Calavino’s open and humming in Oakhurst
October 2nd, 2007 by Cliff Bostock in RestaurantsI visited the new Calavino’s (350 Mead Road, 404-270-9575) last Saturday night and found the place humming. Calavino Donati, whose Roman Lily Cafe on Highland Avenue closed a year ago, has taken over the space most recently occupied by Oakhurst Grill.
Much of the menu reprises favorites from Roman Lily, but I ordered a special five-course tasting menu ($45) that included pan-seared halibut over ratatouille, a small rack of lamb over succotash, seared sea scallops with a romano gratin, red and gold beets with gorgonzola mousse and frisse and a dessert sampler.
Calavino has cleaned up the rather garish former interior of the restaurant and hired a great staff. More in next week’s paper.
October 3rd, 2007 at 12:38 am
I went opening week and it was terrible, both the food (severely under-seasoned) and the service (the hostess seemed really stoned and must have put her hand on my shoulder 10 times *cringe*). I was desperately hoping it was just opening week jitters and that it would all iron out, so I’m glad to hear things are looking up and starting to run smoothly.
October 3rd, 2007 at 10:09 am
I live in the Oakhurst area and have watched the new owner and her staff work tirelessly from early morning to late into the night. In reguards to the previous response, what you perceived to be “stoned” was nothing more than lack of sleep. I asked them if they ever went home and they said “we work from 8am to 4am everyday, and will until we’re open”.
No matter what time of day I was walking by with my dogs, they were always working even though they had no electricity due to a fire in the building.
As far as the “hostess” touching your shoulder, that reflects her warm, caring, and attentive nature that she also possessed at her former restaurant “The Roman Liliy”. I was a regular at her previous restaurant also because I always felt welcome and cared for even when I would dine by myself. Not one customer goes unnoticed.
As far as the food is concerned, as with any opening, there are always kinks to work out in the first couple of weeks. We in the nieghborhood appreciate the heart and soul put into opening this restaurant and the “at home” feel and “personal” attention we receive when dining there.
Oakhurst has been waiting for something like this for a very long time.
October 3rd, 2007 at 2:10 pm
I went there last week and loved it! Service was excellent, wine and beer fantastic, and the overall atmosphere was friendly and welcoming. I’ll definitely be back!
October 3rd, 2007 at 5:44 pm
Sounds like Drew might haev some ‘personal space’ issues. The one on one attention and friendliness that I grew to treasure so dearly at ‘The Roman Lily’ is what brought me to “Calavino’s”. I showed up late one night last week, the kitchen was about to close and Calavino had the staff whip up some appetizers for me and as I know nothing about wine (other than I know what I like) she broke out half a dozen bottles and did a little tasting for me there on the spot until I found one that suited my tastes. The food was superb, the decor beautiful and the wine selection was wonderful.
The comment about the hostess being seemingly ’stoned’ is completely insane and probably best explained by the 20 hour days Calavino spent trying to get ready to open. And a totally inappropriate thing to assume and/or say.
I look forward to many more meals at Calavino’s and I welcome her caring and ‘touchiness’.
October 3rd, 2007 at 6:16 pm
Drew, I feel your comments deserve a reply from myself and for my staff.
I apologize for offending you, I forget that others are not as comfortable as i am with ‘affectionate’ touch. It is important to me and my staff that everyone who walks through our door feels welcome and taken care of.
I want to address your perception I was stoned. The two weeks prior to our opening were BRUTAL. During a three digit heat wave, I and my chef Michael Connelly, along with others, were logging 18+ hour days, most without electricity or air conditioning. We were all, in a word, exhausted. Perhaps I was touching you so much just to hold myself up. Maybe I should have taken a lil’ nap instead.
There weren’t any opening week jitters. However, considering we did not advertise, we had an unexpectedly large turnout. That, in combination with exhaustion, made for a somewhat less that perfect week. However, we already have a long list of loyal, regular customers and would appreciate it if you gave us another shot.
Thanks doll,
Calavino
October 3rd, 2007 at 10:55 pm
Wow, I didn’t expect my off-handed comments to elict such response, particularly since I was so quick to attribute my complaints to first week growing pains. I live in the neighborhood too and have been rooting hard for Calavino’s since I first heard they were taking the space over from Oakhurst Grill; the idea of being able to walk to good Italian instead of driving to the Highlands is thrilling.
I certainly wasn’t asserting that anyone was actually stoned, just that it would explain the vibe I was getting. Being really exhausted also perfectly explains that vibe and I’m sure the build-up to a restaurant opening is maddeningly tiring work.
Maybe there’s something to Julie’s suggestion that I have “personal space issues” but I’m certainly not the only person who doesn’t like to be touched by strangers. I wasn’t offended, I just though it was weird.
Anyway, I appreciate you addressing my concerns Calavino and I really am rooting for you guys. Based on the above comments, it looks like you’ve already got a pretty rabid clientele supporting you. Hopefully, after my next visit I’ll be ready to join their ranks.
October 4th, 2007 at 10:37 am
I went to “Calavino’s” with a couple of friends to check it out last weekend and had a great time. Everyone is friendly and Calivino went to each table to make sure everything was as it should be. It is fun and relaxed enough to drink and have a good time in and roomy enough for those with kids to enjoy themselves. Roman Lily (her previous restaurant) was really good and it looks like “Calavino’s” is going to be even better!
October 4th, 2007 at 12:46 pm
It’s perfectly normal to be a little uncomfortable with being touched by restaurant staff. That’s nothing to feel embarassed about. Being touched puts some folks at ease and makes others nervous – that’s just common sense and staff should be aware.
I’m looking forward to trying this place out – I had been wanting to go to Roman Lily before it closed and didn’t get the chance. What happened to that “more in next week’s paper” promise, Cliff ;) ?
October 4th, 2007 at 2:22 pm
I just moved to Oakhurst and brought my folks from the Northern Suburbs, i wont say which one in fear of being ridiculed, to what i thought was going to be the Oakhurst Grill. I was pleasently suprised to see the Italian stlye restaurant in its place. My dad who is crazy impatient was pleased with the service from the start and he, my mom, and I all enjoyed the experience. After dinner we sat on the porch for an after dinner drink and Calavino came out and spoke to us all and thanked us for our patronage, and told us about her career in the industry. A nice touch and the entire reason why I moved to a community like Oakhurst. Cheers to the owner and staff for a great spot! i will return
October 4th, 2007 at 4:27 pm
Cliff’s column on Calvino’s will appear in next week’s paper, not this week’s. Just a clarification.
October 10th, 2007 at 4:31 pm
Well, like most people in the Atlanta area, I was looking forward to the more
“In depth†review of Calavino’s in Oakhurst from Cliff Bostock that was scheduled to come out today. After reading this “blog†entry I could tell that there were a lot of passionate responses. I have lived in the Highlands for 14 years and had the opportunity to eat at the Roman Lilly several times. Each time the service and food were exactly what I was looking for at the time. You go to certain restaurants for certain reasons and certain tastes. Over the weekend I went Calavino’s website and took a look at the menu for the first time and definitely was intrigued. With the hopes of a new Italian restaurant so close to the Highlands, I couldn’t wait another moment to see what the buzz was all about and decided to take my girlfriend there for dinner.
Upon entering the restaurant, I was greeted by a “Hello†from the Bartender and immediately greeted by a very vivacious woman. I would later find out, or should I say remember, that this was the owner herself, Calavino.
We were seated at a great booth by the window, that overlooked a great patio area, and were quickly greeted by our server. The restaurant has a very cool and “hip†feel to it due to the deep earth tones on the walls, the local artist’s paintings on display and the Italian music being played overhead (I think I heard the Italian version of “Gloriaâ€). Other cool little twists I noticed were that some appetizers seemed to be served in wooden cigar boxes and our water came in recycled wine bottles.
Though I had already decided what I was going to eat before I got there, I was pleasantly shocked to see the Chef was offering a Tasting menu. That immediately sparked my interest. I ordered the Tasting and my girlfriend ordered the Calamari and the Scallops and Polenta. Once I had placed my order for the Tasting, it was like I had just received a ticket to a show. The Chef came out and addressed our table and explained what I was about to receive. As my lady’s Calamari arrived to the table so did course #1… golden beets layered into a tower with gorgonzola mousse between each layer and a little balsamic vinegar. Now, I am no Alton Brown or Iron Chef and I must say that for most of my life if someone mentioned the word “beets†I turned my nose up to them and picture the red pickled variety. Not in this instance…they were so fresh and light…they reminded me of heirloom tomatoes. At this time I also tried the Calamari…very tender and lightly breaded. It was accompanied by the traditional Marinara sauce, but also with a house pepper sauce…best I have had in a long time. Before I could wait any longer the next course arrived… Scallops on a bed of sautéed spinach accompanied by a light mushroom broth. So tasty! Course # 3 brought an amazing piece of swordfish in what seemed like a beurre blanc sauce accompanied by 3 mussels on the side of the plate. I haven’t eaten swordfish in so long that this was truly a pleasant surprise. As if I needed any more food (my girlfriend was helping me along the way) the fourth course consisted of New Zealand Lamb Loin perfectly cooked at medium rare with balsamic roasted cipilloni onions and risotto. It melted in my mouth. At this time the Scallops and Polenta also came out. I already new what the scallops tasted like from course #2 but the presentation was classy and the polenta was cut into triangles in a wild mushroom sauce.
As each course was presented, the Chef came and gave us a description of the plate and checked back with us to see how things were. The whole time I was thinking “all this food and attention…did I read the $45 price correctly?†(Yes I did!!)
Finally, when I thought I could not possibly eat anymore, the fifth course came which was a sample of each of their three desserts: Tiramisu, Chocolate / Raspberry Mousse cake, and a Roasted Banana Cheesecake. Then on top of that…the Chef gave us a complimentary cheese plate that was amazing with a glass of Port wine. By this point I could not eat another thing but I didn’t want to be rude and leave anything on my plate. Once we had finished everything, the Chef and the Owner came and sat with us and told us about the opening and the “Food To Go†store next door.
I know this review or blog seems a little long but I had to convey to those people out there that were waiting for a “food review†from Cliff Bostock and were disappointed like myself to simply receive a biography on the owner and not much mentioned about the Chef (who are both incredibly personable and quite competent). All I can say is either Mr. Bostock had a bad night or he is one of those critics who doesn’t like to tell the people if he really likes something. In my experience, everything was cooked perfectly and the experience was outstanding…both for the food and the price. I will let you know what I come across on my next visit to Calavino’s at Oakhurst and let you know if my experience was the exception or the “normâ€. Until then I would highly recommend this restaurant to all my friends and to those out there in “blog landâ€.
I look forward to hearing your reviews!!
October 14th, 2007 at 11:22 am
i love the food @ calavino’s, the atmosphere, the attentiveness of the staff and being touched by hostessess. well, not all hostesses. let’s face it.
lighten up everybody. italians touch, they use their hands whilst talking, are loving and can cook!
perhaps next time someone can rub my tummy after it’s filled with delizioso food!
ciao!