I took my girlfriend to La Stalla for her birthday dinner last night, and we had an excellent experience. \n\nThe tasty complimentary bread was properly warm, good and crusty on the outside but soft inside. Olive oil's on the table, and you pour it yourself. I confess I prefer to have the server pour the oil, but maybe I am spoiled. \n\nI ordered a 2006 Sangiovese (#411 on the wine list) that our server bought out promptly. It was inexpensive at $40, but very decent for the price. \n\nThe bruschetta was very good, with the right amount of oil. I despise bruschetta that is so crunchy that the tomatoes go flying about the room when you take a bite. La Stalla's was excellent. \n\nMy girlfriend had the Gorgonzola and sweet potato ravioli in cream sauce. I sampled a bit, and it was delicious (and I don't even like sweet potatoes!). She enjoyed it a great deal. \n\nI had the tortelloni aurora, with cheese, veal and prosciutto in a pink sauce. It wasn't *quite* as fabulous as my girlfriend's entree, but was very, very good nonetheless. \n\nWe finished by sharing a creme brulee, which was also very good, though not particularly distinguished from any good creme brulee. \n\nThe atmosphere was excellent, with the room full of adults and no screaming kids underfoot. The music was at volume appropriate to conversation, and the goldfish in the little pond behind our table were very polite. Most people were dressed casually but not sloppily.\n\nThe service was EXCELLENT. Our waitress was clearly intelligent and perceptive, and attentive without being obtrusive. For example, when she noticed the girlfriend and I having a fun conversation, she politely asked if we wanted out entrees to come out quickly, or if we wanted to linger over our appetizer and wine a bit. She was quick with recommendations, had a ready smile, and served everything very efficiently. \n\nIn all, it was about $120 with (a fairly generous, based on the excellent service) tip. I think the experience was worth every penny.
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