Known for massive quantities of pasta served alongside prices long-thought extinct, the Cheese & Olive draws in hordes of the starved every night for flavorful Northern Italian cuisine. Eat indoors or on the popular patio -- a bustling courtyard overlooking faux-Italian tenements that might as well have laundry flung over their balconies for full effect. Pasta dishes involve rich sauces, composed of such ingredients as artichoke, eggplant, Italian sausage, red peppers and cream -- oh, do they love cream -- dumped over eight different types of noodles that diners are encouraged to mix and match at their discretion. While waiters croon 'That's Amore' (sung every night by the energetic staff), you can slurp down Chianti, dispensed from vats, accessible to diners via the honor system (keep track of your own consumption). A little tip about the huge portions: Unless you feel like humming an ode to the Pepto people while engaging in doggie-bag arm curls all the way home, understand that C & O's full orders are big enough to nourish a whole army infantry -- so unless you plan on bringing one, order wisely.

One drawback is that C & O's reputation usually precedes them. Expect long lines for getting both seated and into restrooms that, unfortunately, are a tad too small to handle the crowds. Management is always prepared for unease, however, weathering impatient storms by throwing garlic dough-ball appetizers your way to satiate the ravenous hordes standing in line. However, like so many other diners, once you go, you are hooked forever.

Categories: Caterers, Banquet Rooms, Restaurants-Italian, Restaurants, Bars

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