Capri

Capri, a very traditional Mafioso-feel Italian restaurant, is located at 75th and College, adjacent to the Glick Junior Achievement center.  Despite its proximity to Walmart, it has an impeccable ambiance (even on the patio overlooking the parking lot).  Mature vines make up an arboretum that covers the entire deck, transporting you to Europe.  In this heat though (at 7:30pm the heat index was still well over 90F), we opt for the lounge.

The Fireplace in the lounge area of Capri

Torrey is my dinner date du jour.  She is the adorable, Purdue-bound youngest daughter of my dear friends Cara and Chris.  Her graduation gift from yours truly is helping me review three eateries this summer, this being our maiden voyage.  I have been to Capri several times, but sweet Torrey has never even heard of it, so I am anxious for her perspective.  Torrey comes from a foodie family.  In fact, her dad was just named the newest General Manager of St. Elmo. Torrey informs me that she has already been to this proud Indianapolis landmark 3 times since her dad started (two weeks ago). After hearing every last detail of the mouth-watering morsels she enjoyed at each of her three (3!) meals, I am certain she will be a touch critic partner. Let the games begin!

Caesar Salad + Shrimp Fra Diavola at Capri

We walk in and Torrey, ever the romantic (she is 17, after all), is immediately cooing over the setting and the sweet elderly Italian-accented man who seats us in the lounge (oblivious to the fact that Torrey is a minor and this is almost certainly against our archaic Indiana liquor laws).  He seats us at a romantic table in the corner near the fireplace (perhaps he thinks there may be canoodling? Doubtful. I am grateful for the prized restaurant real estate nevertheless).

Our server is a handsome middle-aged, Italian man with a thick accent.  His name is Michael--slightly disappointing... why not Fabio or Pietro or Giovanni? (I think if I were Michael I would have a stage name that sounds more Italian). Regardless, Torrey declares the menu "Amazing!" and we order Shrimp Fra Diavolo as an appetizer, Caesar salads, and respective pasta dishes.  I order the Tortelloni, modified to be prepared Bosceola-Style (tomato cream sauce and portobella mushrooms). Torrey opts for the Tagliatelle de Fattore (thick ribbon noodles with cream sauce, chicken, sun-dried tomatoes and asparagus).

The shrimp are fantastic.  The are large, taste very fresh, and are bathed in a rich, extra-garlicky tomato sauce peppered with fresh cherry tomatoes and chili flakes.  The only sad part is that there is nothing to mop up the sauces (until we start using the fresh, hot rolls on the table--mission accomplished).  The Caesar salads are classic: creamy, rich, and full of the complex, nutty anchovy flavor.  Beware the croutons--they are the type that can hurt your mouth if not handled with care (very crunchy!). 

The pastas arrived.  We each tasted and loved both.  Gracing my bowl were ricotta-stuffed pasta pockets basking in creamy tomato sauce with earthy mushroom back notes.  Torrey is not a fan of mushrooms but loved it none the less.  Her dish was perfectly al dente, with a rich cream sauce and loads of flavors.  Her minor complaint was the chicken (slightly dry).  

Everything worked together very nicely, and we were stuffed.  Capri gets 4/5 for its old-world ambiance, moderate pricing, and oh-so-classic food. This is a perfect place for a date (ask to be seated in the lounge), a birthday dinner, or a business meal requiring heavy conversation. Salute!