il Localino

'Promise we didn't really take the break that it seems- the broads of Beta actually did visit a restaurant in late November, but the whole experience wasn't much more than OK for us, so consider it better left unshared for your sake and ours...

All that to say, these bunnies definitely be rollin' out the 08s the best way we can. Those who've been blessed to walk through the narrow and cracked-stone alleys of Roma know that the charm of Italia is never found within the walls of an oversized restaurant with red-checkered table cloths. Rather, the mom n' pop hole in the wall spots with no outward expression screaming "come and eat here!!" usually know how to do it to perfection. That's why the unsuspecting green and white awning off the less trafficked side of North Highland Ave should have been enough for us to know that we had in fact landed upon a winner.

Upon walking into this natty nook, you'll find a room crazed with pictures, character and charm- we're talking everything from Madonna posters and dancing snowmen to genuine Italian vases and fine silver.

Before our hineys could rest long enough to make the seats warm, our super fun waiters, Bruno and Sammy began gracing the table with a genuine taste of Italy. Bruno, our fun ‘stached friend, grated fresh parmesan cheese off a giant wheel sitting on a waitbay next to our table, and arranged a small plate with savory olives, extra virgin olive oil and some tasty garnishes. He brought out a two foot long roll of hot toasted baguette, and after testing it’s “crunch-factor” by banging against Corn’s head, he placed it directly on the table, and the “hounds” attacked. With a touch of balsamic, Holy sheesha, this ish was de-lish! All I have to say is, try not to overdue it, bc this tastey table treat is soooo good you will fill up before dinner… we did. As if that stopped us, though… pffft!

From the moment we arrived, Bruno and Sammy never stopped making our experience fun and entertaining. Whilst chomping on bread (I always wanted to use whilst in a sentence), they grabbed random hats from the Il Localino closet and planted them on our heads- and that’s when the jest really began…

From a Spartan to a Viking, or a ninja to a lobsta’, these guys just kept pullin’ the tricks out. There was no holding back as they took free reign on decking out us ladies to their liking. It’s too bad they didn’t know us better, bc we might have enjoyed their humor more if we weren’t so humble and quiet…. IN OPPOSITE WORLD! You know the broads of beta ate this costume party up, snappin’ Kodak moments left and right! Highlight of the outfits, hands down, SAUDI PROPER.

Just when we thought they had no more tricks up their sleeve, Bruno grabbed the cork off the bottle of wine and burned it above the flame of our candle. Confused eyes roamed from face to face around the table as we questioned amongst ourselves what in the hail he was doin’. With no comment nor hesitation, he reached for Corn’s face as she squirmed and shuttered. “No no!” he reassured as he grabbed a hold, and began to draw. Seconds later we had our blonde kitty- presh a la mesh! Course Gunz wanted in on the fun, so we spread the love.

Amongst all the hilarity, there was actually some food involved. For the sake of KOG’s Southern fried roots, we went with the Calamari Fritte appetizer, to ensure we had at least a small dosage of grease in our dinner diet. Surprisingly, the calamari was just ok for us. Don’t get us wrong, it was good and good, but all of us will admit we’ve had better, so don’t consider this the selling point of why to pay this place a visit.

The apps continued with a taste of tradition and delicious Caesar salads. P.S. When did Caesar salads become Italian?? Caesar was not Italian, yet this salad has somehow become an Italian restaurant staple. Maybe like how French Fries have nothing whatsoever to do with France??! Anywursh, this was scrum-didly-yumptious. The kitchen gladly split the salads in half for us to share, so two orders more than satisfied the ruffage fix for the table of six.

Though we may have been full enough to have to go ahead and undo that top button on the britches, our eyes lit up at the sight and scent of what came out next. Bunny to my right ordered the Chicken Madeira- a boneless breast of chicken in madeira wine sauce. It looked nice and rich and was served with a creamy polenta. But Jones didn't do much damage to it, so consider that as evidence that either she was too durrn full or she preferred the baked ziti down the way that she kept stealin' bites of as the better Italian treat. Speaking of, Gunz and Liana-Liana did Italia right with creamy rich pasta and CHEEEEEESE- Baked Ziti (with 3 cheeses). You would NOT be mad at this dish if you ordered it- 'NUF SAID! It came overflowing with bubbly rich cheese, and had the whole table passing their forks down for a tastey-poo.

Then there was the Fra Diavolo (or the Shrimp Marinara). This delectable treat was good and good and it did Corn just right to satisfy her seafood and Italian craving. Speaking of seafood, this bunny couldn't not get the best fish on the menu, so you better believe my tastebuds tried the savory goodness of the Grouper ala Florentina-.... ummm, love it! (Orrr, better said "Tara's rival high school!!"). The fish, garnished with lemon slices and delicious capers, was soft and flakey and served on a bed of spinach that was sauteed to perfection- yum!

There were other delicious delicacies, but between you, me and the bedpost, we're ready to get to the post-din goods! The staff surprised our birthday bunny with a chocolate cake that was to die for, and we went ahead and stood on chairs singing and banging pots and bells in celebration! Call me an amateur, but a restaurant that lets a group like ours come in and have our own show is one that need not be mentioned lightly. THIS PLACE ROCKS!!

I'll close this rodeo with some of our final Vogue moments... the smiles and expressions should speak for themselves... we dun' had a good time!

Doesn't that just all look DIVINE???
Well, look....
The decor was superb, the grub was rather tasty, the laughs were abundant, and your mom's kinda' pasty...
The staff's not actually Italian, but who cares?- We didn't know!
We had too much fun playing all night, and putting on a fashion show.
So what are you waiting for- get on it and book your crazy fun dinner.
We promise you a night where you can't stop laughing and a feast your tastebuds will call a winner! (that was totally lame!)

KOG may not be the best at updating our fun, dynamic posts.
But visit back soon bc we're already planning our next adventure to boast!!

Tata for now- booses!!

467 N. Highland Ave. Atlanta, GA 30307