Maurilios – A fast post
I’ve been sitting on this post for a while now and I realize that if I don’t post it, it may end up being too late –
I often separate restaurant style Italian food into two categories, those that cater to the high-end and “authentic” Tuscan/Sicilian/Italian sounding food and Italian-American food.
Very similar to the glorious bastardization of Chinese food in America (think Panda Express or any hyphenated ethnic cuisine) Italian food is more American than Italian. Don’t get me wrong, I love this type of food. I grew up eating spaghetti with a thick meat sauce, layers of lasagna with cheese and meat and garlic, garlic, garlic! This includes Fazolis, Coachmans, Spaghetti Factory, Michellina’s frozen dinners and school lunch. – Italian food was carb loaded and simplistic and my first exposure to non-Asian food at home. I’ve posted previously about my childhood memories eating Italian-American food from what people would consider microwave, canned, or low class but I loved every bite! For a poor refugee family as mine – this was a specialty and a gateway food.
Maurilios fits this weird circle of food for me. The food is obviously not on the same level as some of my favorite higher end Italian spots but I was satisfied with what they offered. I didn’t have high expectations at all. But sadly that probably doesn’t fare well for this place. The restaurant opened not so long ago in the plaza that previously housed Eatz-a-pizza and Mountain Mike’s Pizza unsuccessfully. I drive by often and hope that this same fate doesn’t befall them. We need more small businesses and restaurants have a soft spot in my palate.
During my first visit, we were greeted by the owner or wife of the owner who was very warm and friendly. She did her best to accommodate us and provided us with the option of a pizza buffet (salad and soup). The seating had the same feel of the prior establishments with a large open kitchen area that was clearly in view from any seat. I was a bit skeptical because at first sight, the place didn’t seem to offer anything really appetizing. I knew not to expect Cucina Toscana and it’s good that I didn’t. The food was flavorful, albeit a bit salty but generous enough that myself and my guest felt the money we spent matched what we received. Some may argue otherwise. The lasagna was pleasing enough but the pizza looked depressing. The “garlic” bread had a bland texture to it. It won’t blow your mind away with its offerings but for a small restaurant it doesn’t make any bold offerings and fortunately delivers on those lower expectations. I’ve gone twice and while some dishes were hit or miss (Ravioli being a miss), takeout afforded me a larger portion and for someone with a quick feenin’ for Italian a satisfiable Chicken Parm. It’s okay. I’ll leave it at that, it’s okay. I may however opt to go to Fazoli’s down the street instead next time though recent banners I’ve seen advertising lunch specials or even an insert in the menu advertising Mexican food have me curious with raised eyebrow. Here’s a few pictures from one of my visits.
Peng's Palate 