Isabella: Tinley Park

I'm still stuck in the SW burbs and for a friend's birthday dinner we tried Isabella in Tinley Park.

It is in a very small, converted house. There is no bar(problematic when waiting for a table), and does not appear accessible to people with disabilities.

I thought my entree was outstanding, though basic. Spaghetti with veal meatballs. The pasta was perfectly al dente. The sauce was spicy, but lightly coated the noodles. The smallish meatballs were plentiful.

Other entrees ordered included veal in brandy cream sauce, three cheese stuffed chicken, and baked penne with meat sauce en casserole. The meat dishes came with an awesome mixed veggie blend and cous cous(starch side surprisingly).

I tasted the veal, but felt it a bit chewy. The person eating it was quite satisfied and without complaint. I tasted the chicken and it had a beautifully golden-baked gorgonzola top.

The service was very bad. The host(possibly owner) told us there was a wait, which was fine. She mentioned she would bring drinks and menus outside to us. She never did. The boys approached her for menus and placed a drink order which did not come until we were seated. This was about 10 minutes after it was placed.

Outdoor and indoor seating is available. We were a little squished in a corner inside(thank goodness as the mosquitoes were out).

Apparently, the large party seated in the main dining room(50ish people) was the problem. Food was VERY slow out of the kitchen.

Our waiter did not appear to be serving the large party. He was awful. He brought the bottle of wine slowly after dinner was served and after he first brought out the glasses. We waited 20 minutes or more for the check. Thank goodness for the busperson/woman who brought us water, ground pepper, cheese, etc. She and the waiter nearly got into it because she was telling him how much we needed!

I'm not bashing the place. But, they need some improvement in the service as I'm not to keen on returning because of it.


http://www.isabellacafe.com/