Rao's -Whoa

Our long awaited visit to Rao's (it only took 8 months to get the booking) started with a bang, literally.  stuck in a traffic jam, the driver behind us only took his hand off his horn long enough to throw a bottle at the back window of our car.  Once we arrived, we stepped into a charming, throw-back era restaurant that is both packed and ruckus.  We're immediately led to our table, with one extra chair.  The extra chair is used by one of the owners who sits down with you to give your choices and let us know they serve everything family style.  Don't think Olive Garden family, think more Soprano family style.  The owner asked if this was our first time.  We said "yes," and he said, "don't worry virgins, we'll take care of you."  He did make us several offers we couldn't refuse.  The food just kept coming with no complaints other than the extra pounds I must have packed on.  Rao's is one of the most impossible restaurants to get seated at because there are only 10 tables which are held for their regular, goodfellas, clientele who unabashedly tuck napkins into their shirts.  If you are lucky enough to get into Rao's, enjoy the delicious, authentic Italian cooking (particularly the meatballs & eggplant parmesan) but be sure to savor the atmosphere of the restaurant and its colorful diners.