Santinos

A friend chose this place for their birthday dinner. I knew it was Italian food and was excited. I was eating gluten-free for health reasons so I arrived early to inquire about gluten free options (none listed online). The hostess advised I'd have to ask my server at the table. We were seated and it was a nice vibe. Candles on the table, white linen, calm atmosphere. I asked the server about gluten free options and they advised of multiple - kudos to them on having so many options, I was impressed! My friend ordered the eggplant parmigiana and enjoyed it. I ordered the scallops in lemon butter sauce. The server listed multiple potato options such as mashed, baked, loaded baked and twice baked. Twice baked?! Sold! The salads came out and they were scarce... underwhelming. Dinners came out and my had a loaded baked potato with it. Odd. I asked the server and she said "um I think a loaded baked potato and a twice baked potato are the same thing, let me take that to the chef and ask them". Okay.... BTW - they are not usually the same thing. She takes it to the back and comes back out advising "yep the chef says that was a twice baked potato, do you still want it?". This was awkward now... I didn't necessarily want it but I felt like sure.... So I said yes. They warmed it up in the microwave and brought it back out. There was no butter on it which was also odd.... My scallops sauce was not what I expected. It was kind of heavy, very olive oil like. It was okay, nothing I'd order again. Dessert options were shared, they had a gluten free cheesecake, so I ordered it, but they were out. Limited quantities... As for service, our server was very friendly and very knowledgeable on the menu. However once she took our order she was helping so many other tables it was hard to get her attention for anything else. Also she was very timid and apologized for EVERYTHING, even before potato-gate. It was uncomfortable. EX: Do you have gluten free options on the pasta? Yes (she lists multiple), I'm so sorry, that's all we have, I'm really sorry. I am excited and say WOW that is a lot of options, thank you so much, she replies with "I'm so sorry, I wish there were more". Overall I went in there thinking I was dining upscale because of the look and feel. I left disappointed, though I will say it was a good value for the money. Just remember sometimes you are getting what you are paying for. I'd have rather paid a bit more for a more impressive outcome.

I'm gluten intolerant, but I love Italian pasta dishes. I called Santino's and asked if they had gluten free pasta available, and they told me that they had gluten free penne pasta, which I really don't like the shape or texture, so they readily agreed to let me bring my own gluten free spaghetti. They made me spaghetti carbonara and it was absolutely delicious!!!! I will definitely go back to Santino's as the service is just as great as food.