Everyone is Family at Buca Di Beppo

Italian food. Whether a quick pizza or a six course Italian meal at your best friend's Italian grandmother's house, we all love it. More than the food is the camraderie that goes along with Italian families. They are loud and boisterous, and nearly every time they get together, food is involved. Let's fact it: We all know at least one Italian that talks about their Sunday dinners. Or, we can just see these legendary meals portrayed in television shows, such as The Sopranos.

We Italians know how to eat. Why do you think there are so many Italian restaurants around? But, more than eating, Italians know how to have a great time. We practically invented family-style serving, which is where a big platter of each dish is brought to the table and everyone serves themselves from it. After all, that is exactly how our Sunday dinners go.

Buca di Beppo, a chain Italian restaurant, serves all of their courses family-style. From the appetizers to the desserts, everyone chooses what they want to share, and select what they want to eat from the large dishes on the table.

The first thing you will notice about Buca is that it is very loud. This is not because of loud music, but because of all of the guests having a good time. Since food is served family-style, there are more large groups than small ones. Because of this, it is a really good idea to make reservations - especially on the weekends -ahead of time to ensure that you get your group a table.

The service at Buca di Beppo is out of this world. They must hold auditions or something in order to get the incredible wait staff they they have. As you are being seated, the host or hostess will bring you on a quick tour through their open kitchen. This is where you can see the chefs preparing the food, and inhale the mouth-watering aromas for the first time. The friendly chefs may even wave to you, if they aren't too busy.

Once seated at your table, your server will introduce him or herself, and briefly explain about ordering from the menu. Your server is more than happy to explain any of the menu items in Italian that you can't understand. The servers are fast and friendly, and more than willing to join in your group's conversation during dinner.

The food at Buca di Beppo is absolutely fantastic. For an appetizer, do try the Cheesy Garlic Bread - It's to die for! But, make sure not to load up. You've still got your salad, main course and desserts to tackle. The best main course item at Buca is the Chicken Marsala, no question. All of the pasta dishes are fantastic, too. And, make sure you save room for dessert. The tiramisu will send your tastebuds straight to Heaven.

The way that the menu is set up is simple. All of the items are broken up into categories, including Antipasti (appetizers), Insalate (salads), Pastas, Pizza, Entrees, Desserts and more. You decide what items your group wants, then choose the size. Keep in mind that there aren't any individual servings here. You can choose between small and large servings. Small servings will feed about two to four people, while large portions will feed four to eight.

Compromise is a good thing at Buca di Beppo. If you want a pizza with extra anchovies and no one else does, it's a good idea to pass on that this time and get it when you can purchase a slice just for yourself. There is so much food that you will never be able to finish even a small portion without help from someone else.
The atmosphere at Buca di Beppo is quite unique. Some rooms are dedicated to really large, single groups while other rooms have a bunch of smaller tables to cater to smaller groups and even couples. All of the rooms have a theme, such as the Wine room where you can find grapes, bottles and barrels, as though you are having dinner on the property of some Italian vineyard.

Speaking of the decor at Buca di Beppo, the walls are decorated with pictures of "The Old Country", namely framed photographs of Italian immigrants, Italian-Americans, popes, soccer players, and virtually anything else Italian that you can think of. You can also find some stereotypical Italian items decorating the restaurant, such as multi-colored Christmas lights, plastic grapes, empty wine bottles, gold statues and a whole lot more. The only thing you need is a dinner show of a family argument, and you are all set in the Italian mood! (Just joking, of course...)

If you have your birthday at Buca di Beppo, don't expect a bunch of servers to come out and serenade you with a birthday chant. Instead, your server will appear with a candle, and lead your group in singing the traditional "Happy Birthday" song. Don't be surprised if other patrons join the singing, too.

Surprisingly, a meal from appetizer to dessert won't set you back very much. For about $25 per person (depending on your group, of course), you can spend about three hours eating and having a great time with your friends. The food is fantastic, the atmosphere is terrific, and the price is right. There is no way that you could go do Buca di Beppo for a meal and not have a good time.