Meatballs, BBQ, and Music
I’m getting 
so I’ve decided to cheat and bundle two reviews into one. With all the new restaurants on the horizon, I may have to double up my eatin’ and writin’ in the future. 
Mambo Italiano, located at 308 Clematis Street is the first real Italian restaurant to open in a very long time in the Clematis District (De Napoli nothwithstanding) amid a variety of pizza joints which also serve Italian fare. Unfortunately, I was underwhelmed.
The interior space consists of a few booths against the wall and a line-up of tables down the center. There is a bar up front and a smaller one in the back. It was fairly empty the night we dined there, but I think that was due, in part, to the Toys for Tots event just down the block sponsored by Rocco’s Tacos and Dr Feelgood’s. A huge crowd was gathered in that vicinity, so not many patrons were stopping by Mambo.
The first disappointment was NO brandy for my drink. 
Someone forgot to order a supply for the bar. Next up, a nice cup of soup — NO soup. And the final letdown – NO ravioli. This wasn’t going very well as we tried to figure out what menu items were available. I finally requested an “Italian” salad which consisted of enough greens for two, but a miniscule amount of mozzerella pieces, tomato, and peppers (which was the reason for ordering it in the first place). On to the main courses – meatball parmagiana and eggplant parmagiana, both served with pasta. Spouse seemed to enjoy the meatballs, but I couldn’t say the same for the eggplant which still had some skin attached, I had to use a knife to cut it (seemed undercooked), and it could have used more cheese. The pasta was nothing to write home about, either. All this, of course, a very personal opinion on the food, but it didn’t leave this reviewer with a good impression.
Basically, the meal was OK, but not memorable. I know a new restaurant has growing pains, but I’m waiting for Mangia Bevi (in the old Cabana space) and hoping for better.
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BB King’s Blues Club is on the second level of CityPlace, situated where Legal Sea Food and Bar Louie once stood. I can’t comment on the smaller restaurant side (just yet) because the Club side also serves dinner and it is in that direction we headed. Here you get the added attraction of entertainment and there is no cover charge if you include the meal. We did note a small combo band setting up outside the restaurant area which was a nice added touch for those seated nearby.
The Club is cavernous with two levels of seating, the stage, a small dance floor, and great acoustics. We were comfortably ensconced in a back corner in a perfect position for enjoying the bands. We came in at the tail end of a wonderful blues band, followed by a band with more of a slow rock sound of familiar tunes. I did find myself tapping my feet and “drumming” the table, especially when the meal was over and we lingered awhile longer.
Ah yes…the dining experience. We both started with the most delicious Mudslide ever. We shared a very light appetizer of a fruit and cheese platter. Spouse ordered a pulled pork platter and was in pig heaven. I decided to test their BBQ with the combo chicken and ribs. It was a bit too much for me and I found the flavor not much different from other BBQs I’ve chowed down. I admit to not having read the menu correctly and didn’t expect the French Fries when I wanted the baked beans (that’s always a must when I have BBQ). The cole slaw (another must) was very good, although I didn’t get to try much as the little cup “mysteriously disappeared” when I placed it on the table. (Note to self: Always keep an eye on food when hungry, grazing Spouse is nearby). I think I’ll try the catfish next time which had been my first instinct (and we know never to veer away from that first instinct). All in all, it was a good dinner.
Although the music was an added benefit and lots of fun, I’d personally prefer to dine in a more quiet setting, concentrating on the food, and letting the good times roll in the entertainment venue at a different time. Spouse and the huge crowd disagree as they savored both the meal and the bands. Apparently, BBQ and Music is the way to go.
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