Ciao Lavanderia

Frommer's Review

Goodbye Laundromat (or "washateria," as we say in Texas), hello great dining deal. When the owner of Bistro Vatel opened a casual Italian eatery just a few doors down from his French restaurant, he stuck with his winning good-food-at-good-prices formula -- and then some. In this open, cheery storefront, with its tongue-in-cheek tributes to the business that used to reside here (exposed ductwork, an old washing machine), you select from dishes in three price categories. For $6 you can get minestrone, a salad, or sauté; for $12 you can sample one of the pastas, thin-crust pizzas, or lighter seafood and chicken dishes; while for $16 you might enjoy such hearty entrees as a quail and mushroom risotto or pork loin scaloppine parmigiana. Daily specials, such as osso buco, tend to fall into these price categories, too. Everything's fresh and delicious, and the portions are geared toward a normal human appetite, not supersize. A nice selection of (mostly) Italian wines enhances an already optimal experience.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

Back to Top