floating paradise. There are a lot of factors to consider, and what happens next depends on where you are, the cruise line’s policies, and a bit of luck (and quick thinking). In some cases, it’s possible to catch up with your cruise at the next port, but it can be a complicated, expensive, and stressful process. And if you think the ship will wait for you—well, let’s just say that cruise captains are notoriously punctual.

But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Have you heard of “pier runners”? These are the unfortunate travelers who make it back to the port just in time to see their ship drifting away. There’s a reason these stories go viral—because they’re a mix of comedy and tragedy that only a cruise traveler can truly understand. And while the videos are entertaining for those of us on dry land, it’s no laughing matter for the person left behind.

If you want to know what really happens when you miss your cruise ship—and what steps you should take if it ever happens to you—you’ll need to check out my full article. I’ll break down all the possible scenarios, from missed embarkation to late returns from shore excursions, and offer essential tips on how to avoid becoming the next viral pier runner video.

Curious? Don’t wait until you’re running down the pier in a panic. Head over to my cruise website to get the whole story and make sure you’re prepared for anything on your next cruise adventure!

Because let’s face it: nobody wants to be a pier runner.

What Happens if Your Miss Your Cruise Ship?

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Picture this: You’re excitedly stepping off the cruise ship, ready to soak in the sights and sounds of a new destination. Suddenly, a stern-looking officer approaches, and before you know it, you’re being told to head back to the ship or face a fine. Your seemingly harmless clothing choice has broken a rule you didn’t even know existed!

The Surprising Clothing Rule You Need to Know

Believe it or not, there are countries where wearing camouflage clothing is strictly prohibited for tourists and locals alike. While it might seem like an odd rule, authorities enforce it to maintain order, ensure public safety, or uphold cultural norms. The penalties for ignoring this rule can range from a simple warning to much more serious consequences.

Some of the most popular cruise destinations have this clothing rule in place, and travelers are often caught off guard. If your itinerary includes stops in certain well-loved Caribbean islands or other exotic locales, you could be at risk of breaking this little-known regulation without even realizing it. Don’t let a simple oversight ruin your day in port!

What Happens If You Break This Rule?

While consequences vary from place to place, one thing is clear: authorities take this rule seriously. Some travelers have faced fines, had their clothing confiscated, or even been escorted back to the ship. Imagine having to cut your shore excursion short or losing precious vacation time dealing with local officials—all because of a clothing choice!

The good news is, avoiding this mishap is easy once you know the rules. But first, you need to know which countries enforce this ban on camouflage clothing and what to do to stay on the right side of the law.

Don’t Let This Common Mistake Ruin Your Cruise

I’ve got the full scoop on this unexpected cruise travel pitfall—including which destinations are affected, what the exact rules are, and how to make sure your cruise vacation goes off without a hitch.

Curious about how a pair of camo shorts could turn your relaxing cruise day into a hassle with local law enforcement? Click over to my full article here and find out everything you need to know before you pack your bags!

Don’t Get Sent Back to the Ship! The Camouflage Rule You Need to Know

The post Beware: This Common Fashion Choice Could Ruin Your Cruise Day! appeared first on Scott Sanfilippo.

The Importance of Customer Service in the Food & Beverage Industry

In today’s world, customer service isn’t just a “nice-to-have”—it’s a lifeline. With restaurants closing left and right, chains filing for Chapter 11, and more people opting to Netflix and chill (with their air fryer and whatever’s left in the fridge), you’d think every pizza joint would be bending over backward to keep customers happy. After all, a happy customer is a repeat customer, and in the competitive food and beverage industry, that’s gold. But while some chains understand this fundamental principle of survival, others seem to be blissfully ignorant, throwing pizza dough at the wall to see what sticks.

Domino’s: The King of Pizza and Customer Satisfaction

Let’s start with Domino’s, the undisputed king of efficiency and customer satisfaction. If there’s one thing Domino’s has nailed, it’s the art of making sure you leave the transaction feeling satisfied—even if your pizza shows up looking like it just survived a marathon in the back of a Fiat. How do they do it? Two words: Delivery Insurance.

Imagine this—you order your favorite pizza with extra cheese, mushrooms, and pepperoni. It arrives, and you discover they’ve forgotten the pepperoni. Tragic, right? But with Domino’s, it’s as easy as clicking a button in their app. You claim what they call “delivery insurance,” and BAM! They instantly apply 60 points to your Domino’s account. Those 60 points? They’re good for a medium two-topping pizza. No need to fill out a survey, call the store, or unleash a Twitter tirade. It’s instant satisfaction in a world where we’re used to instant gratification. You can use this nifty feature four times a quarter, with calendar year 2024 quarters defined as:

• Q1 – January 1, 2024 – March 24, 2024
• Q2 – March 25, 2024 – June 16, 2024
• Q3 – June 17, 2024 – September 8, 2024 2024
• Q4 – September 9, 2024 – December 29, 2024.

They’ve basically made it impossible to be mad at them. It’s genius.

Papa John’s: The Struggle is Real

And then there’s Papa John’s. Oh, Papa. Where do I even start? If Domino’s is the cool, laid-back friend who always knows how to cheer you up, Papa John’s is the grumpy old neighbor who makes you jump through hoops just to borrow the lawnmower.

Take, for instance, my most recent Papa John’s disaster. I ordered a pizza with pepperoni, peppers, onions, and I specifically requested it well done and cut into squares. Sounds simple, right? I thought so too—until the pizza arrived. What I got was a half-hearted attempt at pizza-making: no pepperoni, not well done, and definitely not cut into squares.

Now, I’m not the type to call up a pizza place and demand they fix my order, because who has the time for that? But I figured I’d let them know through the post-delivery survey. You know, the one that pops up in the Papa John’s app shortly after your order is marked as delivered, asking you to rate the driver and the order.

I marked that the order was incorrect, listed all the sad facts in the comment section, and submitted it. I even posted a picture of the sorry-looking pizza on Twitter, tagging Papa John’s. I thought that would at least get their attention.

Pepperoni? Nope.
Square Cut? Nope.
Well done? Nope.
Better pizza? @PapaJohns? pic.twitter.com/Vt2jCViQ1r

— Scott Sanfilippo (@scottsanfilippo) August 17, 2024

The Saga Continues: A Wing and a Prayer

This wasn’t the first time Papa John’s had let me down. A few weeks ago, I ordered a pizza and boneless wings. The driver showed up with no wings. When I pointed out the glaring absence, he just shrugged and showed me his delivery slip. “They’re not on the order,” he said, like I was imagining things. But my app clearly showed I had ordered wings. He shook his head and said, “I don’t know, I’ll go get them.” Spoiler: He never came back. Once again, I filled out the survey. And once again, I got no response. It’s not about the $6.99—I’m not that petty—but seriously, how hard is it to get an order right? Or at the very least, acknowledge the mistake?

Domino’s vs. Papa John’s: A Case Study in Customer Service

Let’s contrast this with how Domino’s handles things. If that missing wings incident, or the pizza f-up, had happened with Domino’s, all I’d need to do is hit that magical “delivery insurance” button, and boom—problem solved.  No awkward phone calls, no surveys that apparently disappear, and definitely no pleading with a social media team that clearly is not in the customer service business.

But Papa John’s? They make you jump through more hoops than a circus seal. When I tweeted about my latest pizza fiasco, Papa John’s responded by asking if I had contacted the store. I said no, I filled out the survey, thinking that’s what it was for. They came back with, “We never got your survey,” and said July 13th was the last time I supposedly submitted my last one.

Here’s the thing—since July 13th, I’ve ordered on July 27th, August 2nd, August 10th, and this last time, and I ALWAYS fill out the survey, thinking it helps the driver get some type of recognition when things go right.

Apparently not.

They said they’d have the local store contact me within 48 hours. Guess what? It didn’t happen. Shocker, right? All I wanted was a coupon or something to make up for their latest mess-up, but they’ve turned it into an obstacle course.

Lessons in Customer Satisfaction

If Papa John’s wants to keep up in this cutthroat industry, they need to take a page from Domino’s playbook. Domino’s understands that customer satisfaction isn’t just about the product—it’s about the experience. When things go wrong, they fix it. Quickly. Painlessly. And without making you feel like you’re the one who messed up.

In a world where we can get almost anything with a swipe, tap, or click, customer service needs to be just as fast and efficient. People aren’t going to wait around for a local store to maybe call them back. They’ll move on to the next pizza place, or worse, take to social media and let everyone know about their less-than-stellar experience.

Final Thoughts: Who’s Really Winning?

So, who’s winning the pizza wars? If you’re asking about who can get a hot, cheesy pizza to your door the fastest, it’s a tie. But if we’re talking about customer service—about making sure you feel valued and heard—it’s Domino’s by a mile. Papa John’s might have the better garlic sauce, but it’s not worth the hassle. Until they figure out how to treat their customers right, they’ll always be playing catch-up in the delivery game.

And until then, I guess I’ll just keep filling out those surveys and hoping for the best. Or maybe, just maybe, I’ll finally switch my allegiance to the pizza joint that doesn’t make me work so hard to enjoy my pepperoni, peppers, onions, and square-cut, well-done slice of happiness.

The post “Is It Too Much to Ask for My Pizza to Be Right?” Or, “Hello Papa, Anyone Home?” appeared first on Scott Sanfilippo.

We arrived at around 7:15 p.m. to find the restaurant so-so busy. They offer a variety of seating options: indoors, at the bar, or outdoors—though, let’s be honest, dining al fresco in South Florida’s summer heat is a hobby for the very brave (or very foolish). We opted for an indoor booth, which was spacious enough to feel like we were dining in a mini-bus. Our server quickly settled us in, provided some bottled tap water, and took our drink orders.

The menu at Agliolio is impressively vast, resembling the Cheesecake Factory’s in its ambition but without the overwhelming page count. It boasts a plethora of starters, a “build-your-own” pasta section with endless combinations of toppings, proteins, and sauces, and similarly customizable entrée options featuring chicken, veal, and seafood. Vegetarian dishes are also available.

Our culinary journey began with the fried zucchini—chopped, lightly breaded (they tasted suspiciously like they were rolled in Progresso breadcrumbs), and served with a dipping sauce. While they were reminiscent of the dishes my mother used to make (bless her, she was not a gifted cook AT ALL), they were satisfactory: crunchy, mildly seasoned, and oddly nostalgic. However, I would have preferred traditional slices over chunks.

Next, we sampled the bruschetta, which was garlicky toast topped with mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil. The bread here was the highlight—fresh, with a perfect chewy interior and crispy crust that almost overshadowed the toppings. While the cheese was plentiful, a few more tomatoes would have balanced it out better.

We were less impressed by the “fresh garlic bread” served with our mains. It was merely thin slices of baguette drenched in olive oil and missing any hint of garlic—a disappointment for an Italian establishment. Luckily, the bread from the bruschetta earlier had set a high standard.

The entrées were accompanied by a house salad that, frankly, seemed an afterthought. The lettuce was limp, the dressing oily and bland—a pinch of salt and pepper made it just passable.

For the main courses, the chicken saltimbocca was a standout: tender breaded chicken topped with mozzarella and prosciutto, bathed in a delicate lemon-white wine sauce. I paired mine with fusilli in a caponata sauce, which offered a delightful medley of well-cooked veggies. Another of our group opted for penne with “Sunday gravy” (a slight upcharge), complete with a meatball, sausage, and bolognese sauce—all of which were robust and satisfying. A simpler dish of breaded chicken and fettuccine Alfredo was also well-received, the sauce creamy and covered each strand of pasta perfectly.

Pricewise, Agliolio competes with—dare I say—Olive Garden, yet the quality and portions are significantly better. While it may not ascend to the title of “best” Italian restaurant in the region, it’s certainly a contender worth frequent visits.

The ambiance struck a perfect balance between cozy and casual, making us feel comfy. The service was attentive without without being overly intrusive.

While Agliolio in Boynton Beach might not top the list of South Florida’s Italian culinary elite, it solidly claims a spot in my personal rotation of reliable dining spots. It’s a place where good food, fair prices, and a friendly atmosphere promise a pleasant evening out. I’m already looking forward to my next visit, perhaps to dive into their seafood offerings or another inventive pasta creation. Agliolio, while not the unequivocal “best,” is undeniably deserving of its local acclaim.

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We didn’t bother with reservations, seeing as “the season” has passed. We rolled up around 7:15 PM, and for you first-timers, it’s valet-only parking. Free valet, but still valet only. We approached the valet guy, asking which door was the main entrance. He pointed us to the restaurant up front and the piano bar out back. So off we went to the front, only to find an empty room with employees who promptly directed us “to the back.”

Back outside we go, where the valet looked baffled to see us again. We explained, “they sent us back here.” Yep, confusing. Inside the back entrance, we discovered a cozy little spot with a small bar, a few tables, and a piano player tinkling the ivories. We got a table right at the door–not exactly the best seat in the house, but since it wasn’t busy, we didn’t have to dodge traffic all night.

Our server, Bea, swooped in with some mouthwatering homemade plain and garlic rolls and took our drink orders. The menu was a wild ride: pizza, stromboli, pasta, steaks, seafood–you name it. Many items, including all the meats, were market-priced. Entrées averaged $25-$30, and if you wanted a house salad, prepare to fork over an extra $7.

A few $12 Tanqueray and tonics later, our meals arrived. I dove into a veal piccata ($28), while my pals opted for baked ziti ($20) and chicken marsala ($27). Portions were on the smaller side, and soon enough, I glanced around the table and asked, “is anyone else still hungry?”

Cue the unanimous “YES!”

So, what’s the natural response? Dessert, of course.

We savored some orange sorbet and a couple of cannolis before calling it a night.

All in all, the food was decent, and the service was lightning-fast–we got there at 7:15 PM and were out by 8:00 PM, not exactly my thing as I like to take it slow. Bea was a star, making sure everything ran smoothly.

Service can make or break a dining experience, and Bea did not disappoint. Her attentive and friendly demeanor added a personal touch to our evening. Despite the quick service, Bea’s efficiency ensured that we were well taken care of throughout the night.

Renzo’s of Boca offers a slice of nostalgia with its classic Italian dishes and warm atmosphere. The quick service might appeal to those looking for a speedy meal, but for those like me who enjoy lingering over dinner, it’s something to keep in mind.

The confusion with the entrance and the portion sizes were minor hiccups in an otherwise pleasant evening. Renzo’s remains a charming spot for a casual night out, offering a blend of good food, swift service, and a touch of musical ambiance.

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